Purchasing term insurance is a crucial way to financially protect your loved ones in case something unexpected happens to you. While term insurance plans have age limits for purchasing new policies, options are available for all age groups to find coverage that fits their needs and budgets. This blog will explore the key things to know about term insurance age requirements, how age impacts your policy options, the benefits of term insurance at different life stages, and tips for choosing the right coverage as you age.
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Term insurance provides pure life insurance protection for a specified period, known as the “term”. You pay a monthly or yearly premium to the insurance company. In return, they promise to pay your chosen beneficiaries a lump sum (the death benefit) if you pass away during the term.
Term life insurance policies have lower premium costs than permanent ones because they do not accumulate cash value. Instead, term insurance focuses purely on providing affordable financial protection. Common term lengths are 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. However, you can also buy shorter or longer-term policies, like 5-year or 35-year terms.
Insurance companies set minimum and maximum age limits on purchasing term life insurance coverage. This helps them properly evaluate risks based on age and health conditions. The most common age limits are:
Your age plays a significant role in determining the proper term insurance plan for your needs. Here’s how it impacts policy costs and coverage options:
Insurance works on the principle of risk pooling. Term insurance rates are based on the policyholder’s health, lifestyle and likelihood of making a claim. Younger people usually get lower premium rates on term policies because they are generally healthy and have a longer life expectancy. However, term insurance premiums also increase as people age due to rising health risks.
Younger individuals can purchase term insurance with longer terms, such as 30 years. With more extended coverage, the premium outgo is lower due to the concept of discounting. As they age, applicants become primarily eligible for shorter-term policies of 10, 15, or 20 years. Due to the maximum renewal age restrictions, long-term lengths are not available.
For younger individuals, getting higher coverage, like 1 crore term insurance, makes sense due to their long-term income potential.
As people advance towards retirement, their income and coverage needs both decline. Buying lower coverage plans, like 50 lakhs term insurance, is more logical for them.
Since pre-existing health conditions raise insurers' risk levels, older individuals buying term insurance must undergo stringent health checks. More health issues mean higher premiums or even rejection of coverage. Younger buyers under 45 may easily qualify for term insurance, making the purchase more straightforward and hassle-free.
Term insurance plans cater to the distinct financial needs of different age demographics. Here is how they benefit people across various life stages:
As a young adult starting your career, term insurance is critical to meet needs like:
Example: A 25-year-old can purchase ₹1 crore term cover for 30 years by paying annual premiums of ₹12,000.
As financial liabilities rise in your 30s with loans for a house, car, etc., term insurance provides:
Entering your 40s, investments and income rise substantially. Term insurance:
Above 50 years, income protection reduces while health and retirement planning rise:
Here are some tips for picking the most suitable term insurance policy at any age
NOTE: Review your coverage every few years and adjust when major life events occur - new home, marriage, divorce, kids, new job, etc. Your needs tend to change over time.
Many insurance companies only sell regular term insurance plans up to 65 years. However, some specialised policies cater to senior citizens, too. These include:
ACKO Life Flexi Term plan is explicitly designed to adapt to the dynamic needs of modern consumers across different life stages. It offers unparalleled flexibility to customise coverage, terms, payouts, and more per your changing responsibilities.
In addition, ACKO offers optional add-on riders including Accidental Death, Permanent Disability and Critical Illness riders - to provide more comprehensive coverage at marginal extra cost.
NOTE: ACKO Life Flexi Term plan: Minimum Entry Age 18, Maximum Entry Age 65, and coverage provided up to age 70.
Term insurance is necessary at every age to secure your family’s financial future. As a responsible individual, you must purchase coverage early on for maximum savings and continue renewing policies until your income protection needs diminish. Assess premium costs, policy terms, claims processes, and riders thoroughly before zeroing in on the best term insurance plan matching your budget and goals.