How to Switch Health Insurance: Health insurance is not just a financial tool—it’s a lifeline during medical emergencies. However, not all policies serve the same purpose, and over time, you might realize that your current plan lacks crucial features such as room rent flexibility, better coverage for pre-existing diseases, or cashless claim efficiency. Thankfully, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has empowered policyholders with the right to port their health insurance—that is, transfer to another insurer without losing accrued benefits like the waiting period credit, no-claim bonuses (NCB), and coverage for pre-existing conditions.
For example, if your current plan has room rent capping, it may significantly affect your hospital bill settlement. Many policyholders, especially those with lifestyle conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, find themselves bearing substantial out-of-pocket expenses due to such limitations. By porting your health policy, you can migrate to a more robust plan that doesn’t impose restrictive sub-limits, while still retaining your current policy benefits, provided you follow the right process within the given timelines.
As the health needs of individuals evolve, so should their insurance coverage. Whether you’re dissatisfied with claim settlement ratios, lack of network hospitals, or hidden charges, porting allows you to upgrade to better health insurance that supports your future claims rather than hinders them. But what exactly is health insurance porting, who is eligible, and how can you go about it? Let’s explore the complete process.
What is Health Insurance Porting?
Health insurance porting is a facility provided by IRDAI that allows you to shift your health policy from one insurer to another without losing benefits like:
- Waiting period for pre-existing diseases
- No Claim Bonus (NCB)
- Cumulative benefits
- Time already spent under the previous policy
It is especially beneficial for those with chronic conditions or senior citizens who have completed waiting periods under their existing plan and now want better service, coverage, or claim experience.
Who Can Apply for Health Insurance Porting?
Not every policyholder is eligible for porting. Here’s who can apply:
- Any individual or family floater policyholder
- Existing policy should be active without a break in coverage
- Porting can only be done at the time of renewal
- The current insurer must receive the porting request at least 45 days before renewal
- Applicants must not be involved in fraudulent or disputed claims
Insurance Fees and Charges
There are no porting fees charged by IRDAI or insurers directly for transferring your policy. However, premium amounts may differ due to:
- Age and medical conditions
- Sum insured selected
- Additional benefits in the new policy
- Risk loading (for pre-existing conditions like diabetes or past claims)
So while porting is free, your new policy may cost more or less depending on the plan and insurer.
How to Use and Benefit from Health Insurance Porting
Health insurance porting gives you flexibility and continued coverage. Here’s how you benefit:
| Feature | With Porting | Without Porting |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting Period | Credited from old policy | Starts afresh |
| NCB (No Claim Bonus) | Retained | Lost |
| Room Rent Limit | Can choose plan without capping | Stuck with current limit |
| Claim Experience | Can switch to insurer with better record | Might face continued rejection |
| Add-ons | Option to upgrade to better benefits | Limited flexibility |
How to Apply for Health Insurance Porting
Step-by-Step Porting Process:
- Research & Compare policies on aggregator platforms or directly via insurer websites.
- Choose a New Insurer and plan based on room rent, network hospitals, claim ratios.
- Apply for Porting at least 45 days before policy renewal.
- Submit Documents such as:
- Existing policy papers
- Renewal notice
- Previous claim history
- KYC documents
- Health declaration
- Medical Tests (if required) based on age, sum insured, and health conditions.
- Underwriting Assessment by the new insurer.
- Decision by New Insurer within 15 days. If not, they must accept your application as per IRDAI rules.
- Policy Issuance with continued benefits and new terms. IRDAI Portability Guidelines
Important Dates to Remember
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Ideal time to initiate porting | 45-60 days before renewal |
| Last date for application | Minimum 45 days pre-renewal |
| Insurer response deadline | Within 15 days of request |
| Policy renewal deadline | Must not miss renewal date |
Disclaimer
The above content is for informational purposes only. Insurance policies are subject to terms and conditions set by the insurer. Porting is at the discretion of the new insurer based on medical underwriting. Always read the policy brochure and speak with a qualified insurance advisor before switching plans.
How to Switch Health Insurance Conclusion
Porting your health insurance is not just a feature—it’s your consumer right, especially when your current plan no longer meets your needs. Whether you’re stuck with room rent capping or dissatisfied with service quality, porting offers a hassle-free way to continue your medical coverage without starting from scratch.
By planning in advance and choosing the right insurer with better benefits and a strong claim record, you can safeguard your future medical expenses. For people with pre-existing diseases like diabetes, porting ensures you don’t lose out on the time served under your current policy, which is critical during emergencies.
Make sure to initiate the process well in time (at least 45 days before renewal) and don’t let your policy lapse in the meantime. If needed, consult an advisor or use policy comparison websites to get clarity on the best available options.
In 2025, with the evolving digital insurance landscape and IRDAI’s strict guidelines, porting your health policy is easier, faster, and more secure than ever before. Take control of your healthcare journey now.
How to Switch Health Insurance FAQs
1. Will I lose my waiting period benefits if I switch to another insurer?
No. As per IRDAI rules, when you port your health insurance policy, the credit for the waiting period served under your previous insurer will be carried over to your new insurer. However, if you increase the sum insured, the additional amount might attract a fresh waiting period.
2. Is there any fee for porting a health insurance policy?
There is no charge for initiating or completing a health insurance porting request. However, the premium amount may change based on the insurer’s pricing, your medical history, age, and other risk assessments.
3. What happens if the new insurer rejects my porting request?
If the new insurer rejects your application after 15 days of receipt, the IRDAI mandates that the policy should be considered accepted. But if rejection happens within the timeframe, you will need to renew with your existing insurer or seek alternate options.
4. Can I port my group health insurance policy to an individual one?
Yes. You can port from a group policy to an individual policy with the same insurer. However, porting from a group plan to another insurer’s individual plan involves underwriting, and the benefits will depend on the new policy terms.
5. Can I switch insurers every year?
Technically, yes. You can port your health policy every year at renewal. But frequent porting is not advisable, as it may raise red flags with underwriters and could impact premium rates or lead to rejection of coverage in the long term.
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