Updated on - 10 Feb 2026
Health insurance keeps you safe financially during a medical emergency. However, your protection only lasts as long as your policy is active. Renewing your health insurance on time is thus essential to avoid any gaps in your coverage. Skipping or delaying renewal can cause troubles like losing discounts, facing new waiting periods or even being denied claims. The insurance renewal process is simple and quick, regardless of whether you decide to do it online or offline.
This guide will walk you through the process of renewing your health insurance so that you can stay protected without any problems.
Why timely health insurance renewal is crucial?
Renewing your health insurance on time is important for the following reasons:
- Continuous medical coverage
If the insurance policy is not promptly renewed, it may lapse, leaving you without coverage in an emergency. This disparity might put a lot of strain on finances.
- Retain No Claim Bonus (NCB)
Timely renewal secures the NCB benefit. The insured sum increases without extra cost.
- Avoid restarting waiting periods
When renewing a lapsed policy, many insurers may treat it as a fresh policy. Waiting periods for pre-existing conditions could restart, and some benefits may be restricted or subject to exclusions.
- Continue tax benefits
Renewal within time allows continued tax deductions on premiums under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
- Option to upgrade or port
Renewal gives a chance to reassess cover. The insured sum can be increased or the policy shifted to another insurer without losing benefits.
Step-by-step procedure to renew your health insurance policy
Renewing a health insurance policy is simple and requires no middleman. To finish the renewal process today, take these actions:
- Go to the insurance provider's official website.
- Select the ‘Renew Your Policy’ option from the menu and click ‘Health Renewal’
- Enter the registered mobile number or policy number and log in
- Provide any other required details of the plan
- Add or remove coverage or family members if you are renewing health insurance for your family
- Pay the renewal fee online through debit card, credit card or net banking
- After successful payment, you will receive a digitally signed copy of the policy. The document can be downloaded and printed whenever required.
Common documents required for health insurance renewal
Very few documents are required to renew a health insurance policy. In most cases, only the existing policy number, registered mobile number and proof of identity are needed. Extra documents may be required if personal details change, new members are added or the plan is switched.
Below are some common documents required during renewal:
- Identity and age proof: Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, driving licence, PAN card or birth certificate.
- Proof of address: Aadhaar card, passport, driving licence, utility bills (electricity or telephone), ration card or rent agreement.
- Passport-sized photographs
- Medical reports (if applicable)
- Proposal form for renewal
- Payment proof
How to review your existing health insurance policy before renewal?
To stay protected and prevent surprises, it is advisable to evaluate a health insurance coverage prior to renewal. Examine the covered amount in relation to your current medical needs. Check the coverage for hospital stays, critical diseases and daycare sessions. Verify the list of permitted and forbidden therapies again to prevent your claim from being rejected. Check the accuracy of personal information and waiting times for specific therapy. Before the renewal, consider the family members covered, optional riders and any modifications to the price.
Top mistakes to avoid during health insurance renewal
Although renewing health insurance is simple, even minor mistakes can have major consequences. Steer clear of these typical blunders to preserve protection and save money.
The most serious mistake is missing a renewal on time. A lapse can remove benefits and restart waiting periods.
Failure to update personal details, address or health changes can cause issues during claims.
Reviewing claim history shows whether the current plan meets needs. It may also highlight the need for a higher sum insured or a different policy.
- Skipping comparison of upgraded plans
Insurers often introduce better options. Comparing plans ensures access to improved features at similar or lower premiums.
- Not disclosing new medical conditions
Transparency remains essential. Declaring new medical conditions or illnesses at renewal prevents claim rejection later.
Understanding policy term, sum insured and coverage changes at renewal
The policy term specifies the time frame for which a health insurance plan offers protection. Understanding this helps prevent gaps and ensure continuous coverage because renewal dates vary based on the insurance.
The sum insured is the highest amount that the insurer will cover for medical expenses. Reviewing it before renewing ensures that the coverage meets current and future health care needs. Over time, medical costs may rise, rendering the present insurance amount insufficient. By making the necessary adjustments at renewal, financial burden during hospitalisation or critical care can be avoided.
At renewal, insurers often allow you to update or enhance your coverage, such as including add-ons like critical illness cover, maternity cover or wellness programmes. You can also remove outdated add-ons that are no longer needed, keeping premiums optimised. Reviewing coverage ensures the policy aligns with your current health needs and lifestyle changes.
Benefits of renewing online vs offline
Renewing your health insurance online offers a quick, easy and paperless experience. It is available round-the-clock, allowing you to complete the process at your convenience. Online renewal also provides instant confirmation and transparent access to policy details.
Offline renewal offers personal guidance and support from the insurance office branch representative, which is especially useful for complex cases or if you prefer face-to-face assistance. This ensures confidence in your policy decisions. It does not require internet access.
What happens if you delay health insurance renewal?
The following situations can arise if you put off renewing your health insurance:
- Claims for health insurance cannot be submitted.
- Even within the grace period, the policy remains invalid.
- Renewal discounts and accrued No Claim Bonus are forfeited.
- Waiting periods restart when a new policy is purchased.
- Health insurance premiums may rise.
- A medical screening may be required before issuing a new policy.
Conclusion
Maintaining health insurance has now become essential, given the rising cost of medical care in India. Timely renewal ensures uninterrupted coverage, so you can face medical emergencies without financial stress. It also helps you retain benefits like No Claim Bonus and tax deductions. Taking a proactive approach to your health insurance today means greater financial security and peace of mind tomorrow.
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FAQs
After my health insurance expires, is it possible to renew it?
Yes, some insurance companies permit renewals during grace periods; however, bonuses and perks might be forfeited.
Is it necessary to renew the policy for all family members together?
No, you can renew each member’s policy separately if needed.
Can I change my payment method during renewal?
Yes, during renewal, the majority of insurers permit choosing between online and offline payment methods.
Disclaimer: This blog provides information and a guide to renewing health insurance. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. Verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.