续保条款“偷梁换柱”须警惕

Core Viewpoint - The Shanghai Financial Court ruled in favor of the policyholder, stating that the insurance company failed to adequately inform her of new exclusion clauses during the renewal process, thus the new clauses were deemed ineffective [2][3]. Group 1: Case Summary - The case involved a dispute over a personal insurance contract where the insurer added exclusion clauses without informing the policyholder, Ms. Sheng, during the renewal process [1]. - Ms. Sheng had previously received compensation for her medical expenses, but the insurer refused to pay for certain expenses after the new clauses were added [1]. - The court ordered the insurance company to compensate Ms. Sheng for her out-of-pocket medical expenses totaling 230,445.20 yuan and additional Chinese medicine costs of 649.97 yuan [2]. Group 2: Legal Implications - The court emphasized that insurance companies must actively and clearly inform policyholders of any changes to insurance terms, especially when such changes could negatively impact the policyholder [3]. - The ruling highlighted the importance of the principle of good faith in insurance contracts, reinforcing that insurers must ensure policyholders are fully aware of their rights and obligations [3]. - The case serves as a reminder for insurance companies to improve communication and transparency in the context of internet insurance, where face-to-face interactions are limited [3][4]. Group 3: Industry Insights - The rise of internet insurance has made it a popular choice due to its convenience and efficiency, but it also increases the risk of information asymmetry between insurers and policyholders [3][4]. - The court's decision is seen as beneficial for promoting trust and integrity within the insurance industry, contributing to a healthier and more stable business environment [3]. - Consumers are advised to thoroughly understand insurance terms and seek clarification on critical clauses to avoid disputes [4].