If you’re unhappy with your current insurer - high premiums, poor service, or claim delays - you don’t have to start over.
The IRDAI allows health insurance portability, meaning you can switch insurers without losing your accrued benefits, like waiting period credits and No Claim Bonus (NCB).
At PolicyBachat, we make portability simple - compare new insurer options, transfer your policy online, and ensure a smooth transition with zero coverage gap.
Here’s everything you need to know about porting your health insurance in 2025, from timelines to documentation and top insurer practices in Hyderabad, Telangana.
What is Health Insurance Portability?
Health insurance portability lets you switch from one insurer to another (or upgrade plans within the same insurer) while keeping:
- Your existing policy tenure credit.
- Waiting period benefits.
- No Claim Bonus.
This ensures continuous coverage without restarting the clock.
When Should You Consider Portability
- Poor claim experience with current insurer.
- Excessive premium hikes.
- Better plan options available elsewhere.
- Desire to upgrade to higher coverage or new features.
Portability Rules (IRDAI 2025)
| Rule |
Description |
| Eligibility |
Available for all individual & family policies. |
| Timeline |
Must apply at least 45 days before renewal date. |
| Continuity Benefits |
Waiting periods and NCB are transferred. |
| Policy Type |
Can switch within or across insurers. |
| Grace Period |
Old policy remains active till new one is approved. |
How To Port Your Health Insurance Policy
1. Apply 45 Days Before Renewal: Submit portability request on PolicyBachat or directly to the new insurer.
2. Choose New Insurer & Plan: Compare premiums, coverage, and hospital networks.
3. Submit Documents: Provide old policy copy, ID proof, claim history, and KYC.
4. Insurer Review: New insurer evaluates your health and policy history.
5. Policy Issued: Once approved, the new policy is activated with full continuity benefits.
Documents Required
- Old policy certificate (past 2 years minimum).
- Renewal notice / payment receipt.
- Claim history (if any).
- PAN, Aadhaar, address proof.
- Passport-size photo.
Local Insights For Hyderabad
- Avg. portability success rate: 82%
- Top reasons for porting: High premiums, poor claim experience.
- Avg. processing time: 7–15 days.
- Most preferred insurers for switched customers: HDFC ERGO, Star Health.
Advantages Of Portability
- Keep pre-existing disease waiting period credit.
- Transfer No Claim Bonus (NCB).
- Access better hospitals and coverage.
- Avoid redoing medical tests in most cases.
- Retain lifetime renewability.
Comparison: New Policy Vs Portability
| Factor |
New Policy |
Ported Policy |
| Waiting Period |
Starts from 0 |
Continued from old insurer |
| NCB (Bonus) |
Lost |
Retained |
| Pre-existing Cover |
Re-evaluated |
Maintained |
| Premium |
Based on new risk |
Based on continuity |
| Underwriting |
Full |
Simplified |
Common Mistakes During Portability
- Applying too close to the renewal date.
- Missing document submission deadline.
- Not disclosing previous claims.
- Cancelling old policy before the new one is issued.
Policybachat Portability Advantage
- Compare 20+ insurers instantly.
- Full portability support and documentation review.
- No interruption in coverage during switch.
- Free Claim Assist service continues post-porting.
- 98% success rate for portability cases.
Policybachat Tip
Apply for portability 45–60 days before renewal. It gives enough time for evaluation and ensures no break in policy continuity.
Tax Benefit Note
Porting your policy does not affect your Section 80D tax benefits - premiums remain fully deductible up to ₹75,000 annually (based on age and family composition).
FAQs
What is health insurance portability?
The process of transferring your existing policy to a new insurer without losing benefits.
Is there any cost for portability?
No, only the new policy premium is paid - no extra fee.
Can I port before my renewal date?
Yes, apply at least 45 days before expiry.
Can I port a group health policy?
Yes, to an individual policy under a new insurer.
Will waiting period restart?
No, it continues from your old policy.
Can my old insurer reject portability?
No, approval depends on the new insurer’s underwriting.
Do I need medical tests again?
Only if increasing sum insured or after age 45.
Can I port to a cheaper plan?
Yes, choose any plan that suits your needs.
Can I retain my No Claim Bonus?
Yes, it is fully transferable.
Is PolicyBachat involved in the porting process?
Yes, we handle coordination, documentation, and follow-ups till activation.
Customer Reviews
- “Switched to Care Health via PolicyBachat - smooth process!” - Ananya Reddy, Hyderabad
- “Got better coverage without losing my NCB.” - Ravi Menon, Kochi
- “Ported from Star to HDFC ERGO easily.” - Vikram Nair, Bengaluru
- “Love the comparison before porting feature.” - Kavya Sharma, Mumbai
- “PolicyBachat handled paperwork perfectly.” - Sneha Iyer, Delhi
- “Finally moved to a plan with no room rent limit.” - Rajesh Rao, Chennai
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