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Can’t Switch Your Health Insurer After Buying? Busting The Myth

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Today's era is digital, and getting an online health insurance policy has never been so easy. With just a few clicks, you can compare policies, learn the benefits of one or another, and get the one that is perfect for you.

At the same time, numerous myths and misconceptions about online health insurance policies are stark realities. One such myth is that "you are not allowed to change your health insurance company after purchasing the policy online”. But is this true? Let’s find out.

What is Health Insurance Portability?

Health insurance portability allows you to:

• Switch from one insurance company to another

• Migrate from one policy to another within the same insurer

• Retain waiting periods for pre-existing diseases

• Preserve continuity benefits (e.g., No Claim Bonus)

It empowers the policyholder with the freedom to choose a better policy without compromising on continuity benefits. This feature ensures that you are not locked into a policy you are unhappy with, especially in cases of poor service, inadequate coverage, or high premium rates.

However, remember that you cannot switch insurers in the middle of the policy term. You need to apply for portability at least 45 days before your existing policy expires.

Also, the credit of the waiting period is only transferred for the duration served with the previous insurer. If you had a three-year waiting period and completed two years, the new insurer will require you to serve the remaining one year.

The new insurer reserves the right to accept or reject your portability application after assessing your health history and risk profile.

Why Policyholders Think They Can’t Change the Insurer

The myth that you cannot change your insurer often arises due to:

• Lack of awareness:

Many policyholders are simply not informed about the portability feature.

• Complex procedures:

People fear that the process of switching is time-consuming.

• Misleading sales practices:

Some insurers may discourage switching to retain their customer base.

• Fear of losing benefits:

Many believe that switching policies means losing accumulated benefits like No Claim Bonus or served waiting periods, which is not true under IRDAI regulations.

How to Port Your Health Insurance Policy Online

Thanks to digital platforms and IRDAI's consumer-friendly rules, porting your online health insurance policy is easier than ever:

Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Research and compare:

◦ Use online comparison portals to review available options.

◦ Look for better coverage, lower premiums, wider network hospitals, and customer service ratings.

2. Initiate portability request:

◦ Apply to the new insurer at least 45-60 days before the renewal date of your existing policy.

◦ Fill out a portability form along with a proposal form of the new insurer.

3. Submit documents:

◦ Copies of your existing policy

◦ Medical history records

◦ ID proof and address proof

◦ Recent medical reports (if required)

4. Underwriting by new insurer:

◦ The new insurer reviews your case and may ask for additional information or medical tests.

5. Approval and issuance:

◦ Once approved, your new policy is issued, and the previous policy is discontinued.

◦ All benefits, like No Claim Bonus and waiting period credits, are carried forward.

Benefits of Changing Health Insurers Online

With the increasing digitalisation of the insurance sector, buying and managing health insurance policies online has become fast, simple, and transparent.

Here is how:

1. Improved coverage

• You can choose a plan with broader coverage, including OPD care, maternity, or critical illness, which may not be part of your existing policy.

2. Better premium rates

• With rising competition in the health insurance sector, new plans may offer more features at a lower premium.

3. Superior customer service

• If you’ve been dissatisfied with claim settlement, hospital tie-ups, or overall service, switching gives you a fresh start with a better insurer.

4. Digital convenience

• Online platforms now allow you to port policies digitally without visiting offices or dealing with paperwork.

Conclusion

The notion that you're "tied" to a health insurance firm after purchasing a policy is false. You can easily port your online health insurance policy, as long as you comply with the guidelines.

Health insurance portability is a policyholder-driven benefit that induces healthy competition and ensures better quality service.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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