Health Insurance Portability
Switch your health insurance to a better insurer without losing your accumulated waiting period benefits -- as guaranteed by IRDAI regulations.
What Is Health Insurance Portability?
Health insurance portability allows you to transfer your existing health insurance policy from one insurer to another while retaining the credit for waiting periods already served. This means if you have completed 2 years of a 4-year pre-existing disease waiting period, the new insurer must give you credit for those 2 years. Portability was introduced by IRDAI in 2011 to empower policyholders with the freedom to choose better plans.
Why Should You Port Your Health Insurance?
- Unsatisfied with your current insurer's claim settlement process
- Found a better plan with more coverage at similar or lower premium
- Your current insurer has limited network hospitals in your area
- Need additional features like maternity cover, OPD, or restoration benefit
- Want to increase sum insured beyond what your current insurer offers
- Poor customer service or delayed cashless approvals
How Portability Works -- Step by Step
- Start 45 days before renewal: Initiate the portability request at least 45 days before your existing policy renewal date.
- Apply with the new insurer: Fill the proposal form with the new insurer and mention that this is a portability request.
- New insurer requests data: The new insurer contacts your current insurer to obtain your policy and claims history.
- Current insurer shares data: Your existing insurer must share the data within 7 days as per IRDAI norms.
- Underwriting decision: The new insurer evaluates your application and issues the policy with appropriate waiting period credits.
- Policy issued: Your new policy starts from the date your old policy was due for renewal.
What Gets Ported?
| Benefit | Portable? | Details |
|---|
| Waiting period credit | Yes | Pre-existing disease waiting period served is carried forward |
| Initial waiting period | Yes | 30-day initial waiting period is waived if already completed |
| Specific disease waiting | Yes | 1-2 year specific illness waiting period credit transfers |
| No-claim bonus | No | NCB does not transfer; new insurer may offer fresh NCB terms |
| Sum insured | Partial | Ported up to previous SI; enhancement subject to underwriting |
Things to Check Before Porting
- Compare the new plan's coverage, sub-limits, and exclusions carefully
- Check if co-pay or room rent limits differ from your current plan
- Verify the network hospital list of the new insurer in your city
- Review the claim settlement ratio of the new insurer
- Understand that the new insurer can impose additional exclusions based on your medical history
- Ensure the new plan covers your family members if you have a family floater
IRDAI Portability Guidelines
| Minimum Notice | Apply at least 45 days before renewal date |
| Data Transfer | Old insurer must share data within 7 working days |
| Decision Timeline | New insurer must decide within 15 days of receiving data |
| Applicable Plans | All indemnity-based health insurance plans |
| Group to Individual | Portability allowed from group to individual plans |
| Rejection Rights | New insurer can reject portability but must provide reasons |
Tips for a Smooth Portability Process
- Start the process well before 45 days -- do not wait until the last moment
- Keep copies of your existing policy document and claim history
- Disclose all medical conditions honestly in the new proposal form
- Do not let your existing policy lapse before the new one is issued
- Work with an IRDAI-licensed broker like GoCover to handle the paperwork
Benefits of Porting Through GoCover
- We handle the entire portability process on your behalf
- Compare plans from 20+ insurers to find the best fit
- Expert guidance on whether porting is beneficial for your specific case
- No extra charges -- our services are free for policyholders
- Dedicated support to ensure seamless transition between insurers
GoCover is an IRDAI-licensed insurance broker. Portability is subject to IRDAI guidelines and the new insurer's underwriting policy. Please consult with our experts for personalised advice.