The Delhi Consumer Commission has ruled that like normal pregnancy, which is not covered under mediclaim policies, the insurance companies cannot deny reimbursement claims in cases of 'ectopic pregnancy' where the child is conceived through a special method.

Distinguishing between normal and ectopic pregnancy where the foetus which is developed outside is later put in the woman's womb, the Commission Bench headed by Justice J D Kapoor said that both the forms of pregnancy cannot be put in the exclusion category of insurance agreements while denying the medical claims.

"The term ectopic pregnancy cannot be put in the straight jacket and iron mould as the word pregnancy appearing in the exclusion clause can," it said, awarding a compensation of Rs 65,556 to one Laure Brar, a resident of Vasant Kunj in New Delhi.

The order came after Brar, who underwent surgery following complications during her ectopic surgery, was denied reimbursement by Oriental Insurance Company Limited on grounds that medical expenses arising out of pregnancy did not come under the insurance agreement.

Rejecting the plea of the Insurance company, the Commission observed "the instance of ectopic pregnancy occurs in one out of 200 pregnancies and to bring such a terminology within the ordinary pregnancy referred in exclusion clause is neither in consonance with the aims and objects of the insurance policy nor does it serve interests of the consumer."

Brar, who developed severe pain in her abdomen on October 10, 1996 and was thereafter operated upon, claimed a reimbursement of Rs 55,556 while contending that her ailment did not fall under the category of normal pregnancy issue.