How to Port Your Health Insurance Policy in India 2025: Complete Guide
Short: Porting lets you move your health insurance policy from one insurer to another without losing accumulated benefits like waiting periods and pre-existing condition credit (subject to underwriting). This guide covers eligibility, documents, step-by-step process, pros & cons, and practical tips for a smooth porting experience.
What Does Porting Your Health Insurance Mean?
Porting (or portability) is moving an existing health insurance policy from one insurer to another at renewal, while retaining certain benefits already earned — such as completed waiting periods for pre-existing conditions and continuity of coverage. Porting is governed by IRDAI guidelines and typically requires underwriting by the new insurer.
Why Consider Porting?
- Better coverage: Move to a policy with wider hospital network or better benefits.
- Lower premiums: If a different insurer offers the same benefits at a cheaper premium.
- Service issues: Poor claim service or delays with current insurer.
- Additional features: Add-ons or riders not available with current insurer.
Who is Eligible to Port?
Most individual and family floater health policies that are up for renewal are eligible for porting. Group policies may have different rules. Porting usually must be initiated at the time of renewal (before the expiry date) — confirm timelines with both insurers.
Documents Required to Port Health Insurance
| Document | Why it’s needed |
|---|---|
| Current policy copy | Shows current coverage, sum insured & waiting periods |
| Renewal notice / premium receipt | Proves policy is active & paid up to date |
| Proposal form for new insurer | Used for underwriting & health declarations |
| Medical records (if requested) | Required if new insurer asks for history or claims review |
| Identity & address proof | Standard KYC |
Step-by-step Process to Port Your Health Insurance
- Research & Compare: Shortlist insurers and plans with the benefits you need. Use comparison sites and check claim settlement ratios.
- Get porting approval form: Ask the new insurer for the portability/porting form or download from their website.
- Fill proposal accurately: Complete the proposal form truthfully. Provide full medical and claims history — non-disclosure can lead to rejection.
- Submit documents & current policy copy: Attach the renewal receipt, current policy copy, and any requested medical reports.
- Underwriting by new insurer: The new insurer will underwrite the application and may accept, accept with riders/exclusions, or reject based on risk.
- Receive acceptance & check terms: If accepted, verify what waiting periods and benefits are carried forward.
- Complete renewal payment: Pay the premium to the new insurer before the renewal date to avoid a break in cover.
Important Points & Tips
- Always disclose full medical history — non-disclosure can void future claims.
- Some waiting periods (for specific ailments) may be partially carried over or re-assessed — ask the new insurer to confirm in writing.
- If you have ongoing claims, porting may not be possible until claims are closed; check with insurers first.
- Compare network hospitals and pre-authorization process; better networks ease cashless claims.
- If the new insurer applies higher premiums or exclusions, negotiate or look for alternatives.
Case Study (Example)
Mrs. Rao had a family floater with Insurer A for 3 years — waiting period for a pre-existing knee condition was 2 years (already served). She found better cashless hospital network and lower premium with Insurer B. After submitting the portability request with policy documents and medical history, Insurer B accepted the port without re-imposing the 2-year waiting period. Mrs. Rao paid the renewal premium to Insurer B and continued coverage seamlessly.
FAQ
A: Yes, but the new insurer may reassess waiting periods and may accept with conditions. Many benefits like partially completed waiting periods are often carried forward per IRDAI rules.
A: Not completely — waiting periods served with the old insurer are generally credited, but the new insurer’s underwriting decision determines exact treatment.
A: Porting is typically done at renewal. Mid-term porting is rare and depends on insurer rules.
