Not happy with your current health insurer? You don’t have to start from scratch. IRDAI’s portability rules allow you to switch to a different insurer at renewal time without losing the waiting period credit you’ve already built up. Here’s how it works.
What Portability Actually Means
Portability means you can move your health insurance policy from one insurer to another at renewal. The key benefit is that the waiting period you’ve already served — for pre-existing conditions or specific diseases — carries over to your new insurer. You don’t restart the clock. For example, if you’ve completed 18 months of a 3-year waiting period for diabetes, the new insurer only requires the remaining 18 months.
When You Should Consider Porting
Common reasons to port include: repeated issues with cashless approvals at your preferred hospital, very slow claim settlement, poor customer service, or simply finding a better plan with more coverage at a similar price. The IRDAI has made portability a policyholder’s right precisely to encourage better service from insurers.
The Rules You Must Follow
You must apply for portability 45 to 60 days before your renewal date — not after. There must be no break in your coverage, even for a single day. The new insurer will review your application and medical history through underwriting, and they can accept, reject, or offer coverage with conditions. Portability is your right, but acceptance by the new insurer isn’t guaranteed.
What Doesn’t Carry Over
Not everything transfers when you port. Any increase in sum insured starts fresh with a new waiting period. New add-ons you choose while porting are treated as new benefits. Sub-limits, co-payment clauses, and room rent restrictions are as per the new policy terms. No-claim bonus transfer also depends on the new insurer’s policy.
Apply Early and Compare Carefully
Give yourself at least 45 to 60 days before renewal to compare and apply. This leaves enough time for underwriting without risking a gap in coverage. Use the time to genuinely compare — not just the premium, but the claim settlement ratio, hospital network, and exclusion list of the plan you’re moving to.
Draco Insurance can help you compare plans and manage the porting process from start to finish. Visit dracoinsurance.in or call +91 7064106417 to speak with an adviser.
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