The process of changing your health insurer is quite easy and doesn't need to be a hectic job. Are you unsatisfied with your current health policy or looking out for a better scheme for your health needs? Transferring your health insurance is a good decision without giving up your benefits. Health insurance portability allows you to switch from your current health plan to a new insurer with accumulated waiting periods and no-claim bonuses still applicable. To understand how insurance protects your finances, read how health insurance safeguards your finances in real life situations.
We have put together a step-by-step process on how to port your health insurance in India. We will cover the important aspects such as IRDAI rules, eligibility criteria and tips for a smooth switch. If you wish for a wider health cover or to reduce your premiums or a better service, we will give you the right decision for your health policy.
What is Health Insurance Portability?
Have you ever been in a position when your current health insurance policy is just not working out for you? Your health insurance premiums have become quite heavy, or your nearby hospital does not feature in your policy network, or then the claim procedures are a huge hassle. Well, you are not bound to stay where you are. Health Insurance portability is your right in India. It allows you to move your health insurance from one insurance company to another, while continuing to avail your benefits.
Essentially, portability allows you to move your current health insurance from one insurer to another of your choice, while retaining major benefits like waiting periods already passed and your accrued No Claim Bonuses. Learn more about what is NCB in insurance and how it works. The right of health insurance portability was introduced in India and is regulated by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) from October 2011, with India becoming one of the countries to give its policyholders an enormous level of health insurance portability.
In short, Health insurance portability is the process of switching your health insurance provider while retaining benefits like waiting period credit and no-claim bonus. It is allowed only at policy renewal and regulated by IRDAI in India.
This guide will tell you how to port health insurance step-by-step.
- 2011: IRDAI introduced portability
- 45 Days: notice required
- 15 Days: insurer must respond
- 100% Waiting period: credit carried over
Health Insurance Portability – Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Porting Allowed | Only at renewal |
| Notice Period | Minimum 45 days |
| Insurer Response Time | 15 days |
| Waiting Period Credit | 100% carry forward |
| NCB Transfer | Yes |
| Online Porting | Available |
Why Should You Port Your Health Insurance?
Transferring health insurance policy should not only be the choice to find the cheap health insurance plans, but also it should ensure the actual plan is being used in actual. The most popular reasons why policyholders choose to port are:
- Your existing health insurance premiums have risen steeply at renewal without any improvement in coverage
- The claim settlement ratio of your current health insurance company is poor or getting worse
- You're not satisfied with the network of cashless hospitals in your city
- Your current health insurance plan doesn't cover critical illnesses, maternity, or OPD you now need
- A new health insurance company offers better accumulated benefits, lower co-pays, or higher room rent limits
- You want to add family members or change your sum insured at renewal time
- You're moving cities and your existing insurer has limited hospital network coverage in the new location
Quick fact: According to IRDAI guidelines, every policyholder has the right to port their health insurance plan at the time of renewal. You do not need a reason to justify the switch — it is your right as a consumer.
IRDAI Rules You Must Know Before You Port
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) – India's insurance regulatory authority – has set clear rules to protect you during the portability process. Understanding these keeps you in control.
| IRDAI Rule | What it means for you |
| Submit portability request at least 45 days before renewal date | You must initiate the port no later than 45 days before your policy expires |
| New insurer must respond within 15 days | If they don't respond in 15 days, they are deemed to have accepted your portability request |
| Continuity of waiting periods | Any waiting periods already served on your existing health insurance must be credited by the new insurer |
| Pre-existing conditions must be covered | The new health insurance company cannot deny coverage for pre-existing conditions you already disclosed |
| No-claim bonus (NCB) portability | Claim bonuses you earned with your previous insurer must be honoured by the new insurer |
| Only allowed at time of renewal | You cannot port mid-policy — portability only works at the time of renewal |
Step-by-Step: How to Port Health Insurance policy in India
The portability process is simpler than most people think. Here is exactly how health insurance portability works in India, broken down into clear steps:
1. Research new health insurance plans - Compare health insurance companies on parameters like premium, sum insured, network hospitals, claim settlement ratio, and terms and conditions. Use aggregator platforms to get multiple quotes side by side. You can also check best health insurance in India tips before choosing a plan.
2. Submit your portability request 45 days before renewal - This is the most critical step. Approach your chosen new health insurance company and fill out the portability proposal form at least 45 days before your renewal date. Missing this deadline means you'll have to wait another year.
3. Fill out the portability proposal form - Provide details of your existing health insurance policy, your health history, and your pre-existing conditions accurately. Hiding information can lead to claim rejections later.
4. New insurer contacts your existing insurer - The new health insurance company will reach out to your existing insurer via the IRDAI's online portability portal to obtain your policy details, claim history, and accumulated benefits.
5. Underwriting and offer - The new insurer evaluates your profile and makes an offer. They must respond within 15 days of receiving your information from the existing insurer. To understand approvals better, read insurance claim process explained step by step.
6. Review the new policy's terms and conditions - Do not skip this. Check the new waiting periods (if any added), room rent caps, co-payment clauses, and exclusions before you agree.
7. Pay the premium and get covered - Once you accept the offer and pay the premium, your new policy kicks in from the renewal date of your old policy. Your old coverage does not lapse in between.
Best tip: Don't only 45 days prior to renewal, and start the portability request 60 days out! You'll have additional time to shop around, bargain and complete paperwork without stressing!
How to Port Health Insurance Online in India
Thanks to the IRDAI's digital push, you can now port your health insurance policy entirely online — no branch visits, no paperwork queues. Here is how to port health insurance online:
- Visit the official website of the health insurance company you want to switch to
- Navigate to the "Port Health Insurance" or "Health Insurance Portability" section
- Fill in your existing policy details — policy number, insurer name, sum insured, and renewal date
- Complete the online proposal form with personal, medical, and nominee details
- Upload required documents (list below) digitally
- The new insurer processes your portability request through IRDAI's online portal
- Receive a quote, review it carefully, and pay the premium online
- Download your new health insurance policy document
Warning: Make sure the new insurer you choose is registered with IRDAI. Never make any payment or share sensitive data on unofficial websites or through unverified agents.
What Happens to Your Waiting Periods and Accumulated Benefits?
This is the question most people worry about when they think about porting. Let's clear it up once and for all.
| Benefit type | What gets carried over | What may reset |
| Waiting periods (pre-existing conditions) | Full credit for time already served | None — IRDAI mandates full credit |
| No-claim bonus / claim bonuses | NCB earned with old insurer is honoured | New insurer's NCB structure may differ |
| Initial waiting period (30-90 days) | If already served, carries forward | Not applicable if existing policy is active |
| Disease-specific waiting periods | Credited proportionally | Some new insurers may add conditions — check terms |
| Sum insured continuity | Guaranteed at same level | Upgrades in sum insured may attract fresh waiting |
| Accumulated benefits (loyalty additions) | Depends on new insurer's policy terms | Insurer-specific loyalty benefits may not transfer |
In short - your waiting periods for pre-existing conditions and claim bonuses are protected by law. What is not guaranteed are insurer-specific loyalty perks or wellness programs that are proprietary to your existing health insurance company.
When Should You Avoid Porting Health Insurance?
- If you are already undergoing treatment
- If your waiting period is about to complete
- If new policy has higher exclusions
- If premium difference is minimal
Documents Required for Health Insurance Portability
Keep these documents ready before you submit your portability request to ensure a smooth, fast process:
- Filled and signed portability proposal form from the new insurer
- Copy of your existing health insurance policy document
- Previous policy renewal notices (last 3–5 years if available)
- Claim history statement from your existing insurer
- Medical reports for any pre-existing conditions declared
- KYC documents – Aadhaar, PAN, passport-size photos
- Discharge summaries for any hospitalisation in the past 3 years
Port Health Insurance: Do’s and Don'ts
| Do this | Avoid this |
| Start the process at least 45 days before the renewal date | Waiting until the last week before renewal – you'll lose the window |
| Disclose all pre-existing conditions honestly in the proposal form | Hiding health conditions to get a lower premium leads to claim rejection |
| Compare at least 4–5 health insurance plans before choosing | Choosing a new plan based on premium alone without checking coverage |
| Read the terms and conditions of the new policy carefully | Check that the new policy is identical feature-for-feature to the old one |
| Ensure the new insurance provider is IRDAI registered | Making payment or revealing personal information to an un-registered intermediary |
| Maintain copies of documents submitted for your personal reference | Relying only on verbal confirmation always get written acknowledgement |
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Port Health Insurance Policy in India?
Submit a portability request to your chosen new health insurance company at least 45 days before your renewal date. Fill out the portability proposal form, provide your existing policy details, complete underwriting, and pay the premium. Your new coverage starts from the renewal date of your old policy.
Can I Port My Health Insurance Online?
Yes. Most health insurance companies in India allow you to port health insurance online through their official websites. You fill out the proposal form digitally, upload documents, and complete payment online. The process is facilitated through IRDAI's centralised portability portal.
Will My Waiting Period Reset When I Port Health Insurance?
No. Under IRDAI regulations, your new health insurance company must give full credit for any waiting periods you have already completed — including those for pre-existing conditions. This is one of the biggest protections portability offers.
What is the 45-day Rule in Health Insurance Porting?
The IRDAI has stated that the porting application needs to be submitted to the new insurer not later than 45 days prior to the renewal of your present policy. Should you fail to meet this condition, you can port only at the next renewal.
Are Claim Bonuses (NCB) Transferred When I Port?
Yes. The accumulated no-claim bonuses you have earned with your existing insurer must be honoured by the new health insurance company as per IRDAI guidelines. However, the structure of how NCB is applied may differ between insurers.
Can I Increase My Sum Insured When Porting?
Yes, you can request a higher sum insured when porting. However, the additional amount above your existing sum insured may be subject to fresh waiting periods. The existing sum insured transfers with full continuity of benefits.
What if the New Insurer Rejects My Portability Request?
A new insurer can only reject your portability request on underwriting grounds – and they must communicate this within 15 days. If they fail to respond in 15 days, IRDAI regulations deem the request accepted. You can also raise a grievance with IRDAI's Integrated Grievance Management System (IGMS).
Ready to port your health insurance?
Start comparing plans today – remember, you need to initiate at least 45 days before your renewal date.
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