Life Insurance

Life insurance policy is a contract-based promise established between the policyholder, who is the insured individual, and the insurer. Under this agreement, the policyholder must pay the insurer a fixed amount (premium payments). In exchange for these premiums, the insurer commits to providing a sum of money, known as the death benefit, to the beneficiary chosen by the policyholder in case of the policyholder's demise. Life insurance comes in different types, and some plans also provide the maturity benefit if the policyholder outlives the policy term.

Life insurance policy is a contract-based promise established between the policyholder, who is the insured individual, and the insurer. Under this agreement, the policyholder must pay the insurer a fixed amount (premium payments). In exchange for...
Life insurance policy is a contract-based promise established between the policyholder, who is...

Term Life Insurance that Welcomes Change

Life Cover Starting @ just ₹18/day*

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Choose India’s Only Personalised Term Plan

Modify coverage as per your life stages & commitments

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Hassle-Free Claim Settlement

99.38% Claim settlement ratio*

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Smart Income Tax Savings

Save up to ₹54,600* on your taxes

ARN: L0088 | *T&Cs Apply
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What is a Life Insurance Policy?

A life insurance policy is like a financial backup plan. You pay your insurance company a fixed premium regularly to keep the policy active. If something happens to you, your life insurer guarantees to pay a large sum of money to your family or whoever you choose as designated nominees. 

Life insurance policies can be divided into 2 simple types: Pure Protection Plan and Savings Plan. 

Pure Protection Plan 

Term insurance is a pure protection plan specifically designed to protect your loved ones. It provides a large sum to help with income replacement and can cover things like debts, daily expenses, etc., in case of your untimely death.

Savings Plan

A savings plan combines two benefits: it offers life coverage and helps you save for big life goals like your kids' higher education or buying a home.
 

7 Types of Life Insurance Plans in India 

Life insurance has always been considered an essential financial tool. Each plan comes with unique features, catering to the diverse needs of individuals from various walks of life. To buy life insurance, you must understand how these plans function. A thorough knowledge will help you in making informed decisions. So, let's explore different policies to determine which one works best for you. 

In simple terms, this plan is one of the most common, straightforward and affordable plans that provide financial protection.

 

The Term insurance plan works as follows:

  • The policyholder pays the insurer a fixed premium for a specific term
  • If the policyholder does not survive this period, the insurer offers the death benefit to the assigned beneficiary (typically wife and kids)
  • There are no survival or maturity benefits
  • You can buy term insurance for a specific year as you wish; it could be 10 years, 20 years, 30 years or more.

 

Term insurance works on the concept of income replacement for your financial dependents in your absence, i.e., ensuring that the family's expenses related to loans (personal, home, education, etc.), kids' education, daily expenses, and lifestyle expenses (travel, car, etc.) are taken care of. 

 

Since the purpose of term insurance is income replacement, it is recommended that you opt for this plan until you reach retirement age, i.e., when you are expected to continue to work.

 

Various term Insurance plans offer additional protection through riders like accidental death benefit, accidental total permanent disabilities, and critical illness. These riders add an extra layer of financial protection on top of the sum assured provided by the term plan. One such term plan in the market is the ACKO Life Flexi Term Plan—Unmatched Flexibility for Your Peace of Mind. 

A Whole Life Insurance plan, also known as permanent life insurance, is a unique and long-term plan that provides life coverage until the policyholder turns 100.

Under this policy, the policyholder makes consistent premium payments throughout in exchange for lifetime coverage. Upon the policyholder's passing, the designated beneficiary receives the death benefit per the policy's terms. The primary purpose of this policy is to provide financial protection to the policyholder's family. However, if the policyholder lived beyond the maturity age, i.e. 100 years, the insurer pays the endowment coverage to the policyholder. 
 

A Term Plan with Return of Premium, or TROP, is a type of life insurance that provides death benefits plus guarantees the return of all the premiums paid if the policyholder survives the term. In simple terms, TROP works like a regular term plan, but it has only one thing that sets it apart from all others—it returns all that was given upon maturity.

With TROP, the policyholder pays premiums on a schedule that suits them - monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, annually, or in a single payment schedule. It is often considered one of the ideal options for many who want a life cover as well as guaranteed returns. 
 

ULIPs gives more than one benefit, besides providing life cover, they also give an opportunity to invest in a way where the policyholder is allowed to place the money in some Investment provided by the Insurer, such as Equity or Debt or balance between both. They provide the policyholder with strong investment flexibility in terms of choosing where to invest, as there is an opportunity to set aside premium payments in different funds, such as bonds, hybrid funds, equity funds and the like, which depend on its investment goals and defined risk tolerance.

Basically, ULIPs are long-term investment plans with a lock-in period of 5 years. A ULIP is equipped with a function that divides a policyholder's premiums into two halves. Some of the premium goes to life coverage, and the rest is invested in the market. 
The following are the life insurance benefits of ULIPs: flexibility, market-linked returns, dual benefits, fund-switching, partial withdrawals, death benefits, etc. However, it is crucial to gain an in-depth understanding of each factor associated with it to make informed decisions. 
 

Popularly known as the Guaranteed Return Plans, they are useful for those who need life coverage and fixed returns. If you outlive the policy term, your insurer pays a lump sum of money.

An endowment plan is designed to provide life cover and help build savings habits over time. On the other hand, in case of death at any time before maturity by accident or natural causes, etc., your nominees will receive the death benefits.

 

Pension plans are considered to be long-term investment plans that provide financial protection as well as post-retirement incomes. With a pension plan, the policyholder pays regular premiums, and after retirement, the insurer provides the insured with a consistent income. The designated beneficiaries will receive the death benefit in the event of the policyholder's demise, either before or after retirement.

 

Parenting involves several responsibilities, including ensuring financial protection for children.

Child Insurance Plans are a smart financial solution. With this plan, the policyholder pays premiums, and financial protection for their children is guaranteed. It provides maturity benefits when the child reaches 18, either as annual instalments or a lump sum. In case the policyholder passes away, an immediate payout covers the child's expenses. 
 

ACKO Life Flexi Term Plan vs Traditional Market Offerings

ACKO Life Flexi Term Plan stands out in the market due to several key differentiators. Below is a comparison of the unique features of ACKO’s plan versus traditional market offerings

ParameterACKO Life Flexi Term PlanTraditional Plans
   
Claim Settlement Ratio99.38%Varies from 98-99%
Policy AdjustmentsInstant changes via app ⏱️Depends on the medium ( offline and online )
Increasing Cover OptionYes. No restrictions*Restricted to life big events such as marriage, welcoming a child, etc.
Cost SavingsUp to 40% savings*Costs grow over time 📉
Future Premium HikesAge wise premiums remain the same 🚫💸Age wise Inflation adjusted premium 
CustomisabilityFlexible coverage/termRigid, limited options 🧱
RidersOffers valuable riders to enhance protectionRiders may be provided depending on the plans
Length of Claim FormEasy, digital, and shortModerately long/Very long/Not available online
Option to Exit the PlanYes*Approx. 80% of insurers provide
Digital ExperienceFully online, app-based 📱Often requires offline processes, paperwork, or branch visits
End-to-end Digital SupportYesDepends on the insurer
Home Pickup of ClaimsYes, ACKO team will personally collect the documentsRoughly 20% of insurers provide
Free Will CreationYesNo, Generally does not offer integrated will creation services
Maximum Maturity Age70 Years (The life expectancy in India was 67.24 in 2021)70 - 100 Years

Learn more about the ACKO Life Flexi Term Plan.

This exclusive plan not only provides a financial safety net but also offers flexibility to policyholders.

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ACKO Life Flexi Term Plan Example - Rahul’s Story

This example demonstrates how ACKO Life Flexi Term Plan adapts to individuals' changing life circumstances

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Find out Coverage Needs

Rahul, with an annual income of 10 lakhs, married at 30 and purchased INR 1 crore coverage (20-year term) ACKO Flexi Term Life Plan for his spouse, Rina.

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Increased Coverage as Responsibilities Grew

At 35, with two kids (Nirvana and Kabir) and a 50 lakh home loan, he increased the coverage to INR 3 Crore as his responsibilities increased. 

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Decrease Coverage 

By 45, after repaying the home loan and accumulating a substantial income corpus for his kids' education, he reduced coverage back to INR 2 crore. 
 

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Why Choose ACKO Life Flexi Term Plan?

The ACKO Life Flexi Term Plan is a unique life insurance option designed to adapt to your evolving lifestyle.  It is packed with useful features and promises to provide your loved ones with a financially stable future with the amount of money you choose for them.

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Adaptable Sum Assured

The coverage amount required to provide safety to financial dependents can change over time as dependents increase (e.g., kids), financial obligations such as loans are taken (e.g., home, personal, or education loans), or lifestyle changes occur as income levels change (e.g., promotion, etc.).
 

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Affordable Premiums

The premiums are fair and friendly to your wallet and offer extensive coverage to stay protected and save on income taxes simultaneously. That's a win-win!
 

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customizable tenure

Flexible Policy Tenure

Increase or decrease as your financial dependents, loans, lifestyle, and income change.
 

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Payout Options

Have complete control over how the sum assured will be paid to your nominee (monthly or one-time full payment).
 

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Will Creation Service

We will help you create a will to outline which assets go where clearly.
 

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Easy and Convenient

Being digital-first means you can easily buy or make claims on your term insurance policy with us.
 

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How does Life Insurance Work?

Life insurance operates on a simple concept, so let’s understand the basics of how life insurance works in a straightforward manner.

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Get Life Insurance

Choose the best plan that fits your needs after comparing options.

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Pay Premiums 

Determine how much coverage you need, decide on an affordable premium based on your income, and pay regularly.
 

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Ensure Peace of Mind

Your family is financially secure with life coverage.
 

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Claim Benefits

Easily claim death or maturity benefits according to your plan.
 

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Let's Consider an Example to understand How Life Insurance Works In India.

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Growth in Life Insurance: Distribution of New Policies in 2022-23

With the growing recognition of life insurance, an increasing number of people opt for life coverage each year. According to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI), in the fiscal year 2022-23, insurers collectively issued 284.70 lakh new policies for individual business. Among these, public sector insurers issued 204.29 lakh policies, accounting for 71.75 percent, while private life insurers issued 80.42 lakh policies, making up 28.25 percent of the total. 

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Participation of Women in Life Insurance

With regards to the participation of women in life insurance, “the number of policies issued to women in the year 2022-23 is around 97.38 lakhs, which is 34.20% of the total”, as per the IRDAI.

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Top 10 Benefits of Life Insurance

Here are some prominent benefits of having life insurance in India.

Financial Protection 

Life insurance offers financial security to the insured person's family in the event of the policyholder's death. This support can help cover outstanding debts, daily living expenses, children's education, and other financial obligations, protecting the family's financial well-being.

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Peace of Mind

Life is a thrilling journey, and uncertainties are part of it. A life insurance policy gives policyholders peace of mind, knowing their family is financially protected even if they are not around to provide support. This sense of security allows individuals to focus on their daily lives and future goals without worrying about financial uncertainties.

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Maturity Benefit

Several life insurance policies, such as Endowment plans and TROP, provide maturity benefits. Such plans are ideal for individuals who want guaranteed returns of premiums paid

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Death Benefit 

With life insurance policies, the insurer promises to pay the sum assured, known as the death benefit, to beneficiaries if the policyholder passes away during the policy term.

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Tax Benefits

Policies offer policyholders tax deductions under Sections 80C, 80D, and 10(10D). Furthermore, the death benefits paid to nominees or loved ones are often not subject to taxes.
 

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Business Continuity 

Business people can effectively invest in a proper life insurance policy that can help their businesses avoid losses when a particular employee or business associate dies.

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Supplementing Retirement Income 

Life insurance policies with a savings component can serve as an extra source of income during retirement.
For example, Endowment schemes offered in life insurance products can provide regular income upon retirement. 
 

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Accumulation of Savings

Certain types of life insurance policies, such as Endowment Plans and Whole Life Insurance, come with a savings component. These policies happen to accrue cash value over time and can be accessed. It also enables them to meet any desired financial requirements, for instance, when saving for a child’s college education or during the planning of one’s retirement.

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Financial Legacy

Life insurance allows individuals to create an inheritance for their heirs and leave a financial legacy for the family's future.
 

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Loan Facility

Many life insurance policies allow policyholders to take out loans against the cash value of the policy. This loan can be used during emergencies or to meet financial requirements without surrendering the policy.
 

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Comparison of Different Life Insurance Plans in India 2024

ParameterTerm Insurance PlansWhole Life Insurance PlansUnit-linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs)Endowment Insurance PlansPension Plans/ Retirement PlansTerm Plan with Return of Premium (TROP)
       
OverviewFinancial protection for a specific duration.Financial protection for a lifetime (until the policyholder crosses 100 years)Financial protection plus investment optionsFinancial protection plus guaranteed returnsFinancial protection plus post-retirement incomesFinancial protection plus guaranteed returns of all the premiums paid
Policy Term (Duration)5 - 85Till the time you cross 100 years of age10 - 205 - 35Whole Life5 - 65
Death Benefit(To policyholder)Life CoverLife CoverSum AssuredSum AssuredSum Assured (Depends on T&Cs)Life Cover
Maturity Benefit  (To nominee)No. A Traditional Term plan does not offerYes, once completing 100 years of ageYes, when the policy term endsYes, when the policy term endsYes, regular income  till the policyholder is aliveYes, survival benefits on maturity
A perfect option forPeople who want a financial safety net for their loved onesPeople who want lifelong coverage for their familyPeople who want life coverage plus investment opportunities to build wealthPeople who want life cover insurance plus guaranteed returnsPeople who want financial protection plus post-retirement incomesPeople who want life cover insurance plus maturity benefit

Calculate Term Insurance Premium

Life insurance is not just about providing a financial safety net to your family in your absence; it is also an investment for the future. Several life insurance policies in India come with benefits to help policyholders maximise their returns. 

On the other hand, the premium you pay for your life insurance policy depends on several factors, including age, sum assured, policy term, health condition, and lifestyle habits. Accurately calculating the premium ensures sufficient coverage without overburdening your finances.

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Meet Rahul, a 30-year-old software engineer keen on securing his family's financial future with a life insurance plan. 

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Determine coverage needs

Rahul assesses his family's financial requirements, which include clearing outstanding loans, supporting his children's education, and ensuring a comfortable lifestyle for his family. After thorough consideration, he arrives at a sum assured of INR 2 Crore.
 

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Use online premium calculators

Rahul uses an online premium calculator to estimate his premium amount. He inputs his age (30 years) and the sum assured (INR 2 Crore) and selects a policy term of 30 years. As Rahul leads a healthy lifestyle without smoking or alcohol consumption, the calculator provides him with an estimated premium of INR 15,000 per year.
 

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Compare different plans

With the estimated premium in mind, Rahul begins comparing various term insurance plans offered by different insurers. He carefully reviews the features, additional riders, and customer reviews to shortlist the plans that align with his needs. After conducting thorough research, he narrows the choices to a few promising policies and purchases the most suitable one.
 

Who can buy a Life Insurance Policy?

There are various types of life insurance policies and options to add riders for additional coverage for everyone. In India, the age limit for eligibility ranges from 18 to a maximum of 65. Purchasing life insurance is simpler while young and healthy, yet the question arises: “Why insurance? I'm young and in good health”. Well! Let’s look at 3 common scenarios.

Budget Constraints

If your monthly income is tight, you may wonder how you could afford life insurance. However, term insurance is relatively cheap and could be within your reach. Many term plans are available in the market, including the ACKO Life Flexi Term Plan, which starts at just ₹534 per month*. 
 

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Why insurance, I am healthy!

Why insurance? I am healthy, I do not get sick, or if I get sick, I do not spend much money in the hospital, and so on. Staying fit and not having risky habits is advisable, but leaving out life insurance as you are young may prove costly. 
 

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History of Family’s Health Issues 

The family's health history largely needs to be known because particular diseases may be hereditary. However, maintaining healthy practices is advisable, and acquiring a life insurance plan is smart. You can also add extra coverage by adding riders, like critical illness and accidental death. It only makes sense to plan for the future so as to keep away from situations that are beyond one’s control.

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Factors that affect Life Insurance Premium

Multiple factors directly or indirectly impact the life insurance qualifying process. Let's explore the most significant elements that impact the cost of life insurance in India.
 

The age at which an individual purchases a life insurance policy plays a crucial role in determining the premium and gender, as women typically live longer. The younger the policyholders are, the lower the premiums, as they are often less risky to insure.
 

The sum assured, which is the amount the insurance company agrees to pay upon the policyholder's death, directly affects the premium. A higher sum assured leads to a higher premium.
 

The policy term, i.e., the duration the policy provides coverage, influences the premium amount. Longer policy terms may result in higher premiums.
 

The type of policy chosen impacts the premium.

Insurers assess the applicant's medical history and current health condition to determine the risk involved. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions may face higher premiums.

Certain habits, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, can increase the risk factor and, consequently, the premium amount.
 

The nature of the policyholder's occupation is taken into account. For example, individuals in hazardous professions may pay higher premiums.
 

A family medical history of hereditary diseases may raise the premium amount.
 

Policyholders can opt for additional riders, such as critical illness or accidental death benefits, which can increase the premium.
 

Whether premiums are paid monthly, quarterly, annually, or as a lump sum can affect the premium amount.
 

The city or region where the policyholder resides may influence the premium due to varying risk factors.
 

Do's and Don't of Life Insurance Policy

Keep these tips in mind when navigating life insurance options in India.

Assess Needs

Understand your financial goals.

Compare Plans

Research before choosing.

Know Policy Details

Read and ask questions.

Choose Right Type

Match policy to your goals.

Honest Information

Be truthful about health and habits.

Pay Premiums On Time

Avoid lapses.

Nominate Beneficiary

Ensure smooth claims.

Add Riders

Choose relevant ones to enhance coverage and stay protected.

Review Regularly

Update as life changes.

No False Information

Be honest, but only state facts if you’re sure.

Don’t be Hasty

Find out the claim process, premium payment, etc.

Not Just for Tax

Focus on coverage.

Avoid under-insuring

Prevent financial burden in case of unexpected events.

Think Before Cancel

Consider implications.

Update Nomination

Reflect life changes.

Renew Timely

Prevent policy lapse.

Hoax Messages and Calls

Ignore messages or calls from unauthorised entities.

Supplement Employer's Cover

Get a personal policy, too.

How to Buy ACKO Life Insurance?

Here's how you can buy the best life insurance policy from ACKO that suits your requirements via our seamless online process using our website/app.

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Initiate the purchase journey via the widget on the website/app.
 

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Select the plan and coverages.

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Answer the questions to determine eligibility and premium.

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Pay the premium online.

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Receive the policy via email or download it from the app.

Note: This is a generic process; the exact steps can vary depending on the chosen plan and other details. 

12 Basic Life Insurance Terms You Should Know

Policyholder

The person who buys the policy and pays premiums

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Premiums

The regular amount agreed to paid (monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annually) by the policyholder

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Insurer

The policy provider that accepts the risk and pays for losses during the policy term

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Policy Term

Total duration of financial protection and benefits

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Insured Person/ Life Assured

The person covered under the policy

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Nominee/ Beneficiary

The person selected by the policyholder for the benefits

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Riders

Add-ons for extra protection, like Accidental Death or Critical Illness
 

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Maturity Benefit

Amount paid by the insurer when the policyholder outlives the policy term

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Death Benefit

Amount paid to the nominee if the policyholder passes away during the policy term

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Sum Assured/ Coverage

Amount the insurer pays during a claim

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Free Look Period

A window/time the insurer gives to the policyholder to review and cancel the policy without surrender charges
 

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Grace Period

A window/time to pay premiums after the due date before the policy becomes inactive

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Frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions about Life Insurance plans.

Yes, a lot of insurance providers offer life insurance coverage online. From the convenience of your home, you can compare policies, determine rates, and purchase policies online.
 

You can add a rider to increase your life insurance coverage. Some of the most common riders include Premium Waivers, accidental death, critical illness and disability riders. 
 

Several types of life insurance plans, including whole life and endowment policies, allow policyholders to take out loans against them. The loan amount is typically limited to a portion of the policy payout and has an interest charge.
 

The minimum age to buy a life insurance policy in India is 18 years.
 

Every individual has different requirements. So, yes, a person can buy multiple life insurance policies in India based on needs. 
 

Yes, there are several tax benefits. Premiums paid towards your life insurance policies are also eligible for tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. The maximum limit is Rs. 1.5 lakh.
 

It depends entirely on factors such as age and the policy's sum assured. Generally, a medical examination is often required for higher sum assured or older age groups.
 

Yes, many life insurance companies in India offer the convenience of purchasing policies online through their websites or mobile apps. Find the right insurer based on your needs and stay protected.

 

Life insurance is a crucial financial plan. It provides financial security for your family, replaces lost income, and helps achieve their future goals in your absence. Plus, it offers you with tax benefits and peace of mind.
 

To determine your coverage needs, you must consider factors like your family's daily expenses, debts,  income replacement, etc.

 

A life insurance premium is the regular payment amount you make to your insurance company to ensure financial protection for your family in case you’re no longer there to provide for them. 
 

Life insurance is crucial for your family's financial stability. Buying a life plan is a responsible way to prepare for unforeseen circumstances and secure your family's future.
 

Yes, life insurance benefits are typically paid out as a lump sum, offering immediate financial support to loved ones.
 

If your nominee passes away before you, you can easily update the nominee's details.  Contact your insurance company to get the process done. 
 

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes. Please go through the applicable policy wordings for updated ACKO-centric content, and before making any insurance-related decisions. For full disclaimer kindly click https://www.acko.com/life/disclaimer/

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Written by Neviya Laishram

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Reviewed by Vaibhav Kumar Kaushik Author info Icon

A professional Life Insurance writer, editor, and copywriter with a background in magazines, healthcare, education, and insurance.

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