Insurance Ombudsman in Post-Pandemic India: COVID-19 Challenges and Future Dispute Resolution Strategies

The COVID-19 pandemic created significant disruptions for the Indian insurance industry, leading to a sharp increase in disputes involving health, travel, and business interruption insurance claims. This paper investigates the crucial role of the Insurance Ombudsman in resolving these disputes, evaluating how effectively the system managed the surge in complaints during the pandemic. By examining case studies and patterns of consumer grievances, the study identifies both the strengths and shortcomings of the Ombudsman’s approach. It also suggests strategies to enhance the system’s efficiency, accessibility, and flexibility in preparing for future crises. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes the need for policy reforms and the adoption of technological innovations to ensure the Insurance Ombudsman is better equipped to handle large-scale disruptions in the future