Archive · 9 Jun 2025
Uttarakhand Woman Wins Kidney Donation Insurance Case
Renu Bansal from Uttarakhand donated a kidney to her husband in 2012.
The insurance company initially refused to cover her hospital expenses, claiming she was a donor, not a patient.
Renu fought the decision in court for 13 years, even after her husband passed away.
The Consumer Commission ruled in her favor, ordering the insurance company to pay half of her expenses, with interest, and compensation for her suffering.
The case highlights gaps in insurance policies regarding organ donors, with experts hoping it will lead to policy changes.
Renu Bansal donated a kidney to her husband in 2012 and was denied insurance coverage.
NICL initially refused to pay her medical expenses, arguing she was a donor, not a patient.
Renu fought the case for 13 years, even after her husband's death.
The Uttarakhand State Consumer Commission ruled in her favor.
The ruling ordered NICL to pay Rs 32,500, interest, and compensation for her suffering.
- Who
- Renu Bansal and NICL (National Insurance Company Limited)
- What
- Renu Bansal won a case against NICL, which initially refused to reimburse her for kidney donation expenses.
- When
- The event began in 2012, with the final ruling in June 2025.
- Where
- Uttarakhand, India
- Why
- To secure reimbursement for medical expenses incurred during her kidney donation to her husband and highlight insurance policy gaps.
Consumer Rights Advocates
Insurance Company (NICL)
Insurance Coverage for Donors
Consumer Rights Advocates
Advocates believe that current policies are inconsistent and often exclude or limit coverage for organ donors' hospitalization costs.
Insurance Company (NICL)
The insurance company, NICL, initially denied Renu's claim, stating she was not a patient.
- Plaintiff
- Renu Bansal
- Defendant
- NICL (National Insurance Company Limited)
- Location
- Uttarakhand
- Event Year
- 2012
- Damages Awarded
- Rs 32,500 (half of Rs 65,000 coverage)
- Additional Interest
- 7% annual interest since 2012
- Compensation for Agony
- Rs 25,000