Resources
Minus/plus icon
ResourcesExplore the full ACKO experience and make the most of your plan
health plus
health-insurance-family

How to cancel a health insurance policy and get a refund?

Discover the process to cancel health insurance and obtain a refund.

✓ ZERO out of pocket costs ✓ ZERO waiting period ✓ ZERO deductions at claim

Zero Waiting period
Zero
Waiting period
14,300+ Cashless hospitals
14,300+
Cashless hospitals
100% Bills covered
100%
Bills covered
health plus

Home / Health Insurance / Article / How to cancel health insurance policy and get the refund

Sometimes, for various reasons, your health insurance policy may not meet your expectations or requirements. So, you may wonder how to end it mid-term and port to a better insurance provider.

Do you relate? If so, read ahead to find out how to cancel a health insurance policy and get a refund.

How to Cancel a Health Insurance Policy
Jump Tag Icon

You can cancel a health insurance policy by informing your insurer. However, the percentage of refund you will receive will depend on which time in the policy cycle you initiated the cancellation. Also, a refund is usually applicable only if you have not raised any claims during the policy term. Otherwise, the insurance policy cancellation can still be done without any refund.

When can I cancel my health insurance?
Jump Tag Icon

As mentioned in the previous section, health insurance can be terminated at any time during the policy term. Nonetheless, there are primarily two types of cancellation processes in health insurance. Here are the details.

Cancellation before free-look period
Jump Tag Icon

Free-look period in medical insurance refers to the initial 30 days after buying a health insurance policy. During this period, if the insured is not satisfied with the health plan, they can cancel it. 

However, the insurance company may subtract the stamp duty, medical checkup and insurance risk charges (calculated on a prorata basis) from the refund amount. So, you may not get the full policy premium amount refunded.

Cancellation after free-look period
Jump Tag Icon

Cancellation can also be done after the free-look period has lapsed. However, you may get only a partial refund depending on the number of days you have been covered. Each insurance company may have a different refund percentage for a particular period of coverage. Nonetheless, below-listed is the common refund percentages offered by insurers.

Time of cancellation

Percentage of premium refund

Within 25% of the policy term

60%

Within 25% to 50% of the policy term

40%

Within 50% to 75% of the policy term

20%

More than 75% of the policy term

0%

Note: Refund is applicable only if you have a claim-free policy history.

How to Cancel ACKO Health Insurance Policy and get Refund?
Jump Tag Icon

You can follow the below-listed steps if you wish to cancel your ACKO Health Insurance or Arogya Sanjeevani Health Insurance Policy offered by us.

Step 1: Reach out to ACKO’s support team and inform them about your decision to terminate your health insurance policy. Alternatively, you can call our toll free number 1800 266 2256 or email us at [email protected].

Step 2: While informing our team, mention the policy ID of the plan you would like to end. You can find this number in your plan’s policy document. Also, clearly mention the reason you would like to end the plan.

Once we receive your cancellation request, we will proceed (as per the applicable terms and conditions) with the cancellation and process the applicable amount that needs to be refunded to you. The refund will reflect in your bank account within 7 to 10 working days.

Note: ACKO has a free-look period spanning 30 days (starting from the date of policy purchase). If a cancellation is initiated during this time, you will receive a full refund. After the free look period is over, refund will be initiated to you on a pro-rata basis.

How To Avoid Common Pitfalls During Policy Cancellation
Jump Tag Icon

Cancelling health insurance coverage can be a difficult procedure. Knowledge of the possible hazards is absolutely important to prevent expensive errors. These important factors should assist you in negotiating the cancellation process without incident.

Understanding Refund Terms and Deductions
Jump Tag Icon

Before you cancel your health insurance, completely grasp any possible deductions and refund policies. Usually, based on the length of your policy cycle, insurers reimburse a percentage of the premium; administrative fees, medical test costs, or risk premiums could lower this amount. Usually, the first thirty days, the free-look period allows for a complete refund with a few lower costs. Refunds after this period, however, are usually pro-rata, meaning depending on how long you have been covered, you could only get back a percentage of the cost. Always closely review the agreements and inquire with your insurance about any deductions that can affect your refund.

Avoiding Lapses in Coverage During the Transition
Jump Tag Icon

Cancelling insurance is one of the most important hazards since it may cause a coverage gap, exposing you to medical expenses should an emergency strike. Before starting the cancellation procedure, be sure you have a backup policy to guard against this. Whether your new coverage starts right after the cancellation, you are transferring to a different insurer, updating your current plan, or adding extra benefits. Check the pre-existing waiting times for conditions in the new plan to prevent coverage gaps.

Knowing the refund procedure, tracking deductions, and guaranteeing ongoing coverage helps one avoid common mistakes and maintain financial safety during the change. Always ask your insurer to clarify any questions before deciding.

Tax Implications of Cancelling a Health Insurance Policy
Jump Tag Icon

Cancelling a health insurance policy in India can have legal and tax implications that you should consider before making a decision.

Tax Implications (Section 80D):
Jump Tag Icon

Before cancelling or switching, always consult with your tax advisor and insurer to avoid tax issues or coverage gaps.

To sum up
Jump Tag Icon

If you buy a health insurance plan, it doesn’t mean that you are stuck with it until the policy period ends. If you are dissatisfied with the service, you always have the option of cancelling your health policy. Additionally, you can also receive a refund if you have a claim-free policy history and you terminate within six months.

FAQs
Jump Tag Icon

The following are some of the questions that are frequently asked regarding health insurance policy cancellation.

Icon

Is it possible to cancel a health insurance policy at any time?

Yes, a health insurance policy can be cancelled at any time. However, you may receive a refund only if the cancellation is initiated within six months of the policy purchase and you have a claim-free policy history.

When should a person cancel their health insurance?

When it comes to health insurance policies, it's always recommended to avoid cancelling them and instead explore other options. However, if you must cancel, it's best to do so during the free-look period as per the policy's terms and conditions. During this period, you may receive up to 100% of the policy coverage.

What is the cost of cancelling a health insurance policy?

A health insurance policy usually does not require any cost to be cancelled. Nonetheless, enquire with your insurer to find out if there are any costs associated with policy cancellation.

Is there a penalty for cancelling a health insurance policy?

No, there is no penalty for cancelling a health insurance policy. However, refund may or may not be provided depending on the terms and conditions of the policy.

If I cancel my health insurance policy, will the premium be refunded?

If you cancel your health insurance policy within six months of its initiation, a refund will be awarded. The percentage of refund differs from insurer to insurer. So, refer to the policy wordings of your health insurance policy to find out the exact refund percentages.

What happens once a health insurance policy cancellation is requested?

Once a cancellation request is raised, usually the insurer reaches out to try to resolve the issue. If no resolution is reached or the resolution proposed is unsatisfactory to you, the cancellation process will be initiated by the insurer. Then, after deducting from the premium as per the terms of the policy, the refund will be paid to you. However, the refund will be provided only if you end it within six months of its initiation and have a claim-free policy term.

How long is the free-look period?

The free-look period for health insurance is usually around 30 days. However, this duration may vary from insurer to insurer. So, kindly refer to the policy wordings of the respective health policy to learn the exact time period.

Will my waiting period for a health condition be affected if I cancel my health insurance?

No, the waiting period for a health condition will not be affected by the cancellation of your health insurance policy. So, when you buy a new health policy, you can start from where you left off.

For example, if you have a health condition that has a 3-year waiting period and you have already served two years; then, if you terminate a health policy and buy a new one, you only have to serve one year. After that you can receive coverage for the said condition.

Instead of cancelling a health insurance policy, can I just buy another one?

Yes, you can buy another health policy in addition to your existing one. If you want to do so, note that it is more profitable to have two distinct health policies, than two policies with similar coverages. So, choose a health plan that offers different coverages to your current one.

How do I cancel my health insurance policy online?

You can cancel your health insurance policy online by visiting your insurer’s website and filling the cancellation request form. Alternatively, some insurers may demand sending an email to the customer service department to request policy cancellation.