What to Do If Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Denied Your Life Insurance Claim

A life insurance claim denial from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife) can come as a shock. Life insurance benefits are often meant to provide financial stability and security to loved ones during difficult times. When those benefits are denied, it can leave families feeling uncertain and stressed. However, it’s important to know that many claim denials can be successfully challenged. If your Metlife life insurance claim was denied, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755 or chat with us live. We can help you understand why the denial occurred and guide you through the steps to appeal and secure the benefits you’re entitled to.

Common Reasons MetLife Denies Claims

Understanding why MetLife denied your claim is the first step to building a strong appeal. Common reasons include:

• Policy Lapse Due to Missed Premiums:
  A frequently cited reason is that the policy lapsed because premiums were not paid on time. MetLife may claim that the policy was no longer in effect at the time of death. Providing proof of payment, evidence of financial hardship, or documentation showing that the policyholder intended to maintain the policy can help strengthen your appeal.
• Issues During the Contestability Period:
  Most life insurance policies have a contestability period—typically the first two years—when claims are carefully scrutinized. If MetLife finds discrepancies in the application, such as undisclosed medical conditions or errors in personal information, they may deny the claim. Submitting corrected documents, additional medical records, and clear explanations can help address these issues and improve the chances of success.
• Policy Exclusions or Limitations:
  Certain policies have exclusions that prevent payouts under specific circumstances. For example, deaths resulting from certain activities or pre-existing conditions may be excluded. Reviewing the policy’s terms carefully can help determine if the exclusion was correctly applied. If not, you may have grounds to challenge the denial.
• Beneficiary Disputes or Changes:
  If there are questions about who should receive the death benefit—such as multiple claimants or recent changes to the beneficiary designation—MetLife may withhold payment until the matter is resolved. Legal assistance can help clarify beneficiary rights and ensure benefits are distributed according to the policyholder’s wishes.
• Missing or Incomplete Documentation:
  Claims may be denied if essential documents—like a certified death certificate, completed claim forms, or proof of beneficiary status—are missing or incomplete. Ensuring that all paperwork is accurate and fully submitted can help prevent or resolve this type of denial.

Steps to Take After Receiving a Denial

If MetLife denies your claim, consider these steps to strengthen your appeal and improve your chances of success:

1. Review the Denial Letter Carefully:
   The denial letter should explain the reasons for rejection and provide instructions for filing an appeal. Understanding MetLife’s rationale will help guide your response.
2. Gather Supporting Documentation:
   Collect all relevant records, including:
   • A complete copy of the life insurance policy and any riders or amendmentsProof of premium paymentsMedical and hospital records addressing any disputed health conditionsCertified death certificatesCorrespondence with Metropolitan Life Insurance CompanyDocumentation confirming your beneficiary status
   A thorough, well-prepared set of documents can sometimes significantly strengthen your case.
3. Submit a Formal Appeal:
   Follow the appeal instructions provided by MetLife. Clearly explain why the denial was incorrect, supported by the evidence you’ve gathered. A detailed, thorough appeal may increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
4. Consult a Life Insurance Attorney if Needed:
   If your initial appeal is denied or if the process feels overwhelming, consulting a life insurance attorney can provide invaluable support. An experienced attorney can:
   • Identify errors in MetLife’s reasoning
   • Help you gather additional evidence
   • Represent you in negotiations or legal proceedings, if necessary
5. Consider Filing a Complaint With State Regulators:
   If your appeal fails, filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department may prompt further investigation. While this step doesn’t guarantee approval, it can lead to additional scrutiny and potentially a resolution.

Example: Overturning a Contestability Denial

Hypothetical Scenario:
A policyholder disclosed pre-existing conditions when applying for life insurance. After passing away within the contestability period, MetLife denied the claim, stating the policyholder omitted key medical details. The beneficiary provided medical records showing that all relevant conditions were disclosed at the time of application. By submitting these records and clarifying the policyholder’s full disclosure, the denial may be overturned, and the full death benefit can be paid.

Interpleader Lawsuits and Life Insurance

Sometimes, a claim denial arises from disputes over the rightful beneficiary. In these cases, an interpleader lawsuit may occur. MetLife might deposit the policy’s proceeds into the court and ask the court to decide who should receive the benefits. Common causes of interpleaders include:

• Conflicting beneficiary designations
• Questions over the validity of a beneficiary change
• Multiple claimants asserting rights to the policy’s benefits

How to Respond to an Interpleader Lawsuit:
If you’re involved in an interpleader, it’s important to act promptly. Gather all documents supporting your claim—such as original beneficiary designations, recent updates, and evidence of the policyholder’s intent. Consulting a life insurance attorney can help protect your rights and may increase your chances of receiving the benefits.

Florida Claims Against MetLife

For Florida residents, challenging a denial from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company may involve understanding and leveraging state-specific insurance regulations. Florida’s consumer protection laws provide certain safeguards that can help beneficiaries contest unfair claim denials. By working with a Florida-based attorney, you can build a stronger appeal and improve your chances of recovering the benefits you’re owed.

How the Law Offices of Jason Turchin Can Help

If Metropolitan Life Insurance Company denied your life insurance claim, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin can help. Our experienced attorneys have successfully handled numerous life insurance disputes and know how to challenge claim denials. We’ll carefully review your case, identify errors in the denial, and guide you through the appeals process. Call us at 800-337-7755 or start a live chat today to learn more about how we can assist you.