What Should I Check Before Porting My Health Insurance?

Vote: 1

Are you thinking of switching your health insurance provider? Porting can unlock better benefits, lower premiums and improved coverage. However, before making the move, you must evaluate 4 major points: waiting periods, premium amount, porting timeline and medical history.


What to Check Before Porting Your Health Insurance?


Porting to a new insurer is easy when you have accurate information and follow the procedure correctly. Here are 4 things to keep in mind:


1. Understand Waiting Period


Before porting your insurance to a different provider, you must understand the waiting periods properly. The initial waiting period lasts 30 days, while the pre-existing disease waiting period lasts for 2-3 years. If you have served these periods, then you will not have to re-serve them at your new insurance provider.


2. Medical History


When you are porting your policy to a new company, the insurer may reject your request. One of the main reasons may be your medical history. If you have a history of pre-existing disease which requires frequent hospital visits, insurers can reject your request as they view you as a high-risk individual.


3. Compare Premium Amount


Porting your health insurance is a free process. However, your new insurer may charge premiums differently. Basically, your policy will have a fresh underwriting. Therefore, before porting, always check how much your premium is increasing, if any. Consider the overall value the increased premium will bring you and act accordingly.


4. Porting Timeline


You cannot port your insurance randomly. Porting is only allowed during the renewal period. For this, you have to inform your current insurer 45-60 days before your renewal. Plus, you need to fill out the portability form and inform your new insurer as well. Therefore, check your renewal date beforehand and prepare for the process.


How to Port Your Health Insurance?


Follow these steps to successfully port your health insurance:



  • Step 1: Research and choose your new insurer carefully.

  • Step 2: Inform your current insurer at least 45-60 days before policy renewal.

  • Step 3: Submit your policy documents, KYC documents, claim history and proposal form to your chosen new insurer.

  • Step 4: Your new insurer will start the underwriting process and may ask for medical reports.

  • Step 5: Once the new insurer approves your request, you can continue with your policy without breaking coverage.


Final Thoughts


Porting your health insurance is more than just finding a cheaper deal. It is about making a smarter and safer switch to a reliable provider. By following these 4 points, you can ensure a seamless transition without losing valuable coverage.