Porting health insurance: Can your new insurer reject your claim?

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What policy porting involves

Porting of health insurance allows you to switch between insurers without losing benefits earned, such as the fulfilment of waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. This is especially useful if you are dissatisfied with the premium, coverage, or service from your current insurer. Porting ensures continuity, but it comes with regulations that apply to all policyholders.

Why claims are made tricky following porting

Despite porting your policy successfully, your claim still is not guaranteed approval in every instance. Insurers may reject claims in case the claim does not come under the scope of the new policy, misrepresentation of previous health issues, or in case treatment has been carried out prior to the successful porting of the policy. Effectively, the new insurer examines your claim according to the terms of their policy and information that has been revealed during porting. This means claims for conditions that have not been disclosed or treated completely before the new policy comes into effect can be tricky.

The waiting period role

The waiting period is one of the major causes of rejection of claims after porting. Even though completed waiting periods under your previous policy are usually honoured, new or supplemental waiting periods imposed by the new company can affect claims. For example, if your previous policy had a three-year waiting period on an existing condition and you port after two years, the new company can make you complete the remaining period. It would be good to know this in advance to avoid a nasty surprise.

Tips to ensure hassle-free claims

To minimize the chances of claim denial, always give complete and correct information during the porting process. Keep your old policy, medical history, and treatment records handy. Check with the new insurer what waiting periods have been ported and which are reset. It's also a good idea to check how ongoing treatments or scheduled surgeries will be covered under the new policy. Good documentation and communication can prevent future disputes and holdups.

Why porting remains a viable option

Despite potential issues, porting can prove to be highly beneficial. It allows you to switch to
superior coverage, lower premiums, or improved services without losing continuity benefits.
Knowledge about rules of claims and waiting periods makes it possible to switch safely and
confidently.

FAQs

Q: Can my claim be rejected immediately after porting?

Yes, in case of claims for pre-policy treatments or if waiting periods on pre-existing
conditions have not been completed.

Q: Are waiting periods always shifted to the new insurance company?

Waived waiting periods on pre-existing conditions are generally honoured, but any remaining
period might need to be completed under the new policy.

Q: What is the best way to avoid claim rejection when porting?

Supply accurate medical history, hold onto all documents of the previous policy, and verify
coverage and waiting periods with the new insurer before making a transition.