American Natl. Ins. Co. v. Laird

On July 28, 1953, the Physicians Insurance Company, whose liabilities were later assumed by the appellant, issued to the appellee a policy insuring him to a limited extent against hospital and medical expenses. In 1955 Laird became ill and incurred hospital and medical expenses running to more than $1,400. The insurance company refused to pay the claim, on the ground that Laird’s condition existed before the effective date of the policy and was therefore not covered by the contract.

Laird, in bringing this action to recover $1,400, sued not upon the written contract but upon an alleged oral…