How & Why of Porting Your Medical Insurance Cover

As an insurance advisor, one of the most common questions I receive from my clients is:
"Can I switch my health insurance provider if I’m not satisfied?"

The answer is Yes – through Portability.

Health insurance portability is a facility provided by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India), which allows you to transfer your existing health insurance policy from one insurer to another without losing the benefits you have earned.

Why Should You Consider Porting?

There are several reasons why policyholders think about changing their insurer:

Poor Claim Experience: Delay or rejection in claims, lack of transparency, or cumbersome procedures.
Rising Premiums: Unexpected premium hikes that strain your budget.
Inadequate Coverage: Low sum insured or limited benefits compared to your needs.
Cashless Network Issues: Difficulty in accessing a good network of hospitals across cities.
Additional Benefits: Desire for smooth claim processing, better customer support, and value-added services.

If you face any of these challenges, porting could be the right option.

Key Things to Know Before Porting

Porting Request: Must be made at least 45 days before your current policy expires.
Waiting Period: Already served waiting periods and bonuses are carried forward.
Documents Needed: Medical records, identity proofs, address proof, and current policy details.
Pre-existing Conditions: Coverage continues, provided you’ve completed the required waiting periods.
Eligibility Check: The new insurer may evaluate your medical history before approval.

Benefits of Porting

✅ Continuity of Benefits – No loss of waiting period credit already earned.
✅ Better Coverage – Higher sum insured and modern features.
✅ Access to Wider Network – More hospitals and smoother cashless treatment.
✅ Transparency – Choose an insurer that aligns with your needs and offers clarity.

How the Process Works

Apply with the new insurer before 45 days of renewal.
Fill out portability forms and choose a plan.
The new insurer requests data from your existing insurer through IRDAI’s portal.
Evaluation and approval are done within 15 working days.
Once approved, your new policy starts without losing earlier benefits.

My Advice as Your Insurance Partner

Review Your Policy Every 2–3 Years: Needs change with age, family, and lifestyle.
Don’t Wait for Renewal Day: Plan porting in advance to avoid last-minute rejection.
Compare Beyond Premiums: Look at benefits, hospital networks, claim settlement ratio, and service quality.
Seek Guidance: An experienced agent can help you identify the best insurer and ensure a smooth transition.

Final Thought

Health insurance is not just about premiums—it’s about peace of mind when you need it most. If your current insurer is not meeting your expectations, porting is a smart option to secure better coverage without losing your hard-earned benefits.

As your trusted insurance advisor, I can guide you through the entire porting process with the right insurer for your needs.

💬 Want to know if you should port your medical cover? Let’s discuss and find the best plan for you!

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