Disability insurance is one of those things you pay for but hope that you never have to use. Should you be in position to file a claim, it means you’re suffering from a serious injury or illness that’s keeping you from doing your job.

Upon filing a disability insurance claim, it’s your hope that your insurer issues an immediate approval so you can receive your first payment in the near future. Unfortunately, these companies are in the business of making money. And for that reason, they’ll look for every reason imaginable to deny your claim.

Here are four things to do if you’re the victim of a disability insurance denial:

  • Read your policy: This is where you’ll find the terms and conditions of your coverage, which should help you better understand if you’re in position to receive payouts. If you don’t have a copy of your policy, request it from your insurance company via certified mail.
  • Review the denial letter: While the entire letter is important, your focus will turn to the reason your claim was rejected. With this information, you can then begin to formulate a strategy for proving that you should receive an approval. Also, your denial letter will lay out the steps to take to file an appeal.
  • Get more medical backing: For example, another test confirming your illness or injury may turn the tables in your favor. Generally speaking, the more evidence you provide, the better chance you have of an approval. You may want to combine this with letters from your medical team stating that your condition impairs your ability to work.
  • Stay the course: Turning a denial into an approval is easier said than done, but you must stay the course to eventually get what you want. Don’t quit on the process just because you received a denial letter. Move through every step of appeals until you prove that you’re in position to receive compensation.

When you take these steps after receiving a disability insurance denial letter, you’ll feel more confident in your ability to turn things around.

You paid your premiums with the idea of receiving coverage should the time come. So, do whatever it takes to protect your legal rights.