How to File a Chargeback for Denied Insurance Claims

March 1, 2026

7 min read

If your insurance claim has been denied and you paid out-of-pocket, you may be able to file a chargeback with your bank or credit card company. This is a powerful backup strategy.

What is a Chargeback?

A chargeback reverses a credit/debit card transaction when the goods or services were not provided as described. Since your insurance should have covered the service, the out-of-pocket payment qualifies.

Applicable Reason Codes

•Visa: 13.1 (Not as Described) or 13.3 (Not Received)

•Mastercard: 4853 (Not as Described)

•Amex: C31 (Not as Described)

How to File

1.Call your bank's dispute department

2.Request a chargeback citing the applicable reason code

3.Submit supporting documentation including your denial letter and appeal

4.The bank will issue a provisional credit while investigating

Our Free Tool

Our chargeback letter generator creates a professional bank dispute letter formatted for Visa, Mastercard, and Amex chargebacks.

Important Notes

•File within 120 days of the transaction

•Keep all documentation

•This works alongside your insurance appeal, not instead of it

•The bank may request additional documentation