<h1>IRDA Introduces Health Insurance Portability Guidelines: Switch Insurers Without Losing Benefits Starting October 1, 2011.</h1> The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has introduced guidelines allowing the portability of health insurance policies among non-life insurance companies effective from October 1, 2011. Policyholders can now switch to a different insurer at renewal without losing accrued benefits, addressing previous issues where changing insurers reset policy terms. This initiative promotes competition among insurers and offers consumers the flexibility to compare and choose the best products. A dedicated portability portal has been established to facilitate seamless data transfer between companies. The guidelines were developed with input from the General and Life Insurance Councils, as reported by a government official.