Health insurance portability

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) allows you to port your health insurance seamlessly. Know how health insurance portability works, its key benefits, and the step-by-step process to switch insurers without losing continuity benefits.
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3 mins
06-March-2025

Health insurance has now become a necessity to ensure financial security during unfortunate health emergencies. With the increasing costs of medical treatment, health insurance can be expensive, and one may need to switch insurance companies for better benefits.

To address this need, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has introduced the concept of health insurance portability. This allows policyholders to switch from one insurer to another or migrate between different health insurance plans without losing key benefits, such as the waiting period already served for pre-existing conditions. This ensures that individuals do not have to start over when changing policies, making it easier to find a plan that better suits their evolving healthcare needs.

Let us delve into health insurance portability in-depth and understand its meaning and benefits. Also, know the rules, documentation required, and the process to follow when porting a health insurance policy.

What is health insurance portability?

Health insurance portability allows policyholders to switch their health insurance policy from one insurer to another without losing essential benefits such as waiting period credits and no-claim bonuses. As long as the policy is renewed on time, individuals can seamlessly transfer their coverage while retaining accumulated advantages.

The key advantage of porting a health insurance policy is that it eliminates the need to restart waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. This ensures continuity in coverage and provides the flexibility to choose an insurer that offers better benefits, competitive premium rates, and a strong claim settlement record. Portability empowers individuals to make informed decisions and opt for a health insurance plan that best meets their healthcare needs.

Advantages and disadvantages of health insurance portability

Here is a quick comparison of the benefits and drawbacks of porting health insurance:

Advantages

Disadvantages

Continued coverage – Ensures uninterrupted health insurance while switching policies.

Loss of continuity benefits – Some accumulated benefits from the previous insurer may not be carried forward.

Better coverage options – Allows you to choose a plan with enhanced benefits like OPD cover, maternity benefits, or wellness programs.

Waiting period reset – Some insurers may require you to serve a fresh waiting period for pre-existing conditions.

Improved services – You may get better customer support, faster claim settlements, and additional healthcare benefits.

Possibility of higher premiums – The new insurer may charge a higher premium based on your health profile and age.

No loss of accumulated benefits – Waiting periods already served for pre-existing conditions are usually carried forward.

Limited flexibility for future changes – Some insurers may impose restrictions on policy modifications post-portability.

Competitive premium rates – Porting allows you to explore cost-effective options with similar or better coverage.

Certain deductibles may apply – The new insurer may impose additional deductibles or conditions on the policy.

 

What are the common reasons for porting a health insurance policy?

Here are some of the common reasons to opt for health insurance portability.

1. Better coverage and benefits

A key reason for porting a health insurance policy is to secure better coverage and benefits. Policyholders may switch insurers to gain access to features like broader network hospitals, additional riders, or more comprehensive treatment options for various medical conditions.

2. Cost-effectiveness

Many policyholders port their health insurance to reduce premium costs while maintaining or enhancing coverage. Switching to a more affordable insurer can provide the same or better health services, making it a cost-effective choice for managing healthcare expenses.

3. Age and health conditions

As policyholders age or develop health conditions, porting can help find plans better suited to their needs. Some insurers offer tailored policies with fewer restrictions, more coverage for pre-existing conditions, or better benefits for older individuals.

4. Unsatisfactory service

Lack of transparency or poor service quality from the current insurer pushes one to consider switching their health insurance policy.

5. Relocation

Suppose that you move to a new city or area where you do not have access to the current insurer’s network hospitals. Then, you may opt to port the health insurance policy.

6. Increase in premium

Many a time insurer increases the premium after making a claim. This may not fit your budget. Hence, you can look for a health insurance policy with a lower premium.

7. Poor claim settlement process:

Another major reason for porting health insurance policies is the slow and cumbersome claim settlement process. Usually, one should prefer a high claim settlement ratio in health insurance for easy claim process.

8. Delay in reimbursements:

One of the most common complaints policyholders raise against their health insurance provider is the delay in claim processing and reimbursements. The last thing anyone would want in a medical emergency is waiting to get the claim amount reimbursed. Porting your policy to a more responsive provider can help ensure timely financial assistance during health crises.

9. Hidden clauses and conditions:

Sometimes, insurance companies bury specific clauses or conditions in their policy, making it challenging for policyholders to avail of the benefits. Porting your health insurance policy to another provider that offer transparent transactions and benefits will help you understand your policy better and leave no room for surprises.

10. Unacceptable co-payment clauses:

A co-payment is the percentage of the hospitalisation expenses that the policyholder must pay out of pocket. There are times when the co-payment clause in your current policy may be too high and becomes a burden instead of an added benefit. Porting your policy to another provider can help you find a more affordable co-payment option.

11. Limits in room rent:

Room rent limits can cause obstacle when seeking treatment at hospitals. Many policies have a cap on the room rent, which could limit your treatment options. Porting your policy to a provider that offers a better room rent allowance can give you the upper hand.

12. Better plan and services from another health insurance provider:

Another reason to port your policy is if you find a better plan and services from a different health insurance provider. Handpicking a policy that caters to your needs and suits your budget better is a wise financial decision.

13. Lack of communication for personalised services:

Communication and personalised services are crucial in the health insurance industry. Porting your policy to a provider that offers better customer service and personalised support could make your life easier.

Why should you port your existing health insurance?

Health insurance portability offers policyholders the flexibility to switch insurers without losing key benefits. If your current health insurance plan no longer meets your needs, porting can help you find better coverage, lower premiums, or enhanced services. Here’s why you should consider porting your health insurance policy:

Better coverage options

Porting allows you to switch to a plan that offers wider coverage, including additional benefits like OPD expenses, maternity cover, or wellness programs.

Retention of waiting period benefits

When you opt for health insurance portability, the waiting period already served under your existing policy is carried forward, ensuring continued coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Lower premium costs

If your current insurer has increased premiums, porting enables you to explore more cost-effective plans without compromising on coverage.

Improved claim settlement process

Choosing an insurer with a strong claim settlement record ensures hassle-free claim approvals and better customer service.

Customisation and add-ons

Portability gives you the option to select plans with better features, add-ons, and top-up covers tailored to your healthcare needs.

Benefits of porting a health insurance policy

Porting your health insurance policy comes with significant benefits, and here is what you gain.

1. Protection of No Claim Bonus:

When porting a health insurance policy, you retain your accumulated No Claim Bonus (NCB). This means your premium discounts and increased coverage earned from claim-free years are protected and carried over to the new insurer, ensuring continuous rewards.

2. Avoiding reassessment:

Porting your health insurance allows you to avoid a reassessment of your health conditions by the new insurer. You won't need to undergo additional medical tests or evaluations, preserving your existing terms and coverage without further scrutiny.

3. Carry forward of waiting period credit:

One of the key benefits of porting is that your waiting period credit for pre-existing conditions is carried forward. The time already spent on the waiting period with your current insurer is recognised by the new insurer, ensuring seamless coverage.

4. Eliminates loss of benefits:

One of the key advantages of health insurance portability is that you do not lose any benefits accumulated over time on your policy. This means you do not have to serve any initial waiting period in health insurance or if completed the specified waiting period, then it will get carried forward. Suppose that your previous health insurance company had levied a 2-year waiting period to avail the coverage for a knee replacement surgery, and you have already served two years. Then, after porting you can directly avail the benefits.

Similarly, your no claim bonus will also remain intact. The insurance company automatically transfers these benefits to the new insurer.

5. Ensures continuity of coverage:

Health insurance portability ensures that you do not have a gap in coverage. This is especially important since the new insurance company may not cover the pre-existing conditions in case of a gap in coverage.

6. Offers the option to customise the health insurance policy:

The flexibility of porting a health insurance policy enables you to customise your health coverage according to your unique needs and requirements. This could mean opting for a policy that covers you and your family comprehensively or a policy that caters to specific illnesses or diseases.

7. Gives the option to choose plans with budget-friendly premiums:

Portability of health insurance policies means you can seek plans that offer similar/better coverage at a more affordable premium.

Pro Tip

A comprehensive health plan not only covers hospitalization but also pre & post-treatment expenses, ensuring complete financial protection against rising medical costs.

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What are the rules of health insurance portability?

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has outlined specific rules for health insurance portability to ensure a seamless transition between insurers. Here’s a structured overview:

Rule

Description

Renew policy in time

The health insurance portability process must be completed before the policy lapses. A lapsed policy cannot be ported.

Grace period

You must notify the new insurer about your intention to port at least 45 days before the renewal date. The insurer should respond before the renewal date.

Porting time

The portability request must be filed 45 days before the renewal date with the new insurer, and your current insurer must also be informed.

Policy provisions and benefits

Before porting, review the coverage, sum insured, and additional benefits offered by the new insurer.

Waiting periods, co-pay, and deductibles

Verify if the new policy has any waiting period, co-payment clause, or deductibles. Read all terms carefully before porting.

Acknowledgment by the new insurer

The new insurer must acknowledge receipt of the portability request within three working days of receiving the application.

 

Required documents for health insurance portability

For health insurance policy portability, you'll need your previous policy documents, claim history, medical records, and a completed portability form for processing. Here is a list of documents required for health insurance portability:

  • Identity proof - Provide a copy of your identity proof such as passport, driving license, or Aadhaar Card.
  • Current health insurance policy document - Provide a copy of your current health insurance policy document to enable the porting process to go smoothly.
  • Premium receipts - Provide the latest premium receipt of your current health insurance policy.
  • Medical reports – Give a copy of medical reports and other relevant documents, showing your medical history to the new insurance company.

How to port health/mediclaim policy online: Check the application process

Here’s a step-by-step process to applying for porting a health insurance policy online.

  • Step 1: Visit the new insurance company’s website that you intend to port your health insurance policy to, or download the app.
  • Step 2: Select the health insurance policy that you wish to buy.
  • Step 3: Fill in the proposal form. Provide the required documents like identity proof, current health insurance policy document, medical reports, and premium receipts.
  • Step 4: Upon filling up the form, the new insurance company will review the application and contact your previous insurer to obtain your medical and claim history.
  • Step 5: After which, your existing health insurer will have to share the details within 7 working days.
  • Step 6: After receiving all the data from the previous insurer, the new insurance company will review the details. Based on this, they accept or reject your health insurance portability application within 15 days.
  • Step 7: If the application gets accepted, pay the premium through any of your preferred online payment modes.

Rejection of Health Insurance Portability requests

Health insurance portability requests can be rejected for various reasons. If the request is not made within the stipulated timeframe, such as 45 days before the policy renewal, or if incomplete or inaccurate documents are submitted, the insurer can decline the portability. Additionally, high-risk medical conditions or frequent claims may also lead to rejection.

What are top reasons for rejection of Health Insurance Portability requests?

Some common reasons for porting health insurance rejections include not meeting the eligibility criteria, such as missed deadlines, or providing incomplete documentation. Other factors include the presence of undisclosed pre-existing conditions, the policyholder's age, or a history of frequent claims, which insurers might view as higher risk.

Things to consider before porting a health insurance policy

  • Ensure portability request is made 45 days before policy renewal.
  • Check if your pre-existing conditions are covered by the new insurer.
  • Compare the coverage, premium, and additional benefits.
  • Verify if your waiting period credits will be carried forward.
  • Confirm network hospitals and services of the new insurer.

Can I port my existing policy over to a new health plan?

Yes, you can absolutely port your existing health insurance policy to our new health plan. Health insurance portability enables you to transfer your policy from one insurer to another without losing the accumulated benefits, such as the No Claim Bonus and waiting period credits, from your existing policy. If you're wondering, can we port mediclaim policy, the answer is yes. You can port both individual and family mediclaim policies. To understand how to port health insurance, simply ensure you apply for portability at least 45 days before your current policy expires to make a smooth transition to the new plan.

Can I transfer my health insurance to another insurance company?

Yes, you can transfer your health insurance policy to another insurance company through health insurance portability. Health insurance portability allows you to shift from your current insurance provider to another one without losing the benefits you have accumulated under your existing policy.

To transfer your health insurance policy, you need to ensure that you have completed at least one year of continuous coverage under your existing policy. You must also apply for porting your policy to the new insurance company at least 45 days before the expiry of your current policy.

It is important to do thorough research before transferring your health insurance policy to another insurance company. You must ensure that the new policy offers better coverage and benefits than your existing policy.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I port a health insurance policy online?

To port your health insurance policy online, you need to visit the website of the new insurance company you wish to switch to. Fill in the online portability form and submit it along with the requisite documents. Upon evaluation, the new insurer will provide you with the new policy document, and your health insurance will get transferred to the new insurer.

When should I port my health insurance policy?

You should port your health insurance policy before your current policy renewal date. You must inform your current insurer at least 45 days before the renewal date about your intention to port the policy. 

When is the right time to transfer a health insurance policy?

You must transfer the health insurance policy before the policy renewal date. Inform the insurer at least 45 days before the renewal date about your intention to port the policy. This will ensure that there is no discontinuity in your health insurance coverage, and you do not lose your accumulated benefits.

What is the best time to port a health insurance policy?

The best time to port your health insurance policy is before its expiry date. You should apply for policy porting at least 45 days before the expiry of the existing policy. This will ensure a seamless shift from your current insurance provider to a new one.

Do I need to pay an extra premium to port my health insurance policy?

No, you do not need to pay an extra premium to port your health insurance policy. You can port your policy to a new insurance provider without any additional cost. However, you must ensure that the new policy's premium is within your budget and offers better coverage than your existing policy.

What is the difference between portability and migration?

Portability refers to the process of transferring your health insurance policy from one insurance provider to another without losing your accumulated benefits. On the other hand, migration means surrendering your existing policy and purchasing a new one from a different insurance company. With portability, you can continue to avail the benefits of your existing policy with the new insurance provider.

How many times can I transfer my health insurance policy?

As per IRDAI guidelines, you can transfer your health insurance policy once you have completed at least one year of continuous coverage under the existing policy. There is no limitation on the number of times you can port your policy. However, it is important to keep in mind that frequent policy porting could affect your accumulated benefits. You must do thorough research before porting your policy to ensure that the new policy offers better coverage and benefits than your existing policy.

What are the disadvantages of porting health insurance policy?

There are a few disadvantages to porting a health insurance policy. You may get the option to port your health insurance for a completely different plan. Also, it may come with higher premium rates. The new insurer may not cover all the pre-existing illness covered in your existing health plan. Lastly, you may have to serve the waiting period for certain treatments or illnesses that the previous insurer covered immediately.

Is it advisable to port health insurance?

Yes, porting health insurance can be advisable if you're seeking better coverage, lower premiums, or enhanced services. It ensures continuity of benefits like the waiting period and No Claim Bonus, without losing existing policy advantages.

What is the time limit for portability of health insurance?

Health insurance portability must be initiated at least 45 days before the policy’s renewal date. This allows sufficient time for processing and approval by both the current and new insurer to ensure a smooth transition without coverage gaps.

What is the IRDA rule for porting?

According to IRDA rules, policyholders can port their health insurance between insurers without losing benefits like No Claim Bonus. The portability request must be made 45 days before the policy renewal, ensuring continuity of coverage and recognition of waiting periods.

What is the minimum days for portability?

The minimum days required for initiating health insurance portability is 45 days before the policy’s renewal date. This timeframe allows both insurers to process the request and ensures the continuity of benefits and coverage without any interruptions.

How to port health insurance to Care Health Insurance?

To port your health insurance to Care Health Insurance, apply at least 45 days before renewal, submit required documents, and ensure continuity of coverage without a lapse.

Can I switch my group health insurance to an individual policy with another insurer?

Yes, you can switch from a group health insurance policy to an individual plan with another insurer, but waiting periods and terms may apply based on the new policy.

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