Health insurance holds utmost significance in everyone’s life, as it not only protects you from the burden of medical expenses but also provides peace of mind.

However, there could be times when you feel your present health insurance is no longer fulfilling your requirements due to poor customer service, insufficient coverage, or better options available with other insurance companies. In such a scenario, a policyholder can transfer the existing health insurance policy to a new insurance company, while retaining its benefits. Here’s the meaning & step-by-step process to switch your health insurance plan without any hassle.

What is a Health Insurance Portability?

Health insurance portability refers to a situation in which a policyholder transfers his health insurance policy from one insurer to the other, without losing the accumulated benefits of the policy. Porting of health insurance policy could be due to several reasons, like the present policy not suitable anymore or there is insufficient coverage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Port An Existing Health Insurance

Due to several reasons, many policyholders tend to port their existing health insurance to a new insurance company, to explore better options available in the health insurance market. Here’s the step-by-step process to port existing health insurance to a new insurance company:   

1. Understand Your Health Insurance Needs

Evaluate your health insurance needs thoroughly and check if your present health insurance plan is catering to your needs or not. Port your insurance plan if your needs are not catered to.

2. Research About Health Insurance Plans

If your present health insurance is not suitable for you then start exploring other options available in the market that align with your health needs and financial capabilities.

3. Contact Health Insurance Companies

On finding a suitable health insurance plan, contact the insurers and get detailed information about the waiting periods, exclusions, and claim procedures.

4. Opt for the best health insurance

After the research work, select the most appropriate health insurance policy for yourself that covers all essential aspects.

5. Inform your present health insurer

To port your existing health insurance plan, it is important to first inform your insurance company in writing, through either email or a formal letter.

6. Submission of the Portability Request to the New Insurance company

In the portability request, you have to fill out a proposal form and submit documents related to your existing policy.

7. Undergo medical tests, if necessary

To avoid any kind of delay in the health insurance porting process, undergo the medical tests if asked by the new insurance company.

8. Await the approval for the portability of health insurance

After receiving all necessary documents, your new insurer will assess them and port your previous health insurance plan to a new one with similar or better terms, considering the waiting period already served.

Wrapping Up!

Nowadays, a policyholder can easily switch his/her existing health insurance plan to a new insurance company, if it is no longer serving their needs. It is important to note that with health insurance portability, there is no loss of the benefits, the transition to a new insurer is smooth and the coverage is continued with a better deal. Just follow the steps outlined above and easily port your health policy to a new insurer, retaining the benefits and bettering the coverage.

Also Read: How to File a Reimbursement Claim Under Health Insurance

FAQs on Health Insurance Portability

Can I port any health insurance policy? 

Yes, you can port individual and family health insurance policies between insurers. However, the policy must be active, and porting is usually allowed only at renewal.

Can the new insurer reject my porting request? 

Yes, the new insurer can reject your request based on their underwriting criteria, such as age, medical history, or other factors.

Do I need to undergo a medical examination when porting? 

It depends on the new insurer’s requirements. They may ask for a medical check-up based on your age, medical history, or the coverage you're seeking.

When should I port my health insurance policy?

You should consider porting if you find a better plan, need enhanced coverage, or are dissatisfied with your current insurer's services.