IRDAI's portability rules let you switch health insurers at renewal without restarting your waiting periods. This is a powerful consumer right that most policyholders don't use — often because they don't know the process or are afraid of losing accumulated benefits. Here's exactly how it works.
What Transfers When You Port
Under IRDAI portability regulations: (1) Waiting period credit transfers — if you've completed 2 years of a 3-year PED wait, the new insurer gives you 2-year credit, so only 1 year remains. (2) No-claims bonus (NCB) does NOT automatically transfer — this is a common misconception. The new insurer may offer their own NCB structure but your accumulated bonus from the old insurer is lost. (3) Sum insured: you can increase sum insured, but the additional amount has fresh waiting periods. (4) Pre-existing conditions: any condition disclosed in your current policy must be disclosed to the new insurer.
The Portability Timeline
IRDAI requires you to apply for portability at least 45 days before your policy renewal date. Timeline: Day 0 — Apply to new insurer with portability form and current policy documents. Day 1–7 — New insurer requests your claims and policy history from current insurer (IRDAI's PHCDB system). Day 7–14 — New insurer underwrites and issues a quote. Day 15–45 — You accept or reject. Policy starts on your old policy's renewal date. Miss the 45-day window and you must wait for next year.
Documents Required for Portability
From your current insurer: current policy document, last 3 years' claim history (insurer provides on request), renewal notice. From you: filled portability form, proposal form for the new insurer, ID and address proof, any diagnostic reports for declared conditions.
When Portability Makes Sense
Port your policy when: (1) Your current insurer has poor claim settlement — this is the strongest reason. (2) Premium has been loaded steeply after a claim — other insurers may offer better rates. (3) You're moving cities and your insurer's network is weak there. (4) A competitor offers materially better coverage at similar price. Don't port for small premium differences of ₹500–₹1,000 — the admin hassle rarely pays off. Use ClaimRatio's insurer comparison to check CSR before deciding where to port.