How Can I Switch My Health Insurance Policy Using Portability?

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To change your policy through portability, you should initiate the procedure 45 to 60 days before the expiry of the existing policy. Select another insurance company and complete filling out the forms related to portability and proposals, and send them along with the documents proving the policyholder's claim history.


What is Health Insurance Portability?


Portability in health insurance means that you can shift from your existing health insurance policy to another one without having any benefit loss, like NCB, waiting period reduction, and health check-up coverage.


In case you are not satisfied with your current policy and its services, portability helps you find another health insurance plan. However, you can opt for portability if you have renewed your policy without any break.


How to Port Your Health Insurance Policy Online?


To port your health insurance policy online, you need to inform your current insurer at least 40 to 60 days before your renewal date. Other than this, other steps include


Step 1: Upon receiving the portability request, the health insurance company will provide you with a proposal and portability forms, as well as the details about available plans.


Step 2: Once you receive the details of available plans, you can do your own research and choose a plan that matches your needs.


Step 3: Select the health plan you wish to port and submit the duly filled form to the new insurer of your choice.


Step 4: The new insurer will now review your previous medical records, along with your claim history and might ask you to undergo a medical examination.


Step 5: In this step, the existing insurer will provide all requested details via IRDAI's common portal within 7 working days.


Step 6: After receiving all the information, the new insurer will now decide whether to accept this request or not within 15 days.


What is the List of Documents Required to Port a Health Insurance Policy?


To apply for health insurance portability, you need basic documents like address proof and identity proof. Other than this, additional documents include:


From Previous Insurance Provider:



  • Policy certificate for previous years



  • Notice of renewal reflecting continuity of coverage



  • Declaration from the policyholder in case no claim has been made



  • Investigation report and discharge summary in case of any claim


From New Insurance Provider:



  • Application/Proposal Form



  • Portability form


Key Considerations and Tips to Port a Health Insurance Policy


Certain guidelines need to be kept in mind while considering health insurance portability. These include:



  • Porting is only possible during the renewal of your existing health plan.



  • You get to keep the waiting period credit along with NCB.



  • The insurers cannot charge any fee for porting.



  • Your existing health insurance policy needs to be active until the porting approval comes through.


Final Words


Health insurance portability allows you to change the insurer while keeping all your benefits intact. If you follow the process correctly and submit your documents on time, you will have no trouble changing the plan.