My health insurer changed the terms of my existing policy. Did IRDAI have to approve that change, and does the insurer have to tell me before renewal?
1 Answers
IRDAI does not approve changes to your health policy
This one surprised me.
RTI IRDAI/R/E/26/01196, reply dated 25.08.2026, from the Health Department.
Health insurance products run on a "Use and File" procedure. If an insurer modifies an existing product, approval comes from the insurer's own Product Management Committee, not from IRDAI.
IRDAI's exact words: "filing of product documents with IRDAI and approval of IRDAI does not arise."
The circular does say insurers "shall not alter the contents of the products without following due process of modification". But the check is internal to the company.
Also useful: IRDAI pointed to a rule requiring insurers to send a renewal notice at least 30 days before the due date, with a statement of your policy and accrued benefits. (Master Circular on Operations and Allied Matters of Insurers, 19.06.2024, clause 41.2.)
Related
Are Insurance Ombudsman hearings recorded, and how long are the recordings kept?
1 answers
Is there a penalty if an insurer doesn't comply with an Insurance Ombudsman award?
1 answers
Does IRDAI enforce the ₹5,000-a-day penalty on insurers that ignore Ombudsman awards?
1 answers
Why does my Insurance Ombudsman complaint number keep changing?
1 answers
How many Insurance Ombudsman complaints are decided in the policyholder's favour?
1 answers