Learn how to port health insurance to another company in India. Step-by-step 2026 guide covering eligibility, waiting period transfer, documents, and rules. Want to switch health insurance providers? Learn how to port health insurance in India without losing waiting period benefits in this 2026 guide.
How to Port Health Insurance to Another Company in India (Complete Step-by-Step Guide – 2026)
Health insurance is one of the most important financial protections in life. But what if your current insurer no longer meets your needs? Rising premiums, poor claim experience, limited hospital network, or inadequate coverage are common reasons people consider switching.
The good news is that health insurance portability in India allows you to change your insurer without losing important benefits like waiting period credits.
This guide explains how to port health insurance to another company in India, step by step, along with rules, timelines, documents, mistakes to avoid, and expert tips.
What Is Health Insurance Portability?
Health insurance portability is a facility introduced by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) that allows policyholders to switch from one health insurance company to another while retaining benefits such as:
- Waiting period already served
- Pre-existing disease (PED) credit
- Continuity benefits
Portability applies to:
- Individual health insurance
- Family floater policies
It does not apply to:
- Group health insurance (corporate policies)
- Personal accident-only covers
Why Do People Port Their Health Insurance?
Common reasons include:
- Frequent claim rejections
- Poor customer support
- Limited hospital network
- High premium increases
- Low room rent or disease sub-limits
- No restoration or modern benefits
- Better features available with another insurer
Porting is a rights-based facility, not a favour from insurers.
When Can You Port Health Insurance in India?
You can port your health insurance only at the time of policy renewal.
Important Timelines
- Apply at least 45 days before renewal
- Insurer must respond within 15 days
- Final approval before renewal date
Missing the timeline means you must wait another year.
Step-by-Step Process to Port Health Insurance in India
Step 1: Compare Health Insurance Plans Carefully
Before porting, compare:
- Coverage amount
- Room rent limits
- Disease sub-limits
- Waiting periods
- Co-payment clauses
- Network hospitals
- Claim settlement ratio
- Restoration benefits
Porting without upgrading coverage is often a missed opportunity.
Step 2: Inform Your Current Insurer
Notify your existing insurer in writing or via email that you intend to port your policy at renewal.
This step ensures:
- No policy lapse
- Smooth data sharing through IRDAI portal
Step 3: Apply to the New Insurance Company
Submit a portability request form to the new insurer at least 45 days before renewal.
You will also need to fill:
- Proposal form
- Medical declaration
- Portability request form
Step 4: Medical Underwriting by New Insurer
The new insurer evaluates:
- Age
- Medical history
- Claim history
- Existing conditions
They may:
- Ask for medical tests
- Accept with standard terms
- Apply waiting period only for enhanced benefits
- Reject (rare, but possible)
Step 5: Decision & Offer Letter
Within 15 days, the insurer must:
- Accept the proposal
- Reject with reasons
- Ask for additional information
If no response within 15 days, approval is deemed granted as per IRDAI guidelines.
Step 6: Pay Premium & Complete Porting
Once approved:
- Pay premium before renewal date
- New policy starts immediately after old policy expires
- No break in coverage
Documents Required for Health Insurance Portability
- Previous policy copy
- Renewal notice
- Claim history (if any)
- KYC documents
- Medical reports (if required)
- Proposal form
- Portability request form
Keep copies of all communications.
What Benefits Are Carried Forward During Porting?
Waiting Period Credit
- Waiting periods already completed are carried forward
- Applies to:
- Initial waiting period
- Pre-existing diseases
Example:
If you completed 2 out of 3 years waiting period for diabetes, only 1 year remains after porting.
What Benefits Are NOT Carried Forward?
- No-claim bonus amount (value may reset)
- Discounts from previous insurer
- Add-ons not available in new plan
- Loyalty rewards
However, coverage can still be upgraded.
Can Premium Increase After Porting?
Yes, premiums may increase due to:
- Age-based pricing
- Higher sum insured
- Better features
- Medical conditions
But premium increase must be justified and disclosed.
Can Health Insurance Porting Be Rejected?
Yes, but only for valid reasons such as:
- Severe undisclosed medical conditions
- Adverse claim history
- Incomplete documentation
- Misrepresentation
Rejection must be communicated with reasons.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Porting Health Insurance
- Applying after renewal date
- Hiding medical history
- Porting without comparing coverage
- Losing continuity due to late payment
- Porting frequently without need
- Choosing lowest premium instead of best coverage
Porting should be a strategic decision, not an emotional one.
Is Porting Health Insurance Always a Good Idea?
Porting is beneficial if:
- Claims experience is poor
- Coverage is outdated
- Premium hikes are unreasonable
- Better plans are available
Porting may not be ideal if:
- Policy is already comprehensive
- Claim history is heavy
- Age is very high with multiple illnesses
Special Case: Porting from Corporate to Individual Policy
Portability rules do not automatically apply from group to individual policies.
However:
- Some insurers offer conversion benefits
- Waiting period credit may be limited
- Must be done immediately after leaving employment
Professional guidance is strongly recommended here.
Health Insurance Porting Eligibility Calculator (India – 2026)
Use this step-by-step calculator to check whether you are eligible to port your health insurance, what benefits you can carry forward, and whether porting makes financial sense for you.
STEP 1: Check Basic Eligibility (Yes / No)
Answer the following questions:
1️⃣ Is your current health insurance policy active?
- ✅ Yes → Proceed
- ❌ No → Not eligible (policy lapse breaks continuity)
2️⃣ Are you applying at renewal time?
- ✅ Yes → Proceed
- ❌ No → Not eligible (porting allowed only at renewal)
3️⃣ Are you applying at least 45 days before renewal?
- ✅ Yes → Proceed
- ❌ No → High risk of rejection
If you answered YES to all three, you are eligible to apply for porting.
STEP 2: Waiting Period Carry-Forward Calculator
Enter the following:
- Total waiting period for pre-existing diseases in old policy:
☐ 2 years ☐ 3 years ☐ 4 years - Waiting period already completed:
☐ 0 ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 years
Calculation:
Remaining Waiting Period =
Total Waiting Period − Completed Years
Example:
- Total PED waiting period: 3 years
- Completed: 2 years
- Remaining after porting: 1 year
✔ This remaining period will continue in the new policy
✔ You will NOT restart from zero
STEP 3: Coverage Upgrade Impact Calculator
Are you increasing sum insured while porting?
- ☐ Yes
- ☐ No
If No
→ No new waiting period applies
If Yes, calculate:
Example:
- Old cover: ₹5 lakh
- New cover: ₹10 lakh
- Enhanced cover: ₹5 lakh
➡ Waiting period applies only on ₹5 lakh extra amount
➡ Base ₹5 lakh keeps continuity
STEP 4: Premium vs Benefit Check
Fill this table:
| Item | Current Policy | New Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Sum Insured | ₹______ | ₹______ |
| Annual Premium | ₹______ | ₹______ |
| Room Rent Limit | Yes / No | Yes / No |
| Disease Sub-limits | Yes / No | Yes / No |
| Restoration Benefit | Yes / No | Yes / No |
| Network Hospitals | ____ | ____ |
Rule:
If premium increase ≤ 15–25% AND coverage improves → ✔ Porting makes sense
If premium jumps too high without benefit → ❌ Reconsider
STEP 5: Medical Risk Score (Self-Assessment)
Tick applicable boxes:
- ☐ Age above 50
- ☐ Diabetes
- ☐ Hypertension
- ☐ Heart condition
- ☐ Major claim in last 2 years
Risk Score:
- 0–1 boxes → Low risk (Easy porting)
- 2–3 boxes → Medium risk (Port carefully)
- 4+ boxes → High risk (Professional guidance needed)
STEP 6: Final Porting Eligibility Result
You are a GOOD candidate for porting if:
✔ Policy active
✔ Applying 45 days before renewal
✔ Waiting period credit available
✔ Coverage improves meaningfully
✔ Risk score is low or moderate
You should AVOID porting if:
❌ Policy has lapsed
❌ Applying after renewal
❌ Heavy medical history + recent claims
❌ Premium increase is unjustified
Quick Eligibility Verdict (One-Line Test)
👉 If you can upgrade coverage without restarting waiting periods and without a large premium shock, you are eligible and porting is beneficial.
Bonus: Corporate to Individual Porting Check
If your policy is corporate/group insurance:
- ❌ Automatic porting rules do NOT apply
- ✔ Conversion may be possible
- ✔ Waiting period credit may be partial
- ⚠ Strongly recommended to consult before proceeding
FAQs – Health Insurance Portability in India
Can I port health insurance online?
Yes, many insurers allow online portability requests.
Will I lose pre-existing disease coverage?
No, waiting period credit already served is retained.
Can I increase sum insured during porting?
Yes, but additional coverage may have fresh waiting periods.
Is there any cost for porting?
No, porting itself is free.
How many times can I port?
There is no legal limit, but frequent porting is discouraged.
Final Thoughts: Port Smart, Not in Panic
Health insurance porting is a powerful consumer right, but it must be used wisely. A well-planned port can improve coverage, reduce long-term costs, and ensure smoother claims.
The key is early planning, full disclosure, and correct plan selection.
Need Help Porting Health Insurance?
If you are unsure:
- Which plan to choose
- Whether porting is beneficial
- How waiting periods will apply
Professional guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Your health coverage should give peace of mind—not confusion.
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