Looking for Cheap & Affordable term insurance in India? Read on for more information on how to find the right coverage for your needs
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In today's uncertain times, ensuring financial security and protection for loved ones is essential. One of the best ways to achieve this is by purchasing a Term Insurance Policy. However, many people hesitate to buy Term Insurance due to the perception that it is costly. Contrary to belief, many options for cheap life insurance and affordable Term Insurance policies are available in India. This guide will provide all the information needed on low-cost Term Insurance Plans in India.
Various options, such as Level Term Insurance and Decreasing Term Insurance, are available for those seeking cheap Life Insurance to ensure their family’s financial security. Besides these basic term plans, additional riders like Accidental Death, Critical Illness, and Premium Waiver Benefit can be added at an extra cost. For instance, if the policyholder becomes disabled and can no longer work, the Premium Waiver Benefit allows the insurance to stay active without further premium payments. Below are six types of affordable Term Insurance plan options, including some of India's cheapest Life insurance and best Term Insurance.
A Normal Term Plan pays out a death benefit in case of a policyholder's unexpected death during the policy term. However, unlike Regular Life Insurance, no bonus is paid out at the end of the policy if the insured person lives past the policy term. You can get the maximum sum assured for a decent cost in life insurance, and the premium is far lower than it would be for a Normal Term Insurance policy.
Level Term Plans offer a straightforward approach to securing your financial future. With these plans, you enjoy the stability of fixed premiums and coverage throughout the term. The beneficiary receives a death benefit upon the life insured's passing.
Return of Premium Term Plans provides a death benefit if the policyholder passes away during the policy period. If the policyholder survives until the end of the term, they receive a full refund of premiums paid, minus applicable taxes. The premium for a term plan with return of premium is generally twice that of a regular term plan. If you stop making premium payments or cancel the plan before the end of the term, the insurer is under no obligation to return any already-paid premiums.
A decreasing Term Insurance Plan offers life coverage that is reduced annually over a specified period. These plans are often designed to cover particular liabilities, like a home or personal loan, where the debt balance declines over time. The Term Insurance Premium for such plans is fixed and stays consistent throughout the term. For instance, if you have a mortgage or car loan, this Term Insurance Plan helps shield your family from the financial responsibility of repaying these debts in your absence.
In these policies, the policyholder can increase the sum insured annually during the policy's term for the same annual premium. This justifies a higher premium than that of level-term policies for these plans.
A provision in these plans allows the policyholder to switch to another insurance plan later. For instance, if you get a 20-year Term Insurance Policy but decide after 5 years that you'd rather have an Endowment Policy, a Whole Life Insurance policy, etc., you can easily switch to the alternative.
Regarding affordable term plans, ACKO Life Flexi Term Plan is a pure and non-linked term plan offering comprehensive life coverage. This flexible plan allows you to customise your coverage and policy duration to suit your changing needs and lifestyle! Besides life coverage, it comes with various benefits for you to enjoy as a policyholder. Its unmatched flexibility allows you to customise the following:
Sum Assured: Ability to change your sum assured per your life stages and requirements.
Policy Tenure: Ability to change your coverage duration per your life stages and requirements.
Affordable Premiums: The amount you pay is budget-friendly and suits your needs for cheap Life Insurance.
Flexi Benefits: Update nominee details, select payout options, and ensure your nominee receives the claim amount as preferred.
Optional Riders: Enhance your ACKO Term Insurance with additional riders, including:
Will Creation Services: Create a will to designate asset distribution.
Also read: Best Term Life Insurance plans
Low-cost Term Insurance provides life coverage with no accumulation of cash value, making it a great option for those who seek to protect their loved ones without having to pay high premiums. Here are some benefits.
You can cancel your Term Insurance Plans after a grace period if you don't need it.
Lifetime protection is available for those who want to be insured for the long haul but are still determining when they'll retire. However, premiums must be maintained for a considerable time.
The premiums for a Low-Cost Term Insurance Plan are quite low compared to the long-term return on investment.
In a traditional long-term policy, you must maintain payment of the premium throughout the policy. In the event of your untimely demise, your designated beneficiary or nominee will receive the predetermined payment. Term Return of Premium (TROP) is another choice. However, sometimes, the premiums for these policies can be significantly higher than those of Standard Term Insurance Policies.
The Low-Cost Plan gives you more flexibility than the other choices by allowing you to skip payments whenever needed. You can stop being insured and receive a refund of all premium payments once you no longer have any financial obligations or are retired and have more than enough money.
Term Insurance is a popular type of life insurance in India. It is a pure protection plan that provides financial coverage to the policyholder's family in case of the policyholder's untimely demise during the policy term. Term Insurance is a low-cost option with high coverage, making it an attractive choice for many people. Here are some situations in which buying low-cost Term Insurance in India makes sense.
Those beginning their careers with dependents like parents or a spouse should explore Term Insurance Plans early, as premiums are lower for young policyholders, offering cheap Life Insurance options.
Couples starting a family can benefit from best Term Insurance Policies to secure their dependents’ financial future, providing a cushion for expenses and obligations in unforeseen events.
For people in high-risk roles, such as mining or aviation, Term Insurance quotes provide financial security for loved ones in case of sudden accidents or fatalities.
As sole providers, single parents can use the best Term Life Insurance to safeguard their children’s financial future, ensuring support in case of an untimely demise.
Business owners with loans or liabilities should consider Term Policy Insurance to protect their family and business finances, offering stability if the unforeseen occurs.
You must provide the following information to apply for a Low-Cost Term Insurance policy:
Evidence of income
Proof of identity
Medical report for applicants older than 45 years old
Proof of residence
Before buying a Term Insurance Policy, you should know the kinds of plans available and the documents required. Under a low-cost plan, you can cancel your Term Insurance Policy without losing your premium.
For individuals who have accumulated substantial assets and achieved their life goals by their fifties, a low-cost Term Insurance Plan may not be necessary.
Those who shy away from Term Insurance due to a perceived lack of return on investment can explore this alternative.
Additionally, customers anxious about losing the sum assured for term coverage if they outlive the policy period often prefer low-cost policies.
Compared to the Normal Term Plan and the Return of the Premium Term Plan, the brand-new Low-Cost Term Plan is far more reasonable. In case of the policyholder's untimely demise, the sum assured is paid to the nominee. As with a standard Term Plan, the policyholder can request a refund of premiums paid (less any applicable non-refundable fees or taxes) by simply notifying the insurer of this decision.
Suppose you're considering purchasing a term policy; it's a good idea to research the insurers that provide it. Also, evaluate how it stacks up against a Normal Term Plan and Return of the Premium Term Plan.
Premium
Coverage
Customer service
Renewability
Ease of purchase
Claim settlement process, etc., should also be considered.
Read the policy's terms and conditions before purchasing the Low-Cost Term Plan to avoid unwelcome surprises.
Here are some factors that determine the rate of Term Insurance plans.
1. The impact of age on premiums: Your age plays a significant role in determining Term Life Insurance premiums. Generally, the younger and healthier you are when purchasing a policy, the lower your premiums will be. As you age, the likelihood of health issues increases, and so do your insurance premiums. Buying this policy early in life is advisable to secure the most affordable rates.
2. Health and its influence on rates: Your overall health is another critical factor that affects term life insurance premiums. Insurers will often require a medical exam to assess your health status. Factors such as weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and pre-existing conditions can influence your premiums. Individuals with excellent health can expect lower premiums, while those with health concerns may need to pay higher premiums. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you secure better rates.
3. Occupation and its effect on premiums: Your occupation can also impact the policy rates. Insurers consider specific jobs riskier than others due to factors such as exposure to hazardous materials, heavy machinery, or dangerous environments. If you work in a high-risk profession, you may face higher premiums or have difficulty finding coverage. On the other hand, if your job is considered low-risk, you're likely to enjoy cheaper rates.
4. Hobbies, lifestyle choices, and premiums: Insurers consider your hobbies and lifestyle choices when determining premiums. If you engage in high-risk activities such as skydiving, rock climbing, or motor racing, you may face higher premiums or even exclusions related to these activities. Additionally, lifestyle choices like tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, or a history of drug abuse can negatively impact your Term Insurance rates.
5. Length of term and coverage amount: The policy period and the sum assured you choose will also influence the policy rates. Generally, longer terms and higher coverage amounts result in higher premiums. However, these factors should be carefully considered based on your financial needs and goals. Balancing the term length and coverage amount with your budget will help you find the most affordable and suitable Term Life Insurance policy.
Most affordable term insurance policies cover the insured for 35 to 40 years. The policyholder can end the policy in the 25th year if the term is between 40 and 44 years or at age 65, whichever comes first. The policyholder may end coverage in the 30th policy year or at reaching age 65, whichever comes first, for terms of 45 years or more.
The exit option is only accessible if the policyholder keeps the plan in place for a long time. It's important to remember that policies have varying terms for when you can cancel your coverage.
Here are some tips to lower your Term Insurance premium.
1. Compare quotes from multiple insurers
Getting quotes from various insurance agencies before deciding the best option is a great way to find affordable Term Life Insurance. Premiums can vary significantly between companies, even for the same coverage.
By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the best rates and find a policy that suits your needs and budget. Utilise online comparison tools or work with an independent insurance agent to gather and evaluate different options.
2. Considering shorter terms and lower sum assured
As we saw earlier, your term length and coverage amount heavily influences the insurance premium. If you want to save on costs, consider opting for a shorter term or lower coverage amount. However, exercise caution when making these adjustments to ensure you don't compromise the financial security of your loved ones.
3. Improving health and reducing risk factors
Taking proactive steps to improving your health and mitigating risk factors can lead to affordable Term Life Insurance rates. Here are some ways to enhance your health and minimise risks.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity might lead to various health complications, which may result in higher premiums. A balanced diet and regular physical activity can help you achieve your health goals and maintain a healthy weight.
Manage stress: Chronic stress certainly impacts your health, contributing to higher blood pressure, heart disease, and other issues. Practice stress management techniques such as meditation, exercise, or therapy to maintain optimal health.
Quit smoking: Tobacco use is a significant factor in determining life insurance premiums. Quitting smoking can drastically improve your health and help you secure lower Term Insurance rates.
Limit alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol use can lead to various health problems, including liver disease and increased cancer risk. Limiting your alcohol intake can positively impact your overall health and insurance rates.
Practise safe hobbies: If you engage in high-risk activities, consider adopting safer hobbies or taking precautions to reduce risks associated with your current hobbies.
Let’s understand if the cheapest option is the best one for your needs.
While finding affordable Term Life Insurance is essential, focusing solely on the cheapest option may not always be the best approach. The lowest-priced policies may come with compromises, such as limited coverage, less reputable insurers, or exclusions that may not adequately protect you and your family.
Instead of fixating on the cheapest Term Insurance Plan, consider a balance between cost and value. Evaluate each policy's features, the insurer's financial strength, and customer service. This approach ensures you obtain a comprehensive policy that offers affordable and adequate protection for your family's financial security.
Everyone should buy term insurance! Whether you're a parent, a newly-married couple, a working woman, a young professional, a taxpayer, self-employed, an SIP investor, or even a retiree, term insurance offers significant benefits.
Yes, a medical test is required while purchasing term insurance. Factors including your age, family’s medical history, the selected guaranteed amount, and lifestyle choices (smoking, drinking, etc) are considered to determine the premium amount before purchasing a Term Insurance.
Yes, Term Insurance is available for NRIs (Non-Resident Indians).