Illinois external review: an independent second opinion on your denial
What Illinois external review is, the 4-month deadline, expedited reviews and when the federal process applies instead.
What it is
An independent reviewer — not your insurer — decides whether the denial should stand. You usually go here after the insurer’s internal appeal is finished.
Source: Illinois Department of Insurance, checked 2026-10-17
Deadline
File within 4 months of receiving the final denial. Count from the earliest date to be safe.
Source: Illinois Department of Insurance, checked 2026-10-17
Urgent cases
If waiting could seriously harm your health, the internal appeal and external review can run at the same time.
Source: Illinois Department of Insurance, checked 2026-10-17
Help line
The Illinois Department of Insurance consumer line for external review is (877) 850-4740.
Source: Illinois Department of Insurance, checked 2026-10-17