If your current health insurer is giving you trouble, is expensive, or offers poor service, you can switch — without losing the waiting period credit you've accumulated. This is called portability.
What portability preserves
- ✅ Waiting period credit — Years already served transfer to the new insurer
- ✅ Continuity of coverage — No gap in insurance during the transition
- ✅ Sum insured continuity — You can port at the same or higher sum insured
When should you port?
- Claim was rejected unfairly by your current insurer
- Premium increased significantly at renewal
- New insurer offers better features (no room rent limit, better NCB etc.)
- Your insurer has poor network hospitals in your city
IRDAI portability rules
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Apply before | At least 45 days before your renewal date |
| New insurer's obligation | Must consider your application; can only reject on underwriting grounds |
| Waiting period credit | Years served with old insurer count toward new insurer's waiting periods |
| Sum insured | Can port at same or higher; excess over current SI has fresh waiting period |
Step-by-step porting process
- Identify the new insurer and plan you want to port to
- Apply to the new insurer at least 45 days before your renewal date
- Fill the portability form with your existing policy details
- New insurer submits request to IRDAI's PVSD portal
- Current insurer must share your policy data within 7 days
- New insurer reviews and accepts (usually within 15 days of receiving data)
- New policy starts from your renewal date — no gap in coverage
Important timing note
If you miss the 45-day window, you'll have to renew with your current insurer for another year before porting. Mark your renewal date and start the process 60 days early.
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