How to port health insurance to another insurer in 2026

You can switch your health insurance to a new company without losing the time you already waited for pre-existing disease coverage. Learn how to port health insurance 30 to 60 days before renewal, what happens to your no claim bonus, and the IRDAI rules your new insurer must follow.

By Qrates research desk · 2026-11-01

Quick answer: How to port health insurance

You can port your health insurance by applying to a new insurer between 30 and 60 days before your current policy renewal date. Under IRDAI rules, your accumulated waiting period credit for pre-existing diseases transfers to the new policy. The new insurer must decide on your proposal within 5 days of receiving your data from your current insurer (IRDAI Master Circular on Health Insurance, 2024).

What you need before you start

Gather your details before you approach a new insurer. You will need these items to fill out the portability form.

Your existing policy document and the upcoming renewal notice.
The exact policy renewal date.
Your claim history from the current insurer.
Standard KYC documents like your Aadhaar and PAN.

The health insurance portability process (Step-by-step)

Step 1: Pick a new insurer and check their plans

Start by choosing a new insurer and a specific plan that fits your needs. Compare the terms carefully before you start the porting process. You can check the Qrates health insurance directory to see the actual waiting periods, room rent caps, and complaint data of the new insurer.

Step 2: Submit the portability form 30 to 60 days before renewal

You must apply for portability at least 30 days but not earlier than 60 days before your renewal due date (IRDAI health insurance FAQ). Aiming for about 45 days gives you a safe buffer. The new insurer gives you a portability form, which you submit with its proposal form. Apply for the entire policy, including all family members on it.

Step 3: Provide your documents and medical history

Give the new insurer the documents it asks for. This can include past policy copies and claim details. The new insurer also requests your policy and claim details from your current insurer through the Insurance Information Bureau (IIB) portal. Your current insurer must send them within 72 hours (IRDAI Master Circular on Health Insurance, 2024).

Step 4: Wait for the 5-day approval window

The new insurer reviews your medical history and claim records. They must communicate their decision within 5 days of receiving your data from the existing insurer (IRDAI Master Circular on Health Insurance, 2024). They will either accept your proposal or reject it. Answer quickly if they ask you for anything more.

Step 5: Pay the premium to the new insurer

Once the new insurer accepts your proposal, pay the premium as it instructs. The new policy must show continuous cover from your first policy, so check that date on the new policy. Your old policy ends on its renewal date if you do not renew it.

How long it takes and what it costs

IRDAI's 2024 circular and FAQ do not list a separate fee for porting, but ask the new insurer to confirm. You pay the premium for your new policy, and the new insurer sets that premium.

The timeline is set by the IRDAI. Your old insurer has up to 72 hours to send your data, and the new insurer then has up to 5 days to decide (IRDAI Master Circular on Health Insurance, 2024).

What happens to your waiting period and no claim bonus

Your waiting period credit moves with you up to your existing sum insured (IRDAI Master Circular on Health Insurance, 2024). If you have completed two years of a three-year pre-existing disease waiting period in health insurance, you only wait one more year with the new insurer. You do not start from zero. This example assumes the new policy has the same three-year wait. If its wait is longer, the new insurer should explain the extra period in the portability form.

If you increase your sum insured during portability, the credit does not cover the extra amount. The extra amount can have a fresh waiting period and fresh underwriting, so ask the new insurer. Your accumulated no claim bonus also transfers to the new insurer (IRDAI Master Circular on Health Insurance, 2024). The new insurer sets the premium, which can be charged on the combined amount.

If it does not work: What to do if your application is rejected

A company can reject health insurance portability after reviewing your underwriting details and claim history. Renew your existing policy if your request is rejected. Do this by the due date if you can. Annual policies have a 30-day grace period, and your credits stay protected if you renew in it, but check whether your policy covers claims during those days.

Renewing your old policy ensures you do not lose your current coverage. If you believe the rejection violated IRDAI rules, you can file a complaint on the IRDAI Bima Bharosa portal to address the issue.

FAQs

How many days before renewal can I port health insurance?

You must apply at least 30 days but not earlier than 60 days before your renewal due date (IRDAI health insurance FAQ). Applying about 45 days in advance is a safe middle ground.

Will I lose my waiting period if I port health insurance?

No, your accumulated waiting period credit transfers to the new insurer (IRDAI Master Circular on Health Insurance, 2024). This applies up to your existing sum insured amount.

Can a company reject health insurance portability?

Yes, the new insurer can reject your application. It decides after seeing your underwriting details and claim history from the current insurer. Before applying, it is helpful to check if an insurance company is IRDAI registered to ensure you are dealing with a legitimate provider.

Is there any fee to port health insurance?