I enrolled in a 30 day temporary medical policy through Assurant Health. This policy originally had a $500 deductible and two days after the policy was opened, I decided to opt for a $250 deductible and cancel the original policy. I clearly stated in a conversation with Assurant Health that this policy was only to be for 30 days, because I would be getting benefits from my company as of July 1st. I used my mother's credit card for this transaction. Assurant Health charged her card immediately for the accurate amount.
However, one month later, they charged her credit card again. When I called Assurant Health to ask for an immediate refund, I was told that I opted for a 6 month renewable policy which renewed monthly based on inaction on my part. I cited my conversation with a representative a month earlier where I had specifically mentioned graduating from college and having a new job which had benefits beginning July 1st, to this I was told that they had accessed my phone call and I had no such conversation. The company indicated that there was no supervisor available to speak to and I was welcome to submit a paper appeal (which I did), but that it would likely be unsuccessful. I then had my mother dispute this erroneous charge through her credit card company, Capital One, who removed it immediately.
3-4 weeks after this complaint was filed, the charge was put back on her credit card. Capital One mailed my mother a copy of Assurant's documentation that was submitted with the charge, citing that I received copies of all documents that they submitted which clearly say that my mother's card would be charged on a recurrent basis. The only issue with the above, is that out of 4 documents, I had only ever seen 2 of them.
I called Assurant Health twice to insure that the policy was cancelled, only to be disconnected by representatives both times. I am receiving mailings from Assurant Health on a weekly basis, even after multiple requests that they cease. Just yesterday, I received 5 pieces of mail from Assurant Health. 2 booklets outlining the benefits for my non-existant policy, 2 letters of creditable covereage (which I have already received) and a book of monthly payment coupons with a letter to send in payments for my non-existant policy.
One item that I do find interesting is the quote contained in this letter, "If you choose to terminate or lapse this coverage, simply discontinue premium payments." Assurant Health had no authorization from myself nor from my mother to charge her credit card for more than one single premium amount. Not to mention the lack of professionalism and good business etiquette that I have experienced from this company in their unwillingness to issue a refund. Practically every company that I have ever dealt with would have apologized for the inconvenience and would have issued a refund immediately.
Please also note, no claims were ever filed against this insurance policy. The policy was purchased on June 2nd, became active on June 3rd and Assurant Health was to terminate this policy 30 days later, July 3rd. The total amount of the refund due is $131.25.
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