The "take-over policy" feature enables an insured's Hospitalisation & Surgical policy from another insurance company to continue in the current insurance company (which is taking over) as a renewal instead of a new application. The "Take-Over Policies" condition is defined in the Medical & Health Insurance Underwriting Guide as... "If this policy shall have commenced immediately upon termination of a preceeding policy and if an Insured shall have been afflicted with a medical disability at the time this policy started (and benefits under the preceeding policy would have been available to him), such Insured shall continue to be covered for the existing disability, but not to exceed the limits of the previous policy or limits of this policy whichever shall be lesser on condition the Company has secured a copy of the preceeding policy." The characteristics for "take-over" are :- Take-over can only be done PRIOR or UPON expiry of the existing policy. The existing policy must have been in-force for at least 12 months prior to the take-over. Technically "take-over" can be done anytime prior to expiry provided the 12-month requirement is met. This privilege is given only for "standard" cases, meaning provided you are of good health and without any pre-existing conditions upon application of this privilege. A copy of the previous policy (with the schedule of benefits clearly stated) must be submitted to the new insurance company. In addition to the completion of the new proposal form, a Personal Health Declaration form and a Policy Take-Over form must also be completed and submitted to the new insurer for underwriting. If successful, you will be exempted from going through the 1 year waiting period for specified illness (as required by new applications). Should a claim arise in the first year (i.e., hospital admission) reimbursement of hospital expenses will be paid based on the previous policy benefits or current benefits whichever is lower and your existing policy (which has taken over the previous policy) will not impose any exclusion(s) on you for that disability upon renewal (provided it is a guaranteed renewal policy). This is a very important benefit for the policyholders because most insurance companies do not offer this facility. This feature makes it easier for consumers who are healthy to participate in better and more cost-effective Hospital & Surgical plan without any hesitation.