What Is Insurance?
Insurance is a financial safety arrangement where an individual pays a fixed amount called a premium to an insurance company. In return, the insurer promises financial support if a specific risk occurs, such as death, illness, accident, or loss.
In India, insurance helps people:
- Protect their family’s financial future
- Manage unexpected life risks
- Reduce financial stress during emergencies
- Create long-term financial security
What Is Life Insurance Term Plan?
A Life Insurance Term Plan is the most basic and affordable form of life insurance. It provides pure life cover for a specific period, known as the policy term.
- If the policyholder dies during the policy term, the sum assured is paid to the nominee
- If the policyholder survives the term, no maturity benefit is paid
Because term plans focus only on protection and not savings or investment, they offer high coverage at low premium.
Importance of Term Insurance in Indian Context
Term insurance is extremely important in India because:
- Many households depend on a single earning member
- Education, healthcare, and living costs are rising
- Home loans and personal loans are common
- Government social security benefits are limited
A term plan ensures that your family can continue their lifestyle, repay loans, and meet future expenses even in your absence.
How Many Companies Offer Life Insurance in India?
As regulated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI):
- 24 Life Insurance Companies operate in India
- 1 Public sector company – Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)
- 23 Private life insurance companies
All these insurers offer different types of term insurance plans with features like fixed cover, increasing cover, and optional riders.
Key Features of Term Life Insurance
- High life cover at affordable premium
- Flexible policy term
- Choice of payout options
- Optional riders like accidental death benefit
- Online purchase with simple documentation
- Suitable for salaried, self-employed, and NRIs
Tax Benefits of Term Insurance in India
Section 80C – Tax Deduction on Premium
- Premium paid is eligible for deduction up to ₹1.5 lakh per year
- Available for self, spouse, and children
Section 10(10D) – Tax-Free Death Benefit
- Death benefit received by nominee is fully tax-free
- No upper limit on exemption
Section 80D – Additional Benefit
- Extra tax benefit if health or critical illness rider is included
Who Should Buy a Term Insurance Plan?
- Salaried professionals
- Business owners and freelancers
- Parents with dependent children
- Individuals with home or personal loans
- NRIs supporting families in India
How Much Term Insurance Cover Is Enough?
A commonly followed rule:
10–15 times your annual income
However, the ideal cover depends on:
- Existing loans and liabilities
- Monthly family expenses
- Children’s education and marriage goals
- Inflation and long-term needs
Why Buy Term Insurance Through Saving Mantra?
Saving Mantra helps you:
- Compare policies from multiple insurers
- Choose the right coverage amount
- Understand policy terms clearly
- Maximize tax benefits
- Get expert support during claim settlement
Conclusion
A life insurance term plan is the foundation of financial protection in India. It is affordable, simple to understand, and ensures your loved ones are financially secure. Buying a term plan early helps lock in lower premiums and long-term peace of mind.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as professional insurance or tax advice. Policy features, premiums, and tax benefits are subject to change as per insurer terms and applicable laws. Saving Mantra recommends reading policy documents carefully or consulting a qualified advisor before purchasing any insurance policy.