Porting a health insurance policy means switching from one insurer to another without losing benefits like the waiting period credit for pre-existing conditions.

But does porting reset the waiting period, or do you retain the completed time?

Let’s break it down in detail.

What Happens to the Waiting Period When You Port?

Good news! The waiting period DOES NOT reset when you port your policy.

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has made it mandatory for insurers to honor the waiting period already served by the policyholder when they switch insurers.

Example: If your existing health insurance policy has a 3-year waiting period for a pre-existing condition and you’ve already completed 2 years, when you port to a new insurer, you’ll only need to serve 1 more year instead of starting over.

Key Rule: The new insurer must give credit for the waiting period you’ve already completed with your previous insurer, as long as you port without a coverage gap.

Types of Waiting Periods in Health Insurance

Understanding waiting periods helps you know what carries over when you port.

1. Initial Waiting Period:
• Typically 30 to 90 days before you can claim non-accidental hospitalization.
• Retained when you port – No need to serve it again.
2. Pre-Existing Disease (PED) Waiting Period:
• Usually 2 to 4 years for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, etc.
• Time served with the old insurer is carried forward when you port.
3. Specific Illness/Condition Waiting Period:
• Some illnesses (e.g., hernia, cataract) may have a 2-year waiting period.
• Waiting period credit is transferred to the new insurer.
4. Maternity Benefits Waiting Period:
• Often 2 to 4 years before maternity expenses are covered.
• Not all insurers transfer this benefit, so check with the new insurer before porting.

Key Rules for Porting Without Losing Waiting Period Benefits

1. You Must Port During Renewal

Porting is only allowed at the time of renewal. You cannot switch insurers mid-policy.

What You Need to Do:

✔ Inform your current insurer at least 45 days before renewal about your decision to port.

✔ Submit a portability request to the new insurer within this window.

2. Your New Policy Sum Insured Should Be Equal to or Higher than Your Old Policy

The waiting period credit applies only up to the sum insured of your previous policy.

Example:

• If your old policy had a ₹5 lakh sum insured and you port to a ₹10 lakh policy, the waiting period credit applies only to ₹5 lakh coverage.
• The extra ₹5 lakh in coverage will have a fresh waiting period.

3. No Break in Coverage Allowed

There should be no gap between the old and new policies. If there’s a renewal lapse, the waiting period resets!

Pro Tip: Ensure your new policy is issued before expires.

4. Porting Approval Depends on the New Insurer

The new insurer has the right to reject your portability request based on their risk assessment.

✔ If you have high-risk health conditions, the new insurer may:

• Reject the port request
• Increase the waiting period for certain illnesses
• Increase the premium

How to Port Your Health Insurance Without Losing Waiting Period Benefits?

Step 1: Compare Policies

✔ Look for policies that offer better benefits, lower premiums, or wider hospital networks than your existing one.

✔ Ensure the new policy offers continuity of waiting period benefits.

Step 2: Initiate the Porting Process

✔ Notify your current insurer at least 45 days before renewal.

✔ Apply for portability with the new insurer and submit all required documents.

Step 3: Submit Documents to the New Insurer

✔ Portability request form

✔ Copy of existing policy document

✔ Medical history and claim history report (if applicable)

Step 4: Wait for Approval

✔ The new insurer has 15 days to approve or reject the request.

✔ If no response within 15 days, the insurer must accept the portability request.

Step 5: Policy Issued Without a Waiting Period Reset

✔ Once approved, your new policy starts immediately, and your waiting period remains as per your old policy.

Things to Check Before Porting to a New Insurer

✔ Does the new policy cover all the benefits of your old policy?

✔ What is the claim settlement ratio of the new insurer?

✔ Will you get the same coverage amount or more?

✔ Are there new exclusions or conditions added to the policy?

Don’t just switch because of lower premiums! Make sure the new policy provides equal or better coverage.

When Should You Port Your Policy?

✔ If your current insurer has poor claim settlement or slow service

✔ If a new insurer offers better coverage at a lower premium

✔ If your current policy doesn’t cover critical illnesses or has hidden exclusions

Avoid porting if: You have an active claim or ongoing treatment, as the new insurer might reject your portability request.

Final Verdict: Does Porting Reset the Waiting Period?

No, porting does not reset the waiting period! You get credit for the time already served, ensuring continuous benefits for pre-existing conditions.

Want better coverage? Port smartly, compare policies, and ensure there’s no gap in renewal!

Pro Tip: Always check the policy wording of the new insurer before switching!