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Life Insurance

Life insurance is a contract between the policyholder and the insurance company according to which the latter agrees to provide a sum assured called the death benefit in the event of an unfortunate demise of the life assured. In case of survival of the life assured throughout the policy tenure, a maturity benefit is paid to the life assured. One can also choose to get a compensation in case of a critical illness by opting a critical illness rider.

There are broadly two types of life insurance plans:

1) Term Insurance or Pure Protection Plans

2) Investment

There are various types of life insurance plans namely term plans, child plans, retirment plans, money-back plans, and Unit-Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs). Besides the term plans which are pure protection plans, all other types of plans offer an investment element to help meet the policyholder’s wealth creation requirements. It is important to note that the premium of these plans depends on a number of factors such as policyholder’s age, lifestyle, gender, and more. You must also check the inclusions and exclusions before actually buying this policy.

Different Types of Life Insurance

Types Overview
Term Insurance Life cover is provided for a specific tenure at a fixed premium
Unit linked insurance Offers dual benefit of investment and insurance protection
Endowment plan Offers the benefit of savings along with protection
Whole life insurance Protection is offered for lifetime or till the age of 100
Money back insurance Periodic payouts are made to the policyholder at specific intervals
Pension plans Provides fixed amount at regular intervals to help you take care of post retirement expenses
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1. Premium has been calculated for coverage till 60 years
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What is Life Insurance?

It is a contract between the policyholder and the insurance company according to which the latter agrees to provide a sum assured called the death benefit in the event of an unfortunate demise of the life assured. In case of survival of the life assured throughout the policy tenure, a maturity benefit is paid to the life assured. One can also choose to get compensation in case of a critical illness by opting for the same via a critical illness rider. There are various types of life insurance plans namely term plans, child plans, retirement plans, money-back plans, and Unit-Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs). Besides the term plans which are pure protection plans, all other types of these plans offer an investment element to help meet the policyholder’s wealth creation requirements.

How Does Life Insurance Work?

Life insurance is a common option considered by many people for financial planning to secure their future. A life insurance policy like term insurance plan can help you ensure financial protection of your family in case of your unforeseen demise. Now, at the time of purchasing a life insurance policy it is essential for you to understand how a life insurance policy works and how your nominees/beneficiary can receive the proceeds of your life insurance policy.

 

A life insurance policy is a contract between the policyholder and the insurance provider wherein the insurance provider promises to provide life cover to the life assured in exchange of regular premium payments. The life assured is the person who is insured under the life insurance policy and the policyholder may or may not be the life assured but can be the person who purchases the life insurance policy. The policyholder/life assured can choose to pay premiums on an annual, semi-annual, quarterly or monthly basis.


Life insurance is not very complicated to understand, in exchange of regular premiums the insurance companies provide life cover to an individual. Let us understand the same with an example: Mr. Sinha is 35 years old and has a family consisting of wife, a son, and dependant parents. Since he has financial dependents, he chooses a life insurance with higher coverage. Now, the insurance company asks him to pay a specific amount as premium to get life insurance coverage. The life insurance premium needs to pay on regular intervals to get the relevant coverage.

Key Features of Life Insurance Policy

Apart from providing basic coverage following are the key features of a life insurance policy:
Key Features
Benefits Offered
Death Benefits Under this policy, death benefit shall be provided to the nominee in case of an untimely death of the life assured during the policy tenure. The death benefit amount can help your financial independents to fulfil their daily financial requirements and goals in your absence. A life insurance policy helps you create financial security for your loved ones even in your absence.
Investment Component It also act as an investment component if one chooses to invest in ULIPs, Money Back and Endowment plans as these plans provide dual benefits of life cover and investments, such plans provide returns on investments. Money Back and Endowment plans provide additional bonuses based on the performance of the insurer.
Tax Exemptions The benefits under this policy help the family of the life assured build a safe and secured future even in the absence of the life assured. Moreover, under Section 80C and 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 one can avail income tax benefits by investing in a life insurance policy. Premiums paid towards this policy qualify for tax exemptions.
Maturity Benefits Some life insurance policies provide a maturity benefit at the end of the policy term in case the life assured has survived the entire policy tenure. The maturity benefit helps an individual to fulfill his/her financial goals over a period of time.
Additional Coverage You can also choose to increase the scope of coverage of the base policy by opting for an adequate rider which are additional coverages that come in exchange for an additional premium. These additional coverages increase the coverage of the life insurance policy. Some common riders opted with a life insurance policy are Accidental Total and Permanent Disability, Accidental Death Benefit, Critical Illness Rider, Accelerated Terminal Illness Rider etc.
Collateral for Loan Some life insurance policies offer loans against the policy feature which can help an individual to fulfill urgent financial requirements such as treatment for medical emergencies or help an individual to fulfil financial obligations which cannot be avoided.
Flexible Premium Payments Under this policy premium can be paid on a monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly basis. Life assured is given the flexibility to choose the premium payment mode and frequency.

Types of Life Insurance Plans

As already stated, life insurance plans are broadly categorised into two types, term insurance plans, and investment plans. Let’s understand these types in detail in the section below:

Term Insurance

A term insurance is one of the most affordable type of plan that provides protection to the nominees in case the policyholder meets an unfortunate death. The financial coverage is given on the basis of the premium that the policyholder pays during the policy term.

Further a term insurance plan is also classified into the following:

  • Return of Premium Term Insurance: This is a type of term insurance plan that provides a survival benefit in case the policyholder outlives the policy term. Moreover, the entire premium that is paid is also paid back to the policyholder if the policyholder survives.
  • Whole Life Insurance: Whole life insurance plan provides term insurance coverage to the policyholder till the age of 100 years. So, if you want a longer coverage for your family, then this plan is the best-suited for you.
  • Zero Cost Term Insurance: Under this type of term insurance plan, a policyholder can make an exit from their term insurance plan at any point of the policy term and still get all the premiums back.
  • Increasing Term Insurance: Increasing Term Insurance is one where the term insurance coverage increases over the policy term at a specific rate.
  • Decreasing Term Insurance: On the other hand, in decreasing term insurance, the coverage decreases at a specific rate over the policy term.

Investment

An investment plan is one where you pay a specific amount during the policy term to get guaranteed returns over the long run. Some of the different types of investment plans that you can consider buying are as follows:

  • ULIP: ULIP or Unit Linked Insurance Plan which provides dual benefits of both insurance and investment. It is a market-linked investment plan and thus you must keep the risk appetite in mind before investing in ULIP.
  • Endowment Plans: This type of investment plan provides both survival and death benefits. A maturity benefit is paid out to the policyholder after a specific duration, while life insurance benefit is given in case the policyholder meets an unfortunate demise.
  • Retirement Plans: If you are looking for an investment plan that will be helpful in creating a corpus for your retirement, then you must invest in a retirement plan. There are a number of companies that offer retirement or pension plans at affordable rates.
  • Child Plans: As the name suggests, this type of plan is suitable to meet the financial needs of your child such as funding their education. A child plan remains active even if the policyholder passes away and the balance premium is later paid back by the insurer.

Benefits of Life Insurance

There are several benefits of having a life insurance policy. Life insurance is a financial tool which can help an individual create a financial net for their loved ones in case anything unforeseen happens to the life assured. It not only helps an individual to financially secure the future for their loved ones but also helps them save their earnings for a better future. Life insurance is one essential part of one’s financial plan. Most people use life insurance policies to ensure that the beneficiaries who may suffer financial hardships in the absence of the life assured have financial resources to fulfil their daily financial requirements and pursue their dreams.

  • Life Cover

    Life Cover

    A life insurance policy provides a sum assured as the death benefit in the event of an untimely demise of the policyholder, thereby providing financial security to the life assured’s family. A life insurance thus acts as a financial shield and ensures that the aspirations of the life assured’s family do not get compromised.

  • Peace of Mind

    Peace of Mind

    Life Insurance helps create a sense of peace of mind for an individual because it ensures a financially secured future for the loved ones of the life assured in his/her absence. Life insurance also provides financial aid at the time of medical emergencies thereby decreasing the family’s stress to arrange funds during difficult times.

  • Financial Stability

    Financial Stability

    Purchasing a life insurance policy can help one ensure the financial stability of their loved ones in the future. In case of a death of life assured, a life insurance plan pays out a death benefit to the nominee which can help the family to clear out debts or any other liabilities and maintain their standard of living.

  • Tax Benefits

    Tax Benefits

    Life insurance premiums qualify for a tax deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 Lakh under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Also, the life insurance proceeds qualify for a tax exemption under Section 10(10D), if the premium is up to 10% of the sum assured or the sum assured is at least 10 times of the premium amount of the life insurance plan.

  • Assured Income Benefit

    Assured Income Benefit

    Some life insurance plans offer an option to receive the death or maturity sum assured by way of regular income on periodic intervals as monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly instalments. This helps the life assured enjoy the benefits of the plan as an assured flow of regular income.

  • Loan Facility

    Loan Facility

    Most of the life insurance plans provide an option to avail a loan at a nominal interest rate to meet urgent financial requirements. This helps the life assured to enjoy a substantial amount of liquidity with the help of the life insurance plan. The loan facility is generally available with ULIPs, Endowment Plans and Child Plans.

Why Buy Life Insurance Online?

Purchasing life insurance online can be a very easy task but some people may have doubts when they are buying it online for the first time. To help you out, we have enlisted some reasons why you should purchase it online instead of the traditional method of buying it offline:

  • Convenient: You can purchase a life insurance policy online at your convenience i.e. you can purchase it anytime, anywhere. You can do so from the comfort of your home without having to visit the branch office of the insurance company. Purchasing it online is very convenient as it is hassle-free, completely digital, time-saving and payment can be made through different payment gateways.
  • Freedom to Choose a Desired Life Insurance Plan: Many times agents can influence your purchasing decision when you are buying it from the branch office. However, when you choose to purchase a life insurance policy online you have the freedom to choose an insurance plan according to your budget, requirements, and preferences without anybody else influencing your decision.
  • Quick Comparisons: You can use an online life insurance premium calculator to calculate its premium and compare several life insurance plans according to your needs and budget. You can make quick comparisons as the premium calculator tool displays life insurance plans according to the information you enter. You can easily compare the different plans at once.
  • Secure Payments: Many times people think that providing their bank details or card details online on a website may lead to misuse of the information but payment gateways are always encrypted to ensure full security for customers. The payment for it is safe and completely encrypted.

How To Buy Life Insurance With InsuranceDekho?

  • Fill Your DetailsStep 1
    Fill Your Details

    Enter your name, mobile number, date of birth and select your gender. Click on ‘View Instant Quotes’.

  • Compare Life Insurance QuotesStep 2
    Compare Life Insurance Quotes

    All the life Insurance plans matching your requirements and details will get displayed on your screen. Compare the available plans and select the plan that best fulfills your requirements.

  • Make Payment Online
    Make Payment Online

    After selecting the life insurance plan adjust your sum assured and policy term and then proceed with the payment. You can make the payment using netbanking and/or debit/credit card.

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Documents Required

  • Submit a photo id proof (voter’s id, aadhaar card, pan card and passport).
  • Address proof (electricity bill, telephone bill, ration card or any other utility bill)
  • An age proof such as birth certificate
  • A passport size photograph along relevant medical records and your recent salary slips to get your policy document.

Top Life Insurance Companies in India 2024

Here’s the list of the best life insurance companies as per the claim settlement ratio (CSR) registered by them in the financial year 2022-2023.

Rank Life Insurance Company Claim Settlement Ratio 2022-23  
1 Max Life Insurance 99.35%
2 Aegon Life Insurance 99.25%
3 Bharti Axa Life Insurance 99.05%
4 Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) 98.62%
5 Dhfl Pramerica Life Insurance 98.61%
6 Exide Life Insurance 98.54%
7 Kotak Life Insurance 98.50%
8 Reliance Life Insurance 98.49%
9 Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance 98.48%
10 PNB MetLife Insurance 98.17%
11 Tata AIA Life Insurance 98.02%
12 HDFC Life Insurance 98.01%
13 Aviva India Life Insurance 98.01%
14 ICICI Prudential Life Insurance 97.90%
15 Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance 98.04%
16 Sahara India Life Insurance 97.18%
17 Canara HSBC Life Insurance 97.10%
18 Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance 97.01%
19 IndiaFirst Life Insurance 96.81%
20 Daiichi Life Insurance 95.96%
21 Shriram Life Insurance 95.12%
22 Ageas Federal Life Insurance 95.07%
23 Future Generali Life Insurance 94.86%
24 SBI Life Insurance 93.09%
Top Life Insurance Companies

(Source: IRDAI Annual Report - Claim Settlement Ratio for the year 2019-20)

Types of Life Insurance Plans

  • Term Insurance plans are the most basic type of life insurance plans. They are also called ‘Pure Protection Plans’. Under these plans,a death benefit is provided to the family members in the event of a sudden demise of the life assured during the policy term. This plan thus helps you keep your family financially secured in your absence.
  • A Unit-Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) is an investment cum life insurance plan. In addition to the life cover, this plan invests your money in market-linked funds. These plans generally come with 2 types of investment strategies namely automatic or systematic fund allocation strategy and self-managed strategy for the management of your funds.
  • Child plans serve the dual purpose of providing a life insurance cover and an investment corpus for your child’s future. This plan provides a lump sum amount at the end of policy tenure that can be utilised for financing your child’s educational expenses or marriage expenses. These plans are generally available as savings plans and ULIPs.
  • Money-Back plans are investment plans which provide guaranteed sum assured on plan maturity/death of the life assured. The guaranteed benefit under these plans can be availed as either a lump sum or in the form of regular instalments as steady income. The regular instalments is generally equivalent to a certain percentage of the sum assured.
  • Retirement plans are investment cum life insurance plans which provide you with a life cover, along with helping you accumulate your savings for the life after retirement. This plan helps you enjoy a regular and steady flow of income after retirement, so that you can remain financially independent to enjoy the golden years of your life on your terms and conditions.
  • Endowment plans are traditional savings plans which not only provide a life cover but also provide the policyholder an opportunity to invest their money for a specific period of time and earn guaranteed returns. The value of both, the death benefit and maturity benefit, is appreciated under the plan by way of regular and guaranteed additions at regular intervals.

Compare Different Types of Life Insurance Policy

There are different types of life insurance plans available in India. Every type of plan has a different purpose, some plans can act as an investment component letting an individual grow his/her wealth and some plans provide risk protection. Below mentioned are different types of plans:
Type of Life Insurance Policy
Overview
Policy Term
Maturity Benefit
Who Should Purchase?

Term Insurance

Term Insurance plans are known as risk protection plan because this insurance policy provides coverage against the uncertainties of life

Policy term of a term insurance plan typically range from 5-60 years.

Not all term insurance policies provide a maturity benefit. Depending on the insurance provider some term insurance plans provide a maturity benefit in case the life assured survives the entire policy tenure.

Term insurance plans are ideal for a person who wishes to ensure financial security of their family in an affordable manner as term insurance policies have affordable premiums.

Whole Life Insurance

Whole Life insurance provides protection till the age of 99/100 years. This type of life insurance policy does not provide investment opportunities.

This insurance plan provides life cover or the whole life of the life assured i.e. upto to the ages of 99/100 years.

Under this, a maturity benefit is provided to the life assured once they reach the age limit set by the insurance provider.

Whole life insurance plans are also ideal for someone who wants to ensure financial security of their loved ones and also ensure that his/her loved ones have adequate funds to pursue their dreams.

Unit Linked Insurance Plans

As the name suggests these plans invest part of the premiums paid towards market linked fund options and the remaining is used for life cover.

ULIPs usually have a policy term of 10 to 20 years.

Under ULIPs a maturity benefit is provided in case the life assure survives the entire policy tenure.

Unit linked insurance plans are ideal for people who have a good income and high risk appetite as part of the premiums paid are investing in market linked fund options. ULIPs are also essential for someone who wants to build a corpus for the future.

Endowment

Endowment plans provide life cover and guaranteed additions. This type of plan offers wealth appreciation.

Policy term of an endowment policy ranges between 10 to 35 years.

Under endowment plans a maturity benefit along with additional bonuses (if any) shall be provided at the end of the policy tenure in case the life assured survives the entire policy tenure.

Endowment plans are ideal for people who want financial protection from the uncertainties of life and also want to avail guaranteed returns on investment.

Money Back Plans

Money-back plans offer life cover along with investment components. Under this type of life insurance policy payouts are made at regular intervals known as survival benefits.

Money Back plans usually have a policy tenure of 20 to 25 years.

Money back plan also provides a maturity benefit after deducting the payouts made at regular intervals during the policy tenure.

Money back plans are essential for a person who wants to fulfil their financial goals at different stages of life along with life cover.

Retirement/Pension Plans

Retirement plans helps an individual build a retirement corpus while providing life cover.

Retirement plans generally don’t have a fixed policy tenure.

Usually retirement plans don’t provide a maturity benefit but a regular flow of income post your retirement. Depending on the insurance provider, some retirement plans provide a maturity benefit in case the life assured survives the entire policy tenure.

Retirement plans are ideal for individuals who want to ensure a regular source of income post their retirement.

Child Insurance

Child insurance plans have dual purposes which are providing life cover and helping you build a corpus for your child’s future expenses.

Policy tenure of a child life insurance plan is also not fixed. In case the life assured i.e. the parent passes away during the policy tenure, the child can avail benefits of the insurance policy till he/she completes 18 years of age.

Under a child life insurance policy a maturity benefit is provided in case the life assured survives the policy tenure.

Child insurance plans are ideal for a person who wants to secure their child’s future. This plan is ideal for people who want to fund their child’s higher education, marriage expenses and other future expenses of their child.

View All

Life Insurance Riders

You can enhance the coverage of your standard life insurance plan with these helpful and economical add-on covers.
  • Accidental Death Benefit rider provides sum assured in case of an unfortunate demise of the life assured in an accident. This is one of the most opted for life insurance add-ons.
  • Waiver of Premium rider waives off all the future premiums payable under the life insurance policy in the case of life assured’s death, disability, or diagnosis of a critical illness. The events covered vary with insurers.
  • A Critical Illness rider provides additional coverage to the life assured in case a terminal illness such as heart attack, heart stroke, cancer, kidney failure, liver failure,etc. is diagnosed. It helps you to meet long-term medical expenses with ease and without worrying for finances.
  • Under the Accelerated Terminal Illness rider, the death benefit is paid out in advance on diagnosis of a terminal illness of the life assured. This benefit is payable if the chances of survival of the life assured are low due to the illness.
  • Under a HospiCash rider, if the life assured has to be admitted to the hospital for a treatment then a fixed amount of rider benefit will be provided to the life assured depending on the per day expense of the hospitalisation.
  • Under the Accidental Total Permanent (ATPD) Disability rider, a benefit is payable to the life assured in case he/she suffers a total permanent disability making him/her unable to earn a living.
  • An Income Benefit rider provides a certain number of monthly instalments equivalent to the monthly income of the life assured in case of his/her unfortunate death. This rider helps the life assured’s family maintain their standard of living even in the life assured’s absence.
  • A Surgical Care rider provides benefit if life assured undergoes an unavoidable medical surgery due to injury or sickness. The benefit provided under this rider is equivalent to a certain percentage of the base sum assured.

Reasons To Invest in Life Insurance

Nobody has an idea which way their life will go. Life is very uncertain, nobody can predict the event of their life. To stay financially secured from the uncertainties of life one should consider purchasing life insurance. If you are not sure about whether life insurance is a good choice for you, below mentioned are some reasons why investing in this policy will help you ensure financial security for your loved ones:

Helps In Saving Taxes: One major advantage of purchasing this policy is that you avail tax deductions on the premiums you pay. Under the Section 80C and 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 one can avail tax benefits for the premiums paid towards life insurance policy.

Helps In Planning For Retirement: Not every type of life insurance policy can help you create a corpus for retirement. Some insurance providers have retirement plans that can help you build a corpus for retirement while providing life cover. The earlier you choose to purchase a retirement plan the more money you will have to fulfil your financial requirements post-retirement.

Will Help You Loved Ones Pay Off Your Debts: In case of your untimely demise of the life assured during the policy, a death benefit amount is provided to the nominee/family of the life assured. In case of your untimely demise your loved ones may have to deal with your debts, the death benefit amount can help your loved ones to pay off your debts.

Provides a Financial Safety Net: In case you are the sole breadwinner of the family your untimely demise will not only emotionally affect your family member but also financially. Under such circumstances this policy can help you provide a financial safety net for your loved ones even in your absence.

Provides Mental Peace: The biggest advantage of purchasing a life insurance policy is that it provides peace of mind. When you purchase it you ensure financial security of your family and you ensure you’ve done whatever you could to secure the future of your family in case you are not around.

Can Act as an Savings Tool: A life insurance policy encourages disciplined savings habits in an individual. Apart from encouraging disciplined savings habits some of these policies offer loans against the policy facility which can help you at times when you require immediate funds.

Can be Customised: Depending on different insurers one can customise their life insurance policy by adding riders which are additional coverage that come in exchange of additional premium. Riders help you customise your plan according to your requirements.

Who is most likely to buy Life Insurance?

The most important question while purchasing a life insurance policy is whether you have financial dependents or not. Below mentioned are some types of people who are most likely to purchase it:

Young Adults: It is always advised to purchase it as soon as you start making a living. As soon as you start earning a living for yourself and your family you should consider purchasing a life insurance policy because it can not only help you avail tax benefits but also help you attain financial security from the uncertainties of life. It is said that this plan should be purchased when a person is young because premiums for physically fit people are less and it also helps in early tax savings.

Parents: Many adults start considering purchasing a life insurance policy as soon as they become parents because they want to ensure a financially secured future for their child. As parents would always want to provide the best for their children, and this plan can help you create a financial plan to secure your child’s future. You will require coverage that can help take care of household expenses and potential expenses that arise from raising a child. This policy provides a death benefit in case of an unforeseen demise of the life assured during the coverage period, with the help of a life insurance you can ensure financial security of their child in case an unforeseen event takes place.

Married People: People who are married who have spouses that fully depend on the income of their partner often purchase life insurance policies to ensure financial security of their spouse in the absence of the life assured. As the sole breadwinner between two married people one should consider purchasing life insurance. The death benefit provided under it can help your wife/husband to fulfill their financial requirement and maintain a healthy standard of living even in your absence.

Sole Breadwinner of the Family: Usually the sole breadwinner of the family is most likely to purchase a life insurance policy to ensure that his/her family members are financially unbothered in case of an unfortunate demise of the life assured during the policy tenure. In case the primary income source of the family passes away, this policy can help the family member of the life assured to maintain a decent standard of living and fulfill daily financial obligations until they are able to arrange funds or start earning themselves. It can also help an individual create a financial cushion for his/her family members in case an unforeseen event takes place.

Retirement Age Adults: People who don’t have a large savings amount such as people who wish to retire or have retired may also wish to purchase a life insurance policy. Some life insurance policies offer whole life coverage which can help an individual who is retiring ensure a financially secure future for their dependents such as child, husband/wife etc. In case of an unforeseen demise of the life assured, the death benefit amount paid under a life insurance policy can help the family of the life assured to fulfil immediate expenses.

Business Owners: If you own a business you must worry about what will happen to your dependents and employees in case of your unforeseen demise during the policy tenure. In case of an unforeseen demise of the life assured, the financial dependents of the life assured can use the death benefit amount to pay to creditors, manage payments, pay off life assured’s dues and maintain a decent standard of living in the absence of the life assured.

How Much Life Insurance Cover Do I Need?

The main objective of purchasing this type of policy is to ensure that your family has financial support to maintain a healthy lifestyle if you were to meet an untimely demise during the policy tenure. However a valid question to ask here is, ‘How much life insurance cover do I need?’ A specific sum assured for this coverage may not be suitable for many people. Hence, one needs to look at several factors such as income, expenses, number of financial dependents and liabilities (if any at the time of purchasing a insurance policy) while deciding your coverage amount.

Although, it is advised that the sum assured of a life insurance policy should be 10-15 times the income of the life assured. A sum assured equivalent to 10-15 times the income of the life assured can help the family of the life assured to fulfil immediate expenses, daily financial requirements and fulfil their goals in case of an untimely demise of the life assured during the policy tenure. It is advised to choose a sum assured amount which can help your family to fulfill financial requirements in the absence of the life assured. Some factors that you can consider before deciding your sum assured are your income, current financial liabilities, estimated working years, estimate of future expenses etc.

Moreover, here are some tips that you need to keep in mind to get an estimate of the sum assured you need:

  • First and foremost, identify your financial goals and objectives. You need to check your future financial expectations such as your child’s education, marriage, and other commitments.
  • You also need to consider your current income and loans before you choose any type of life insurance policy. This will help you in assessing the right sum assured for you and your loved ones.
  • You also need to check your health condition, based on which the right sum assured will be determined. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, then it is suggested to buy life insurance with a higher coverage.

Tax Benefits of Life Insurance

Life insurance policy is a financial tool which is essential for an individual who wants to ensure a financially secured future for their loved ones. The benefits that come under it help family of the life assured build a safe and secured future even in the absence of the life assured. Moreover, under Section 80C and 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 one can avail income tax benefits by investing in this policy. Under Section 80C, premiums paid towards the life insurance policy qualify for tax exemptions for upto Rs. 1.5 Lakh and under Section 10(10D) provides tax exemptions on income on maturity if the premium is not more than 10% of the sum assured.

In case the sum assured is less than 10 times of the premium you can avail tax exemptions on the premium up to 10% of the sum assured. In case of untimely demise of the life assured, the sum assured paid to the nominee also qualifies for tax exemptions.

Under Section 80C in case the policyholder voluntarily surrenders his/her insurance policy or in case it is terminated before 2 since the date the policy was issued then the life assured shall not receive any benefits on the premiums paid.

Under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, the sum assured amount plus bonus (if any) paid in case of death of the life assured or at the time of maturity will be entirely tax-free for the receiver.

How to Calculate Life Insurance Premium?

While calculating the premium for a life insurance policy certain factors such as age, gender, lifestyle, profession, way of living, BMI (Body Mass Index), coverage amount, health conditions, medical records etc. are taken into consideration. One can easily calculate its premium online with the help of an online premium calculator tool.

To calculate the premium with InsuranceDekho, here is what you need to do:

  • Go to the life insurance premium calculator available on InsuranceDekho
  • Enter details such as age, gender, income, and other paremetres
  • Once you enter all the details, click on submit button on a premium calculator
  • Finally, you will be able to view the exact premium you need to pay. You can review the quoted premium for this policy and use it to compare different policies before selecting a plan that fulfills your requirements.

Factors Affecting Life Insurance Premium

Before buying this plan, you need to consider the different factors that affect life insurance premiums. Scroll through the section below to know more about these factors:

  • Age: Your age is one of the most important factors that affects its premium. The premium for individuals who are younger is lower as compared to those who are elder. This is because the life expectancy of elder individuals is low, thus the life insurance premium in such case will be higher. So, make sure to buy it when you are young.
  • Lifestyle: It also depends on your lifestyle. For instance, if you are involved in smoking and drinking, then the premium in such a case will be higher. This is because such individuals are at a higher risk of getting affected with health problems. On the other hand, individuals who lead a healthy lifestyle are likely to pay lesser premiums.
  • Profession: Your profession is another factor that will affect the premium. Individuals who are involved in high-risk jobs like mining or those who work in a geographical location that is at risk of wars may end up paying higher life insurance premiums.
  • Gender: According to different reports, it is found out that women in India have a higher life expectancy as compared to men. Owing to this reason, there are a number of life insurance companies that offer discounts to female policyholders on life insurance premiums.
  • Type of Life Insurance: There are a number of life insurance plans available such as term insurance, ULIP, endowment, money-back plans, and more. So, depending on the type of life insurance plan you are buying, its premium will accordingly vary. The premium for a term insurance plan is generally lower as compared to high-risk investment plans such as ULIP, endowment, and many more.
  • Policy Tenure: There are several insurance companies that offer discounts if you are buying it with a longer policy duration.

Tips to Save on Life Insurance Premiums

Tired of paying hefty life insurance premiums? If so, then do not worry as there are a number of ways in which you can save on premiums. Listed below are some useful tips that will help you in saving premiums:

  • Analyse Your Needs: There are different types of life insurance policies, such as term life, whole life term insurance, ULIP, money-back, and many more. Term life insurance is usually more affordable than other types of plan, so consider your needs and choose the policy type that best suits you. Determine the appropriate coverage amount based on your needs. Do not buy a plan with a greater sum insured as higher coverage amounts come with higher premiums.
  • Compare Life Insurance Plans: It is very important that you compare the different plans available before buying one. With so many life insurance plans available, it often becomes difficult to choose the right life insurance plan. So, it makes sense to first, compare the different plans available and only then buy one. This way you will be able to understand the inclusions and exclusions of the different plans available.
  • Buy Life Insurance Early: Life insurance premiums are typically lower when you are younger. This is because when you are young, you are healthier, thus reducing the risk of health insurance companies. Buying a policy early is very helpful in buying insurance plans at affordable premiums.
  • Follow a Healthy Lifestyle: Your current health is a significant factor in determining your premium. Leading a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing any chronic conditions will ultimately help you in paying lower premiums. Some insurers also offer discounts for regular health check-ups and moreover, there are discounts if you lead a healthy lifestyle.
  • Buy Long-term Life Insurance Policy: If you are planning to buy life insurance, choosing a longer term may result in lower premiums. However, make sure the term aligns with your financial goals and needs. Do not end up buying long-term insurance policies if you do not need it.
  • Choose Add-ons Wisely: Riders are additional features you can add to your life insurance policy. While some riders can enhance your coverage, they can also increase your premium. Only opt for riders that align with your needs. Some of the riders that you can include in your plan are accidental death benefit rider, maternity rider, hospital cash rider, and many more.

Best Life Insurance Plans for High Returns

When it comes to financial planning, securing the future of yourself and your loved ones is extremely important. Life insurance beyond being a safety net, can also serve as an investment tool if you invest in the right kind of plan. Several investment plans offer great returns, some of which have been enlisted below.

  • Bajaj Allianz POS Goal Surkasha: The Bajaj Allianz POS Goal Suraksha plan is a Non-Participating Non-linked Life Insurance Plan. This plan provides both maturity and death benefits. Under maturity benefit, if the policyholder meets an unfortunate death, then financial assistance will be given to the family of the policyholder. On the other hand, if the policyholder survives the policy term, maturity benefit will be paid out. In addition, the Bajaj Allianz POS Goal Suraksha is also a wealth creation plan. For instance, if you invest INR 1 lakh for 10 years, then will be able to get INR 27 lakh, after 20 years.
  • HDFC Life Sanchay Fixed Maturity Plan: The HDFC Life Sanchay Fixed Maturity Plan is a non-linked, non-participating, Individual, savings, life insurance plan. You can buy this plan as both a joint and a single plan. Ideal for long-term investors, it ensures a secure future with disciplined savings. By locking in INR 1 lakh for 10 years, this plan has the potential to yield INR 25 lakh after 20 years, offering an impressive return on investment. HDFC Life Sanchay stands out for its fixed maturity benefit and a sense of financial security.
  • Max Life Smart Wealth Plan: The Max Life Smart Wealth Plan has a minimum entry age of 91 days and a maximum entry age of 65 years. This plan provides maturity benefits, death benefits, and surrender benefits to the policyholders. Offering a dual advantage of protection and savings, this plan ensures financial security and growth. With flexible premium payment options and a choice of funds catering to investors’ risk appetite, it empowers investors to customise their portfolios.
  • TATA AIA Guaranteed Return Insurance Plan: The TATA AIA Guaranteed Return Insurance Plan is an Individual, non-linked, non-participating, life insurance savings plan. This plan provides guaranteed returns so that your financial needs are never left compromised. The TATA AIA Guaranteed Return Insurance Plan provides life insurance coverage from day 1. Moreover, this plan also works as loan collateral and provides lumpsum payout options - lumpsum, regular income, and whole life.
  • HDFC Life Click 2 Wealth: The HDFC Life Click 2 Wealth is yet another investment plan that offers great returns in the long run. This plan provides the option to choose between 11 different funds to get maximum returns. You can even switch between the different funds during the policy term. Moreover, to further enhance the plan benefits, you can even include riders such as HDFC Life Income Benefit on Accidental Disability Rider, HDFC Life Critical Illness Rider, and more.

Comparison of Life Insurance Plans

Choosing the right life insurance plan requires careful planning. Here are key factors to consider when comparing life insurance plans:

  • Type of Coverage: You must assess the coverage requirements. For instance, you need to be clear whether you are buying a life insurance plan for just life insurance protection or it extends beyond it. If you need both life insurance and investment, then you should buy plans that provide dual coverage.
  • Affordability: You also need to analyse your budget to determine how much you can comfortably pay towards life insurance premiums. Term insurance generally has lower premiums, making it more affordable for some, while whole life insurance may have higher premiums. So, decide accordingly!
  • Flexibility: There are life insurance plans that also provide flexibility in premium payments. Moreover, even for payouts, you can choose whether you want lump sum payments, monthly payments, or anything else. Assess whether this flexibility aligns with your financial situation.
  • Policy Duration: Consider the length of life insurance coverage you need. Term life insurance is suitable for short-term needs, while whole life insurance plans cater to long-term financial planning.
  • Risk Tolerance: No matter which type of life insurance plan you are buying, you need to assess your risk tolerance. For instance, if you have a low-risk appetite, then it makes no sense to buy life insurance plans like ULIPs that involve high-risk factors.
  • Company Reputation: Research the reputation and financial stability of the insurance provider. Look for companies with high claim settlement ratios and good customer ratings.

You can also consult a financial advisor who will help you in buying the right life insurance plan for yourself.

Documents Required for Purchasing a Life Insurance Policy

Following is the list of documents required at the time of application for a life insurance policy:

Income Proof
  • Salary slips of last 6 months
  • Bank statements of last 6 months with entries of 3 months of salary credited continuously
  • Income Tax Returns (ITR) of last 2 years
  • Certificate issued by CA in case the individual is self employed
  • Form 16 (Latest)
Age Proof
  • Birth Certificate
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Voter ID Card
  • PAN Card
  • Passport
  • Driving Licence
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Ration Card
Identity Proof
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Passport
  • PAN Card
  • Voter ID Card
  • Address Proof
  • Passport
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Voter ID Card
  • Ration Card
  • Driving License
  • Passbook with 6 months of latest entries
  • Bank statement of savings account
  • Latest 3 months of utility bills
Other Documents
  • Apart from KYC documents there are few other documents required at the time of application of life insurance policy. Following is the list of other documents required at the time of policy application:
  • Application/Proposal Form
  • Policy Declaration in case the proposal form had not been filled by the life insured
  • Final Declaration stating that the information provided is true and in case anything is found to be incorrect the insurance provider has the right to reject the application

How to Choose the Best Life Insurance Policy?

There are different plans offered by different insurance companies in India and at times it can get difficult to choose a good plan from several options. Below mentioned are some key points that you can consider while purchasing it:

  • Identify the Type of Policy you Need: There are several types of life insurance plans that have different purposes. Different types of plans are Term Insurance, Unit Linked Insurance Plans, Whole Life, Endowment, Money Back, Retirement/Pension and Child Life Insurance plans. Term insurance is the basic insurance plan as it is pure risk that other insurance plans provide an investment component. It is very important to identify the type of plan according to your requirements.
  • Sum Assured Amount: Before purchasing it, you should determine the sum assured which is the coverage amount. You should consider a sum assured which is 10-15 times their income. To choose the right sum assured for your policy you must consider your current lifestyle, expenses, liabilities, goals, and number of financial dependents, etc. Ideally, the sum assured of this policy should be enough to let your loved one maintain a decent lifestyle in your absence.
  • Claim Settlement Ratio: The claim settlement ratio of the insurance provider is one important factor that one must consider before purchasing a life insurance policy. It is basically the ratio between the number of claims raised to the number of claims settled in a given year. You should choose an insurer with a high claim settlement ratio because a high claim settlement ratio depicts the number of claims settled by the insurance provider against the number of claims received. You must consider an insurance provider with a high claim settlement ratio so that they are able to rely on the insurance provider fully.
  • Compare Several Plans: Comparing several plans based on your requirements and budget is one important thing to choose the right plan. On comparing different insurance policies offered by different insurance providers you will be able to analyse which policy best suits your requirements and this way you will be able to make an informed decision.
  • Check the Customer Reviews: You must also check the customer reviews before actually buying one. Doing so will help you in analysing whether the customer service is satisfactory or not. You should ideally choose a company that offers 24*7 customer service and is available throughout to answer all your queries.
  • Analyse the Add-ons Available: The benefits of a life insurance plan can be enhanced by including a number of add-ons such as critical illness rider, premium waiver rider, and so many more. So, if you are planning to buy a life insurance plan with enhanced benefits, then consider including add-ons to your plans. You can check with your insurer regarding the number of add-ons available with your plan.

How to File a Life Insurance Claim?

In case of an unforeseen demise of the life assured during the policy tenure, the nominee can file for a death claim. As a nominee/beneficiary of the life insurance policy you should be aware of how to file a death claim and about the claim settlement procedure. You can easily file a claim online or choose to visit the branch office of your chosen insurance company. Below mentioned are some steps you can follow to file a claim for the life insurance policy:

Online - You can visit the official website of your chosen life insurance company and log in using your registered email ID/policy number and password. You register a claim online easily on the website and submit supporting documents along with the claim form. Your claim will be assessed and settled as soon as the underwriters have approved the claim. The online process is very convenient. Some insurance companies also let the nominee to file a claim by sending an email at the official email address.

Visit the branch office - You can also visit the branch office to directly intimate and file a claim at the office of the insurance company. You can submit the claim form along with supporting documents at the branch office.

SMS/Call - Some insurance companies provide an option to intimate the claim to your insurers providers through SMS/Call facility. You can send a SMS to the provided number by the life insurance provider and call the helpline number or customer care number provided by the insurer to intimate the insurance provider about the claim.

Things You Must Know About Life Insurance

Life insurance policy is a well known financial tool which helps an individual to financially safeguard their loved ones in case an unforeseen event takes place such as an unpredictable demise of the life assured during the policy tenure. Before you purchase a life insurance policy you should know some things about life insurance policy:

Life insurance policy does not put a monetary value on an individual: People often think that life insurance policy puts a monetary value on an individual which is however not true. Life insurance policy provides life cover to an individual in exchange for the life assured pay the premium for the life cover. In case of an unforeseen demise of the life assured a sum assured known as death benefit is provided to the nominee. At the time of purchasing a life insurance the applicant/life assured decides the sum assured according to their budget and coverage requirements.

There are several types of life insurance plans to choose from: There are several types of life insurance policies available in India such as Term Life, ULIPs, Endowment, Retirement, Money Back, Child and Whole Life insurance plans. One can choose from the different types of life insurance policies according to their coverage requirements and budget. Different life insurance plans have different features and benefits which serve different purposes. Some life insurance plans provide investment components and some provide basic risk coverage.

Life insurance premium depends on certain factors: The premium payable for the life insurance policy depends on various factors such as one’s age, occupation, medical condition, type of life insurance policy, sum assured, policy tenure, personal habits like consumption of alcohol/tobacco etc. Age plays an important role in determining the premium of a life insurance policy, elder people are prone to life threatening diseases so the premium of life insurance policy increases as elderly people require more coverage. Thus, it is advised to purchase a life insurance policy at a young age.

Life insurance can also act as an investment instrument: Some life insurance policies provide an investment component under which part of the premiums paid are used for life cover and the remaining are utilised for the life cover. These life insurance plans let the life assured invest part of the premiums paid in different market linked fund options and the returns are purely based on the performance of the market linked fund.

Premiums paid for life insurance qualify for tax exemption: Life insurance policies can help an individual to save taxes as premium paid towards a life insurance policy qualify for tax exemptions under Section 80C and 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act. One can save upto Rs. 1.5 Lakhs for the premiums paid towards a life insurance policy.

You can customize your life insurance with riders: Life insurance can be customized with the help of life insurance riders. Riders are additional coverage that one can purchase along a life insurance policy in exchange of additional premium. These riders can help in increasing the coverage of the base life insurance policy.

Why Choose InsuranceDekho For Buying Life Insurance?

  • Quick Policy Issuance
    Quick Policy Issuance
    At InsuranceDekho you can purchase life insurance in just a matter of minutes. You can compare and purchase a life insurance plan by simply entering your details and such as Age, Mobile Number and Date of Birth and instantly compare available plans and purchase the life insurance policy that best meets your requirements.
  • Dedicated Customer Service
    Dedicated Customer Service
    Our customer assistance team is available all 7 days to provide information and clarify all queries related to purchasing a life insurance policy or its claim settlement. Our knowledgeable team of experts is always available to solve all your queries and serve you in the best manner.
  • Availability of Top Plans
    Availability of Top Plans
    We have partnered with all the top life insurance providers in India to provide our customers the best life insurance plans. This helps our customers to get the best plans conveniently at one place with the ease of comparison.

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FAQs About Life Insurance Policy

  • General
  • Premium
  • Plan
  • Rider
  • Claim Settlement
  • 1

    What is Life Insurance ?

    Life insurance is an insurance cover which provides a sum assured to the family of the assured in the event of sudden death. The plan also offers a survival benefit to the assured if he/she survives the policy term.

     

     

     

  • 2

    Why should I purchase life insurance?

    Life insurance helps you attain financial security that ensures your family’s life goals are not affected. Life insurance also offers tax benefits on the premiums that a policyholder pays for their life insurance. Moreover, life insurance plans are affordable and the policyholder can purchase additional benefits by purchasing a rider to enhance their life cover.

     

     

     

  • 3

    Can I return my policy immediately after I purchase it?

    You can return the policy stating the reasons why you disagree with terms and conditions of the policy within the free-look period as per regulations of IRDAI.  For Life Insurance policies, the free-look period is of generally 15 days (30 days for online policies) from the date of receiving policy documents.

  • 4

    Can I purchase a new life insurance policy even when I already have one?

    Yes, you can purchase a new life insurance policy despite already having one. It helps a policyholder get an increased life coverage along with all other benefits of a life insurance plan.

  • 5

    What is the difference between term insurance and life insurance?

    Major difference between life insurance and term insurance is that term insurance is a type of life insurance policy. Term insurance policies are quite affordable as compared to life insurance policies, but life insurance policies provide extensive coverage. Life insurance policies provide coverage for whole life and term insurance policies provide coverage for a fixed period of time.

     

  • 1

    What are the factors that affect the calculation of a life insurance plan premium?

    Life insurance premium depends on numerous factors including policyholder's age, sum assured, gender, lifestyle, job, medical history, type of policy, tenure, and riders (if any). 

     

     

     

  • 2

    What are the tax benefits on insurance premiums?

    Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, premiums paid towards a life insurance policy qualify for a deduction up to Rs. 1.5 Lakh. Also under Section 10(10D), income received from a life insurance plan on maturity is tax-free if the premium is not more than 10% of the sum assured or the sum assured is at least 10 times the premium.

  • 3

    Does tobacco and alcohol consumption affect life insurance premiums?

    Yes, if an individual declares that he/she consumes tobacco/alcohol then the premium for a life insurance plan increases because of high-risk involved.

  • 4

    What is a life insurance premium?

    Life insurance premiums are the periodical amount that you pay for the life cover provided under the life insurance policy. Life insurance premium is provided to the insurance provider. Premiums are the amount of payments made for the life cover provided by the insurance provider. 

  • 5

    Who decides the life insurance premium?

    Underwriters are people who play an important role while determining the premium for your life insurance policy, the underwriters assess your application and decide the premium for your life insurance policy. 

  • 1

    Which is the best life insurance plan?

    Different life insurance plans have different features and advantages. Thus, the definition of the best plan varies from individual to individual. The best life insurance plan is the one which best meets your requirements and budget. However, among all the different types of life insurance plans, the most preferred type of life insurance plan is Term Insurance Plan because it provides high coverage at nominal premium.

     

     

  • 2

    What are the factors which I should consider before buying a life insurance policy?

    There are many factors that you should consider while purchasing a life insurance plan. These includes your financial goals, income, existing liabilities, and daily expenses. After analysing all these factors, you can compare different types of life insurance plans like term plans, whole life insurance, child plans, retirement plans, and others to buy the one that suits your needs. 

     

     

     

  • 3

    Is it safe to buy life insurance policy online?

    Purchasing life insurance policy is easy, quick and hassle-free and the payment is made through a safe gateway. Buying policies online is less time consuming as well.

  • 4

    What are the different types of life insurance plan?

    Different types of life insurance available in India are Whole Life, Term Insurance, ULIPs, Endowment, Money Back, Child Life and Retirement Plans. 

  • 5

    Is a cover of Rs. 5,00,000 life insurance policy sufficient?

    A cover amount of Rs 5 Lakh should be sufficient or not purely depends on applicants annual income. It is always advised to choose a coverage amount of 15-20 times of your annual income allowing your family members to maintain a decent lifestyle in the absence of the life assured. Keep certain factors such as current lifestyle, current expenses, assets, liabilities and number of financial dependents before choosing a coverage amount for your life insurance policy.

  • 1

    Do I get survival benefits under my life insurance policy?

    Under some life insurance policies a survival benefit known as maturity benefit is provided to the life assured at the end of the policy term in case the life assured survives the entire policy tenure. Some life insurance plans that offer a maturity benefit are Endowment, Money Back, Child and retirement plans. 

  • 1

    How do I file a life insurance claim?

    You can register your claim online on the insurance provider’s official website and you can also give your claim intimation in writing, call the insurance provider or visit the branch office of the insurance provider to file a claim for your life insurance policy.

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