<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 switch insurance companies or plans at renewal without losing credits for waiting periods or exclusions. Previously, changing insurers or plans resulted in losing these benefits. Portability ensures a level playing field for insurers and enables customers to compare benefits across companies. A portal has been established to facilitate data transfer between insurers. The guidelines were formulated after consulting the General Insurance Council and Life Insurance Council.