How to Port Health Insurance after Marriage

 

Marriage is one of the most important milestones in a person’s life and denotes an occasion when a person moves onto the next stage of responsibility. Among the various changes that get implemented and the core areas that get impacted, the financial sources and in fact, the complete financial portfolio is one of the most important ones. When a girl gets married, she not only welcomes a new change in her very existence but also welcomes a new shift in her life. This includes changing her name, becoming a part of a new family and taking on a new responsibility as well. No doubt, this impacts her financial status as well and this includes her fund-allocation, financial resources, budgetary processes etc. One of the important parameters in this domain is the health insurance cover that may be in place for her. After all, before marriage, she may be under the cover of a particular health insurance plan which will have to be revised after marriage. This is where the importance of porting a health insurance plan comes in. Porting a health insurance scheme is very important and must be done to ensure sufficient coverage at all times.

There are several ways in which a health insurance plan can be ported after marriage. The important ways in which this can be done are as follows:

1. Family-floater scheme:

This is the most common method through which a health insurance plan can be ported after marriage. This actually means a simple process of documentation after which the newly-wed girl is brought under the coverage of a family-floater health insurance scheme. This may overrule the earlier coverage under specified and pre-decided terms and conditions, depending on the insurance provider.

2. Purchasing a new individual health insurance cover:

If the person was initially not covered under any health insurance cover, then this is the first and foremost thing to be done. Regardless of whether there is an existing family-floater scheme in place after marriage, taking out a new individual health insurance plan is always a credible option. Although this may mean a general increase in the payable premium and may increase the amount that is likely to be invested in the plan, yet there are certain pointed benefits of this which more than cover up for the premium rates.

3. Inclusion of husband in the existing plan:

This is one more option that can be exercised duly. If you are already the cover of an existing health insurance plan that offers varied benefits at reasonable rates, you can always add your husband under the same coverage. This requires documentation certifying the marriage and after the initial procedure (medical check-ups etc.), your husband will be added under the same coverage. Depending on the couple’s income status, both the partners can then equally contribute towards the payable premiums and therefore, the financial liability will be lessened.

HDFC Life offers various health insurance schemes for helping you meet the full expenses in case of any health-related contingencies. For details, click on the mentioned link: https://www.hdfclife.com/health-insurance-plans.

Things to Consider When Changing Your Health Insurance Policy after Marriage

Many people opt to change their health insurance after marriage. But before you decide on what to do, you must carefully think about the following:

1. Your Health Conditions

If you and your partner would like to add each other to your existing policies or purchase a policy together, evaluate your health. You need to ask yourself whether either one of you has a condition that requires you to increase your sum insured amount or could significantly impact your premium amount.

2. Family’s Future

If you’d like to start a family in the future, you need to think about adding maternity cover to your insurance after marriage. You also need to find a policy that provides cover for babies and children for the first few days, until they can get coverage under their own policy or as a part of your family floater health plan.

3. Network Hospitals

Depending on where you and your spouse come from, you may have different preferences with regards to medical facilities where you get treated. While looking to port your health insurance after marriage, you must make sure that both preferences are a part of the insurance provider’s network.

Ways to Port Health Insurance after Marriage

Depending on your existing policy, you can choose to upgrade or port your medical insurance after marriage in different ways.

1. Family Floater Plans

If either spouse has a family floater plan, changing your insurance policy becomes significantly easier. You simply need to provide your marriage certificate to your insurer and add your spouse to your existing plan.

2. New Family Plans

Many young couples opt to purchase new health insurance after marriage. They can get individual plans or a family floater as per their medical history and requirements. In many cases, both spouses enjoy some coverage as part of their employer’s group plan. So, purchasing a policy together provides higher coverage with ease.

Porting to the Spouse’s Health Plan

Both partners may have existing health policies that offer great benefits. Instead of continuing with two separate providers, one spouse can simply port their plan to the other’s insurer. To complete the process, you need to apply to port your policy and provide your marriage certificate along with other documents. Depending on your age and medical history, you will likely have to complete a few medical tests as well.

Is Porting Health Insurance After Marriage Necessary?

Legally, you are not bound to change your medical insurance after marriage. But, opting to get higher coverage or a policy with your spouse is a good idea. Your finances and obligations change once you decide to tie the knot. You can port or upgrade your health policy to reflect these changes and get the coverage you and your growing family need.

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