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Health Insurance Portability

Switch to Reliance General Insurance. Trusted by 5 Crore+ Indians

Health Insurance

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Health insurance portability is a feature that allows you to access better coverage options and healthcare services by switching insurance providers. This option provides the flexibility to switch to a plan that better suits evolving needs, such as more comprehensive coverage or better services, while retaining critical benefits like the No Claim Bonus and waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.

Health insurance policy portability is a valuable feature if you are looking to optimise your health coverage without starting over. It ensures continuity of care and peace of mind, giving you the freedom to choose a policy that aligns with your current health requirements and financial goals.

By opting for health insurance portability, you can enhance your health insurance experience, ensuring you receive the most suitable and advantageous coverage without any interruption in your benefits.

What is Health Insurance Portability?

Health insurance portability is a feature that allows you to switch from one insurer to another while retaining the existing health insurance policy benefits you have accumulated, such as Cumulative Bonuses and waiting period credits.

Previously, such a move would result in losing out on the benefits accumulated, such as the waiting period for pre-existing conditions. However, now you can retain the credits earned by serving the waiting period with your current insurer as you transfer your health plan to a different insurer.

You are free to port your policy to any insurer of your choice, provided that there has been no break in its renewal since you bought it.

Medical insurance portability in India was introduced by the IRDAI in 2011. The main purpose of health policy portability is to encourage policyholders to switch insurers if they are not satisfied with their current coverage benefits, services, or premium rates while retaining significant benefits earned.

Reasons for Health Insurance Portability

Need A Higher Upper Limit of Room Rent

If your existing insurer has set an upper limit on hospital room rents, you can opt for insurance portability to get higher coverage for room rents.

Insufficient Coverage or Sum Insured (SI)

The total coverage amount for your family floater plan may not be sufficient for all family members. In this case, you can switch to another insurer that provides more coverage at the same premium.

Additional Benefits Offered by Insurers

You can switch to another insurer if they offer additional benefits compared to your current insurer, such as attractive premium discounts and free annual health check-ups.

Coverage for Treatment

Suppose your current insurer does not provide adequate coverage or provides very limited coverage for daycare or domiciliary (at-home) treatment. In that case, you may choose to switch over to a different insurer.

Relocation

If you are relocating to a new city or region, your current insurer might have limited coverage in that region. In such scenarios, consider switching to an insurer with a broader network and better coverage to ensure continued protection.

Cost Savings

New health insurance plans offer enhanced benefits at lower premium rates. At the time of renewal, you can re-evaluate your requirements and explore other product options.

At Reliance General Insurance, we offer health insurance plans that provide enhanced coverage at a more competitive rate.

Policy Exclusions and Waiting Periods

If your current health insurance policy includes long waiting periods or numerous exclusions, it might be time to explore other options.

Waiting periods and coverage exclusions can vary across insurers. Suppose your current plan has particularly long waiting periods and does not adequately cover your medical needs. In that case, it may be time to look into other insurance providers and their waiting periods.

More Options and Flexibility

You can also explore switching health insurers to access a wider range of health insurance product options and enhanced flexibility features, including add-on covers.

It helps you personalise the health insurance policy to your advantage within your budget.

Insurance Portability: Rights of Every Policyholder

While filling out your health insurance portability form, you should be aware of your rights as a policyholder. As per the IRDAI, you are entitled to the following:

  • You can port your policy from any general insurance provider to a specialised health insurance company and vice versa.

  • You can port individual or family policies as per your requirements.

  • Your new insurer is bound to provide the credit you gained with the old insurer regarding the waiting period for pre-existing conditions.

  • Your new insurer must provide a sum insured amount that is at least equal to the sum insured provided by your previous insurer.

  • The previous and new insurers have to complete the porting as per the timelines prescribed in the IRDAI (Protection of Policyholders' Interests) regulations and guidelines.

Health Insurance Policy Portability Guidelines

Particulars Health Insurance Portability Rules
Types of Health Insurance Policies ApplicableYou can port your individual policy, family floater or group insurance as per the terms and conditions mentioned in the policy.
Portability is possible for a group insurance policy, a family floater, or an individual health policy within the same insurer.
Type of Insurance CompanyYou can port your health insurance plan from any general or specialised health insurance company to any other general or specialised health insurance company.
Time FrameHealth insurance policy portability is applicable only at the time of renewal.
Renewal of Existing Health Insurance PlanFor the portability option to be applicable, the existing health insurance plans should be renewed regularly without any breaks.
Health Insurance Policy Portability IntimationThe current and new insurance providers must be notified at least 45 days before the actual renewal date. The details of the new insurer must be mentioned in the portability request shared with the current insurer.
Portability ChargesNo charges are applicable to health insurance portability.
Sum InsuredThe new insurer is mandated to provide a minimum sum insured equal to your current policy's coverage. Any increase in the sum insured is at the new insurer's discretion.
PremiumPremium charges are applicable to the new insurer's terms and conditions and are subject to change.
Waiting Period for Pre-Existing DiseasesThe credits earned during the waiting period for pre-existing diseases with the current insurer will be retained after the health insurance is ported.
This means you have to serve the waiting period for pre-existing diseases with the new insurer for the number of years required minus the number of years already completed with the current insurer.

Ground for Possible Rejection of Insurance Portability Applications

Delay in Document Submission

The documents required for the health insurance portability application must be submitted within the stipulated time frame specified by the new insurer. Delays can result in rejections.

Inadequate or False Information

The non-disclosure of correct information or incomplete information, such as details about pre-existing diseases and claims made, can result in the denial of the application.

Having Outstanding Premium Payments

Your application will be rejected if you have outstanding premium payments, especially if they have been overdue for a longer period.

Limited Porting Options

Some insurance providers have restrictions on the types of health insurance policies eligible for portability, limiting the options and further leading to rejections

Underwriting Risk

If you have a pre-existing health condition that exceeds the insurance provider's underwriting risk criteria or if your age is above their specified limits, your insurance portability application can get rejected.

Poor Claim History or Policy Violation

If your previous claims are deemed inappropriate due to fraudulent reasons or policy violations, your application will be rejected.

Break-ins in Policy Renewal

If you fail to pay your premium beyond the grace period, it is considered a break in the health insurance policy. This is a common reason for the portability application's rejection.

Policy Lapse

If your health insurance policy is lapsed or expired, your health insurance portability application can be denied.

How to Apply for Health Insurance Portability?

  • Step 1: Notify your existing insurer at least 60 - 45 days before your renewal is due and request for a transfer. Specify the name of the insurer where you want to transfer the policy.

  • Step 2: At the same time, contact your new insurer to express your interest in purchasing their policy and initiate the porting process.

  • Step 3: The new insurer will provide the details of their health insurance plans, along with the proposal and portability forms for you to complete.

  • Step 4: Review the pl​an options, select a suitable health insurance policy and submit the duly filled proposal and portability forms to the new insurer.

  • Step 5: After you have submitted the necessary forms, the new insurer will contact your previous insurer to get details of your medical records, claim history and other relevant information. They may also verify this information through the IRDAI's website.

  • Step 6: The new insurer will decide whether to port your policy based on their underwriting process. An underwriter will analyse your medical records, health insurance claims and risk profile. The new insurer must confirm their decision to you within 15 days.

Please Note: Renew the policy on time so that there is no break-in. If porting is being processed, you may get a 30-day grace period.

​Documents Required for Health Insurance Portability

  • Identity Proof - Passport, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card etc.

  • Address Proof – The electricity bill, bank a/c statement, ration card, etc.

  • The IRDAI portability form

  • Portability Proposal Form (Portability Form and Annexure)

  • Insurance Policy

  • Claim history, if required

  • Declaration of no claims if the new insurer asks for it

  • Documents related to medical history issued by an authorised medical practitioner

Health Insurance Portability Benefits

Better Coverage

When you switch between insurance providers, you can access more comprehensive coverage or enhanced health insurance coverage for specific illnesses. It might provide improved benefits for health conditions that are important to you.

Retain Waiting Period Credits

One of the most significant health insurance portability benefits is that you can retain the waiting period credit earned from your previous insurer. This means you don't have to start the entire waiting period all over again as you proceed with the transition.

Flexibility to Choose

Medical insurance portability allows you to compare different options and choose a suitable policy aligned to your specific healthcare needs. Many insurers offer the portability benefit, giving you the option to strike the right balance between coverage and value for money.

Better Services and Features

By opting for the health insurance portability feature, you can gain access to better, user-friendly and efficient claim settlement services. It will enhance your overall health insurance experience and level of satisfaction.

Lower Premiums

When you compare the different health insurance options available in the market, you might find insurers offering extensive coverage at a more affordable premium rate.

Disadvantages of Health Insurance Portability

Change in Policy Terms

When you switch insurers, the new policy terms and conditions may differ from the previous one. This can be with respect to waiting periods, policy exclusions, co-payments and add-on covers, leading to misunderstandings.

Strict Timelines

The option for health policy portability can be exercised only at the time of renewal. It also requires strict adherence to timelines corresponding to submitting the application form and supporting documents.

Complex Process

The porting process can be complex and time-consuming and requires careful attention to detail and planning.

The Higher Possibility of Rejection for Senior Citizens

Senior citizens are more likely to be rejected due to age-related health concerns, pre-existing diseases and family medical history.

Possibility of Losing Loyalty Benefits

Switching between insurance providers can result in the loss of loyalty benefits, such as premium discounts earned with your previous health insurance provider, if applicable.

Reduced Coverage

The new insurance provider can reduce the coverage compared to your previous policy, limiting the benefits that were previously applicable.

Higher Premium Costs

The new insurance provider can increase your premium rate depending on your age, current health condition, choice of health insurance coverage and add-on coverage.

Things to Consider Before Availing Health Insurance Portability

Understand the Porting Process

Familiarise yourself with the health insurance porting process, including the sequence of steps and documentation involved.

Get the Timeline Right

Understand the timelines corresponding to the health policy portability applications. Although you need to initiate the process 60-45 days before the actual renewal date, start the process well in advance to get ample time to research and find the best health insurance policy catering to your specific requirements.

Analyse and Compare Coverage and Other Benefits

Compare the features of health insurance and benefits across the different insurers and choose a suitable product that aligns with your healthcare needs and affordability. Go through the customer reviews and feedback of existing customers to understand their service quality apart from the benefits offered.

Check Waiting Periods

Before switching to a new insurer, check the waiting periods applicable specifically to pre-existing health conditions. Check if your new policy aligns with the waiting period policy conditions to avoid major gaps in the coverage benefits.

Check Claim Settlement Ratio

Check the insurance provider's claim settlement ratio to ensure reliability in paying out claims. Choose an insurer with a high claim settlement ratio to ensure seamless claim settlements.

Check for Health Check-Ups

Some insurers may require you to undergo a medical checkup before they approve the health insurance policy portability request.

Check Policy Terms and Conditions

Health insurance policy terms and conditions differ between the individual insurance providers. Carefully examine them, primarily focussing on the exclusions to avoid claim rejections later when in extreme circumstances.

Reasons to Port to Reliance Health Insurance Plans

  • Easy and seamless portability process: Port from any insurance provider to Reliance Health Insurance in a hassle-free manner.

  • Health Insurance that fits your budget: Our health insurance plans start at an affordable premium of just ₹243 per month*.

  • Extensive sum assured: You can choose a sum assured starting from Rs 3 lakhs and going up to Rs 5 crores.

  • 5 crore+ policyholders*: We service a wide customer base of 5 crore+ happy customers with reliable and comprehensive products.

  • 100% claim settlement*: We offer a high claim settlement ratio and settled 100% of our claims in FY 2022-23.

  • Cashless claim settlement: We offer Cashless Everywhere, which allows you to benefit from cashless hospitalisation at all authorised hospitals.

  • Comprehensive plans and add-ons: We offer plans for individuals, families, senior citizens, and groups, as well as an exhaustive list of add-ons for all-around protection.

Easy purchase and renewal: Our online policy purchase, renewal and claims processes require minimal paperwork and are quick and hassle-free.

Conclusion

Health insurance policy portability is a convenient process that allows you to switch from your existing insurer to a new one for various reasons. By opting for this feature, you can retain benefits such as the credit earned on the waiting period for pre-existing diseases with your previous insurer.

The IRDAI provides specific guidelines for both the insurers and policyholders, which you must go through before proceeding with the porting process.

Reliance General Insurance offers a seamless transition process to make health insurance portability convenient. Explore our Reliance Health Gain Insurance for extensive coverage, customisable features and attractive discounts, ensuring you get the best value and protection for your health needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an extra premium charged during the health insurance porting process?

No, extra premiums or additional charges are not applicable during the health policy portability process. You are only required to pay the premium for the new insurance policy.​

How many times can I avail myself of health insurance portability?

You can port your health insurance plan as many times as you feel necessary. However, it is applicable at the time of policy renewal.

Is there a waiting period for health insurance portability?

When you port your health insurance policy, your new insurer must account for the waiting period served for the pre-existing conditions with your previous insurer. This means a complete waiting period will not be applicable to the new insurer, i.e., your waiting period will not reset after porting your policy.

Is migration and portability different in health insurance?

Yes, migration and portability in health insurance are different. Migration refers to shifting to a different health insurance plan within the same insurer, whereas portability refers to transferring your policy to a new insurer.

Can I port an existing group health insurance policy to an individual policy offered by anoth​er insurance company?

No, if a group plan with an insurer covers you, you can port to an individual plan with the same insurer after leaving the group. You can port to other insurance providers in the subsequent years if you are not satisfied with the existing policy features or conditions.

Disclaimer: ​*T&C apply. For more details on risk factors, terms conditions, brochure, and exclusions, please read the policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.



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