Beware: Google Timeline can lead to mediclaim rejection
A Silvassa resident recently fell victim to one such flimsy reason for rejection: his Google Maps Timeline did not reflect his presence at the hospital mentioned in his documents—a situation that has raised serious concerns about digital privacy.
Fortunately, the Valsad Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (CDRC) came to his rescue, ordering the insurance company to reimburse the Rs 48,251 mediclaim, along with compensation for mental harassment.
In its recent order, the commission noted that the insurer had presented incorrect information regarding the patient's Google Timeline in an attempt to justify the rejection.
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As per case details, complainant Vallabh Motka had purchased a mediclaim policy worth Rs 6.52 lakh from Go Digit General Insurance, valid until Feb 21, 2025. He was admitted to Arham Hospital in Silvassa as an indoor patient from Sept 11 to 14, 2024, for the treatment of viral pneumonia.
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He submitted a claim of Rs 48,251, which the insurer rejected, citing various discrepancies—including those related to his Google Timeline location.
Motka approached the consumer forum in March 2025, after multiple failed attempts to persuade the company to reconsider.
In its repudiation letter, the company cited discrepancies in the bills, indoor case papers, and supporting documents. Its investigators somehow examined Motka's Google Timeline, and inferred that the hospital location was not recorded during the stated dates when he was admitted.
Motka's advocate, A N Desai, submitted the treating doctor's certificate and argued that all treatment was conducted strictly under medical supervision.
In its order, the commission wrote: "The investigation report submitted to the court confirmed that Motka was treated as an indoor patient from Sept 11 to 14, 2024 for viral pneumonia. This was further verified by a hospital visit and examination of records. It appears the discrepancy in the Google Timeline was wrongly cited.
We are convinced that the insurance company failed to take the doctor's certificate into account, likely with the intent to reject the claim.
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Speaking to TOI, advocate Desai said, "We've learned that investigators of some insurance companies mislead patients and gain access to their phones to stealthily review their Google Timeline data. This act is illegal, as they have no authority to check a person's private details. It's also possible the patient had their 'location' or 'data' settings turned off, or faced network issues. Unless Google officials personally verify the data in court, the Timeline holds no legal validity.
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