Can I change my health insurance company after donating a kidney?

These are a set of queries raised by ET Wealth readers, which have been answered by our panel of experts.

I am a kidney donor and have a health insurance policy. I am unhappy with my current insurance company and want to know if I can move to a new insurer. Will I be refused a policy because I am a kidney donor?

Sarbvir Singh Joint Group CEO, PB Fintech: Let me begin by expressing my appreciation for your incredible act of donating a kidney. Yes, you can certainly change your health insurance company. Any insurer will reassess your proposal and review your medical history just as they would for any customer who has undergone a medical procedure. As a part of this process, your latest health reports, including the kidney function test (KFT) and ultrasound, will be studied to ensure that everything is normal and stable. Most insurers today understand the distinction between medical treatment and voluntary organ donation, and organ donors are generally not considered to be high-risk individuals. The key is to make full and honest disclosures so that the insurer can assess your proposal fairly. You can also compare plans online to ensure you receive the right cover and long-term support. You deserve complete respect and the freedom to choose the insurance company that serves you best.

Also read | I am 45 and have corporate health insurance of Rs 5 lakh and an additional policy of Rs 3 lakh. Should I get additional health cover?


I have been buying and renewing health insurance for my son since he was a minor, with the premiums paid from my bank account. He is now an adult and has acquired foreign citizenship. Is it legally permissible for me to continue paying his health insurance premiums from my bank account? Are there any regulatory, FEMA, or tax implications I should be aware of, especially given his change in citizenship status?

Sarbvir Singh, Joint Group CEO, PB Fintech: Yes, you can continue paying the premium for your son without any legal concern. Most insurers allow children to stay covered as dependents on a family floater policy usually till 25, and in some cases, slightly longer. As long as he comes in the insurer’s defined dependent age bracket, parents are allowed to pay the premium. When he crosses that age, the insurer will typically create an individual policy in his name, making him the proposer. From there on, he’d handle the premium payments himself and claim any tax benefits available to him. Until that transition happens, there is no regulatory issue with you paying his premium. While the age of your son is not mentioned, it is advisable to have a separate policy for your child once they cross the age of 25.

Our panel of experts will answer questions related to any aspect of personal finance. If you have a query, mail it to us right away. Email ID: etwealth@timesgroup.com