Manulife long term disability insurance policies are intended to provide monthly income replacement to individuals whose disabilities prevent them from working for a long period of time. Unfortunately, in many cases, insurers will refuse to pay legitimate claims. Read more to find out what to do if your long term disability Manulife claim is denied.

Manulife Long Term Disability Overview

Manulife is a provider of long term disability insurance coverage. According to the company’s website, there are several types of Manulife long term disability policies that individuals can choose, based on their specific situation. These LTD policies are meant to provide a sense of security in case a policyholder suffers an injury, illness or other type of disability that makes them unable to work for an extended period of time.

If you are covered by a Manulife long term disability insurance policy, you should apply for benefits as soon as you learn that your condition is likely to prevent you from returning to work in the timeframe outlined in your policy. Your application will be reviewed, and if it is approved, you will typically begin receiving payments once your short term disability coverage has been exhausted.

Unfortunately, some consumers have complained that their Manulife long term disability claims have been wrongly denied or terminated, leaving them confused and frustrated about what steps to take. If this has happened to you, contact a long term disability lawyer for assistance. They can help you review the reasons your claim was denied and put together an appeal to potentially reverse the decision.

Why Was My Manulife Long Term Disability Claim Denied?

There are many reasons a long term disability Manulife claim may be denied. Some of the most common reasons for a Manulife long term disability claim denial include:

• Insufficient evidence
• Pre-existing condition
• Policy exclusion
• No objective evidence
• Contractual eligibility
• Misrepresentation on the insurance application

If your Manulife long term disability claim was denied or terminated, don’t panic. Long term disability claims are often denied by insurance companies. It is possible to appeal the decision or take the insurer to court to fight for the benefits you deserve.

How Do I Challenge a Manulife Long Term Disability Claim Denial?

If Manulife denies your long term disability claim, you can appeal the decision. It is important to consider the timing of your appeal. Make sure to pay attention to Manulife’s internal appeal timeline and follow the instructions carefully. Pay specific attention to the reasons Manulife denied your claim. You can also request information from your insurance claim file.

There are typically two ways to ask Manulife to review its decision. You can follow the internal appeal process within Manulife, or you can follow an external appeal process through courts or tribunals.

Policyholders have a two-year window to file a claim in court, starting from the date of the receipt of a “clear and unequivocal denial” of Manulife long term disability benefits.

To avoid having your benefits cut off, you may want to consult with a long term disability lawyer to learn more about what steps you need to take to appeal your case and gather the evidence and other documentation that you will need to put together a strong case.

Will Manulife Stop My Disability Insurance After Two Years?

Some individuals who receive Manulife long term disability payments have reported that they’ve received a letter stating that their benefits will be stopped after two years. This is because many Manulife long term disability policies include a provision that changes the definition of “total disability” after two years.

For the first two years that the benefits are paid, the term “disability” generally refers to an inability to perform the job functions for the position you held at the time you became disabled. After two years, some Manulife long term disability policies define “disability” as being completely incapable of performing any job that you would otherwise be qualified for based on your training, education or experience.

After two years, Manulife may justify its termination of benefits by suggesting the policyholder can perform some types of sedentary work, such as working as a store greeter. If you receive such a letter, you should contact a long term disability lawyer as soon as possible. The lawyer will help you show Manulife that you meet its definition of “total disability” according to their policy.

Do I Need a Long Term Disability Insurance Lawyer?

Applying for long term disability benefits can be a frustrating and confusing process. You don’t have to fight for your benefits on your own–a long term disability insurance lawyer can help.

There are numerous medical conditions that can prevent a person from working, such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, anxiety or depression. Insurance companies may try to downplay these conditions and insist that a policyholder is able to work even when their condition prevents them from working.

A long term disability lawyer is knowledgeable about the ins and outs of insurance coverage and the tactics insurance companies like Manulife use to deny benefits. Many lawyers offer free consultations and do not charge a fee unless you win your case.

A lawyer can provide valuable assistance by reviewing Manulife’s explanation for denying your claim and help you gather the information necessary to build a strong case. If your case is handled in court, your long term disability lawyer will advocate for you throughout the process and fight for you to get the payment you deserve.