Pre-existing illnesses are covered after a specific waiting period, usually 2 to 4 years, depending on the insurer and policy. Before purchasing, confirm the waiting period for your condition. Also, ensure that the illness is not permanently excluded from the policy, as some critical conditions might not be covered. Choosing a policy with a shorter waiting period can be beneficial if you have a history of health issues.

A waiting period is the time you must wait after purchasing the policy before certain claims are accepted. It applies to pre-existing diseases, maternity benefits, and specific treatments like joint replacements. Waiting periods can range from 30 days (general illness) to several years. Select a plan with minimal waiting periods for conditions relevant to your health.

You can port your policy to a different insurer at the time of renewal without losing benefits like the waiting period. Inform the new insurer 45-60 days before your renewal date and submit necessary documents like policy details and medical history. Ensure the new insurer agrees to port your policy and offers better coverage.

Common documents include:

• Policy details and health card
• Discharge summary
• Hospital bills with a detailed breakup
• Doctor’s prescriptions and test reports
• Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN)
  For cashless claims, a pre-authorization form must be submitted. Always keep a checklist ready to avoid delays in processing.

NCB is a reward given for not filing any claims during the policy year. It usually increases your sum insured by 10-50% without increasing the premium. Some insurers also offer premium discounts as NCB. However, even a single claim nullifies this benefit, so use it wisely.