Getting an ECHS claim rejected can be frustrating, especially when medical expenses are involved. Many Ex-Servicemen and dependents face claim rejection due to small mistakes, missing documents, or rule misunderstandings.
The good news?
👉 Most ECHS claim rejections are fixable.
In this 2026 updated guide, you’ll learn:
- Why ECHS claims get rejected
- The top 10 rejection reasons
- Exact solutions for each problem
- How to resubmit or appeal your claim correctly
✅ What Does “ECHS Claim Rejected” Mean?
When your ECHS reimbursement claim is rejected, it means the Bill Processing Agency (BPA) or ECHS authorities found an issue that violates claim rules.
Rejection can be:
- Temporary (Returned) – documents or corrections required
- Final (Rejected) – claim not admissible under ECHS rules
Understanding the reason is the first step to fixing it.
🔟 Top 10 Reasons for ECHS Claim Rejection & How to Fix Them
1️⃣ Missing or Incomplete Documents
Most common reason for rejection
❌ Problem:
- Missing discharge summary
- No prescription
- Missing cancelled cheque
- Incomplete bill details
✅ Solution:
- Upload all mandatory documents:
- ECHS Card copy
- Original bills
- Prescription
- Discharge summary (for IPD)
- Cancelled cheque
- Ensure documents are clear, readable, and signed
2️⃣ Treatment Taken at Non-Empanelled Hospital
❌ Problem:
- Hospital not listed under ECHS
- Non-emergency treatment taken privately
✅ Solution:
- Reimbursement allowed only in emergencies
- Submit:
- Emergency certificate from hospital
- Doctor’s justification
- Claim is processed at CGHS rates, not actual bill amount
3️⃣ Exceeding Monthly OPD / Medicine Limits
❌ Problem:
- OPD or medicine bills exceed monthly allowed limit
- Multiple OPD claims in a single month
✅ Solution:
- Track monthly limits carefully
- Submit claims in separate months
- Excess amount is not reimbursed
4️⃣ Expired or Invalid ECHS Card
❌ Problem:
- Card validity expired
- Dependency details not updated
✅ Solution:
- Renew ECHS card before treatment
- Update dependent details at the polyclinic
- Reapply after correction (if allowed)
5️⃣ Incorrect Bill Format
❌ Problem:
- Pharmacy bill without GST number
- Handwritten or unsigned bills
- Missing date or patient name
✅ Solution:
- Ensure bills contain:
- Hospital/pharmacy stamp
- GST number
- Date & bill number
- Patient name matching ECHS card
6️⃣ Claim Submitted After Time Limit
❌ Problem:
- Claim submitted beyond permitted time window
✅ Solution:
- Submit claims as early as possible
- Late claims are usually rejected unless justified
- In genuine cases, submit explanation letter
7️⃣ CGHS Rate Mismatch
❌ Problem:
- Claimed amount higher than CGHS approved rates
✅ Solution:
- Understand CGHS rate applicability
- Expect partial reimbursement
- Non-admissible items are deducted automatically
8️⃣ OPD/IPD Category Mismatch
❌ Problem:
- IPD treatment submitted as OPD
- Daycare wrongly classified
✅ Solution:
- Confirm category before submission
- Upload correct supporting documents
- Contact polyclinic if unsure
9️⃣ Online Portal or Login Errors
❌ Problem:
- OTP not received
- Upload failed
- Session timeout
✅ Solution:
- Use Chrome or Edge browser
- Upload files under size limit
- Try non-peak hours
- If failed, contact ECHS helpdesk
🔟 Duplicate or Already Claimed Bills
❌ Problem:
- Same bill submitted twice
- Duplicate medicine claims
✅ Solution:
- Maintain claim history
- Submit unique bills only
- Duplicate claims are permanently rejected
📌 What to Do After ECHS Claim Rejection?
🔄 If Claim Is “Returned”
✔ Correct the issue
✔ Upload missing documents
✔ Resubmit online
❌ If Claim Is “Rejected”
✔ Check rejection remarks
✔ Submit appeal (if permitted)
✔ Contact polyclinic or regional centre
📝 Can You Appeal an ECHS Claim Rejection?
Yes, in genuine cases, you may appeal by submitting:
- Appeal letter
- Supporting documents
- Justification for exception
Final decision rests with ECHS authorities.
🔐 How to Check ECHS Claim Status?
- Login to ECHS beneficiary portal
- Use claim reference number
- Monitor status regularly
✅ Tips to Avoid ECHS Claim Rejection in Future
- Verify hospital empanelment before treatment
- Keep digital copies of all documents
- Follow CGHS & ECHS rules strictly
- Submit claims early
- Avoid duplicate submissions
📌 Conclusion
An ECHS claim rejection does not always mean loss of reimbursement. Most claims are rejected due to minor errors that can be corrected easily.
By understanding the top 10 rejection reasons and following the right process, you can:
✔ Reduce claim rejection
✔ Speed up reimbursement
✔ Avoid unnecessary stress