When a loved one dies, beneficiaries expect the life insurance company to process the claim within a reasonable time. Instead, many families find themselves trapped in a frustrating cycle. The insurer repeatedly says the claim is “under review,” but nothing actually happens. Weeks turn into months. Phone calls lead nowhere. Emails receive vague responses or none at all.
This situation is more than a routine delay. A claim stuck under review for too long is often an early warning sign that the insurer is either building a case to deny the claim or intentionally stalling to avoid making a decision.
What “Under Review” Actually Means
The phrase “under review” has no single definition. Insurers use it broadly, and often strategically. In practice, it can mean:
The insurer claims it is waiting for medical records
The file has been flagged for additional investigation
The claim has been sent to a special investigations unit
The insurer is searching for policy exclusions or application issues
The claim is sitting untouched due to internal backlog
The insurer is waiting on third party reports such as toxicology or police records
Beneficiaries are rarely told which of these is happening. The lack of transparency is deliberate. Vague language keeps the insurer in control while the family waits.
Why Insurance Companies Keep Claims in Review
Some delays are administrative. Many are not. Insurers often keep claims under review for strategic reasons, including:
Avoiding interest penalties tied to late payment
Buying time to justify a future denial
Hoping beneficiaries stop following up
Waiting for records that may support an exclusion
Using delay to pressure families financially
A prolonged review is frequently a sign the insurer is uncertain about its legal position and is stalling to protect itself.
How Long a Claim Can Reasonably Stay Under Review
While every claim is different, certain timelines raise concern. Red flags appear when:
The claim has been under review for more than 30 to 60 days
The insurer repeatedly requests documents already provided
The insurer refuses to give a decision date
Communication becomes sporadic or stops entirely
The insurer says it is waiting on records but will not specify which ones
At that point, the review process is no longer reasonable.
Steps Beneficiaries Can Take to Force Movement
Beneficiaries are not powerless. There are practical steps that can break the cycle of indefinite review.
Effective actions include:
Requesting a written status update with a specific decision timeline
Demanding a written list of all outstanding documents
Keeping a detailed log of every call, email, and letter
Sending follow up emails summarizing phone conversations
Requesting escalation to a claims supervisor or manager
These steps create a record that limits the insurer’s ability to continue stalling without accountability.
Employer Provided Life Insurance and ERISA Protections
If the policy was provided through an employer, federal ERISA rules may apply. Under ERISA, insurers are required to follow strict claim handling deadlines.
When those deadlines are missed:
The claim may be treated as denied by operation of law
The beneficiary may appeal without a formal denial letter
The insurer must provide the complete claim file upon request
The beneficiary may move the case toward litigation
ERISA prevents insurers from hiding indefinitely behind the phrase “under review.”
When an Extended Review Becomes Bad Faith
In some cases, prolonged review crosses the line into bad faith. Courts have found insurers acted improperly when they:
Delayed without legitimate justification
Failed to communicate honestly or clearly
Ignored evidence supporting coverage
Used delay as a tactic to avoid paying
A claim stuck under review is not always just slow. It can be unlawful.
Why Claims Stuck Under Review Should Always Be Challenged
Life insurance companies are obligated to investigate and decide claims within a reasonable time. Beneficiaries are entitled to clarity, transparency, and a decision. Endless review is not an acceptable outcome.
When insurers refuse to move forward, beneficiaries can push back, demand answers, and pursue legal remedies if necessary. With proper documentation and advocacy, stalled claims can be forced out of limbo and toward resolution.
No family should be left waiting indefinitely for benefits that were meant to provide security during the most difficult time of their lives.