📘 Introduction
In a welcome move for insurance consumers, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has reduced the moratorium period in health insurance policies from 8 years to 5 years, effective April 1, 2024.
This provision under the IRDAI (Insurance Products) Regulations, 2024 offers stronger protection to long-term policyholders and promotes fairer claim settlement practices.
🔍 What Is the Moratorium Period?
The moratorium period refers to the number of continuous years a health insurance policy must be held, after which the insurer cannot deny claims on the grounds of non-disclosure or misrepresentation — unless fraud is proven.
🕔 New Rule at a Glance:
| Aspect | Previous Rule | New Rule (2024 Onward) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8 years | 5 years |
| Claim Denial Grounds | Misrepresentation, non-disclosure, fraud | Only fraud (after 5 years) |
| Applies To | All individual health insurance policies | All (including ported/migrated) |
🔑 Key Points for Policyholders
- ✅ Stronger Claim Protection After 5 Years
Once you’ve completed 5 continuous years of health insurance coverage, the insurer cannot deny claims due to past non-disclosures — unless fraud can be proven. - 🔁 Portability & Upgrades Are Covered
If you’ve ported your policy or migrated to a new plan, the moratorium period continues without resetting, provided there’s no break in coverage. - ⬆️ Increased Sum Insured? A New 5-Year Clock Applies
If your sum insured is increased, the moratorium period applies separately to the additional amount. - 🛑 Fraud Is the Only Valid Ground After 5 Years
Insurers must prove that any undisclosed fact was intentionally hidden to reject a claim after the moratorium.
🧾 Example
Suppose a policyholder purchases a health plan in 2019 and maintains it without a break. By 2024, they complete 5 years. In 2025, if they file a claim for a condition they unintentionally forgot to disclose earlier, the insurer cannot deny it — unless there’s clear evidence of deliberate fraud.
📢 Why This Matters
This revision encourages consumers to start health coverage early and maintain it without breaks. It gives peace of mind that, after 5 years, insurers cannot use minor past omissions to reject valid claims.
It also reinforces trust between insurers and policyholders, making the claims process simpler and more transparent.
💬 Need Help With an Insurance Claim?
If you’ve experienced a health insurance claim denial or are unsure about your policy coverage, the team at iClaimSupport can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights.
📧 Email: contact@iclaimsupport.in
📞 Phone: +91-9871820066
🌐 Website: https://iclaimsupport.in/
This article is for general awareness. For help with your specific insurance concerns, feel free to contact our team.
