How to Switch from Group Health Insurance to Individual Cover?

What is Group Health Insurance?

Group health insurance is offered by employers to cover their employees' medical expenses. It's typically paid for by the employer and provides broad coverage, including pre-existing diseases, without medical checks.

However, coverage ends when you leave the job. That’s where switching to an individual plan comes in.

Can I Convert My Group Health Insurance into an Individual Plan in the UAE?

There is currently no provision to directly convert a group health insurance policy into an individual one in the UAE. However, the process for switching depends on the emirate your visa is issued from —

• For Dubai and Northern Emirates visas: You must first purchase an individual health insurance policy. Once your new policy is active, you can proceed to cancel your existing group health plan.
• For Abu Dhabi visas: The process is different. You need to cancel your group health insurance first, as the insurer will require a Certificate of Cancellation (COC) before issuing a new individual plan.

Why Switch from Group Health to Individual Cover?

Here are the reasons why you need to switch from group health insurance to individual cover after cancelling your group policy —

1. Coverage Continuity: Once you resign, group health benefits stop. Switching ensures no break in your health cover.
2. Customisation: Individual plans let you choose your sum insured, add-ons, and policy term.
3. Waiting Period Credit: Many insurers allow you to carry forward the waiting period served under your group policy.
4. Independence: You no longer stay tied to your employer's decision or job status.

How to Switch from Group Health Insurance to Individual Cover? The Process

Follow these steps if you want to know how to switch from group health insurance to individual cover —

Step 1: Choose the Right Individual Plan

Compare individual policies online based on features like coverage amount, add-ons, network hospitals, waiting periods, and premiums.

Step 2: Submit the Required Documents

Fill out the proposal form and submit necessary documents such as ID proof, address proof, group policy details, and medical history.

Step 3: Undergo Medical Check-Up

Group plans don’t require health checks, but individual policies may. The results may influence your premium.

Step 4: Pay the Premium

Once approved, pay the applicable premium. The insurer will issue your new policy accordingly.

Factors to Consider While Converting from Group Health Insurance to Individual Cover

Before directly jumping to how to switch from group health insurance to individual cover, here are a few important factors to keep in mind —

1. Underwriting Process

When you transition to an individual health insurance policy, the insurer will conduct an underwriting process. This involves assessing your health risk profile to determine your eligibility and premium amount. If your health history shows higher risk, the insurer may increase the premium or impose certain exclusions to the coverage.

2. Medical Check-Up

Unlike group health insurance, most individual policies require a pre-policy medical check-up. This helps insurers evaluate your current health condition—such as blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI, etc. Unfavourable results can impact the premium and coverage terms.

3. Waiting Period Consideration

Group health insurance usually offers coverage from day one without waiting periods. However, individual policies may have waiting periods for pre-existing conditions or specific treatments.

The good news: if you port your group plan to an individual one (with the same insurer), the insurer may waive or reduce the waiting period, provided you apply within the stipulated timeframe and meet eligibility criteria.

Advantages of Having a Personal Health Insurance Policy

Having a personal health insurance policy is highly recommended. Here’s why —

✅ Complete Independence from Employer Coverage

With a personal policy, your medical coverage continues regardless of your employment status. Whether you change jobs, take a break, or retire, you’ll always have uninterrupted protection.

✅ Tailored to Your Health Needs

Personal health insurance lets you choose a plan that matches your medical history. For example, if you have high blood pressure, you can opt for a policy that specifically covers hypertension and related complications. This ensures more effective care. 

✅ Customisation & Flexibility

Unlike group plans, you’re not limited to standard inclusions. You can enhance your personal policy with riders like critical illness, maternity, OPD cover, or personal accident benefits, ensuring more holistic protection for you and your family.

✅ Reward for Claim-Free Years

Many insurers often offer No Claim Bonuses (NCB) or free sum insured boosts for every year you don’t file a claim. This means your coverage can grow over time without an increase in premium, rewarding you for staying healthy.

✅ Higher Sum Insured Options

You can choose a higher sum insured based on your lifestyle, city of residence, or future medical expectations. Group policies often offer limited coverage, while personal plans give you the freedom to opt for comprehensive protection.

Final Checklist Before Switching

• Choose your policy carefully after comparison
• Prepare for a medical check-up
• Ensure portability of benefits like waiting period
• Review the new policy thoroughly before making payment

Final Words

Knowing how to switch from group health insurance to individual cover can protect you from sudden medical costs during job transitions. With the right insurer and timely action, your health coverage remains intact—flexible, customisable, and long-term.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please check with your insurer for plan-specific rules and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions