Does Term Insurance Cover Death Due to COVID-19?

Does Term Insurance Cover Death Due to COVID-19?

Term insurance covers death due to COVID-19 as it is treated as a natural cause of death. The claim is payable if the policy is active and all policy terms and conditions are met.

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Term Insurance

Term insurance is like a safety net for your loved ones. You pay a small premium, and in return, your family gets a large sum if something happens to you. It’s affordable, straightforward, and gives peace of mind—because life is unpredictable, but your protection shouldn’t be. Whether you're just starting a family or planning ahead, term insurance plans ensure your loved ones can maintain their lifestyle, pay off debts, cover your child’s fees, home loans, or meet future goals even in your absence. It's a smart step toward long-term financial security. 

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In summary

Most term insurance plans cover death due to COVID-19, as it is treated as a natural cause of death. If the life insured passes away during the policy term, the nominee can receive the applicable sum assured, subject to the policy terms and conditions.

Key takeaways:

  • Death due to COVID-19 is generally covered under term insurance, subject to the policy terms and conditions.
  • Term insurance does not cover COVID-19 hospitalisation or treatment expenses.
  • Optional riders may provide additional protection, depending on the insurer and plan.
  • Compare policy features and claim conditions before purchasing a term insurance plan.

COVID-19 itself is not treated as a separate exclusion under standard term insurance policies. However, every claim is assessed according to the policy wording and applicable claim requirements.

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What is covered under term insurance with COVID-19 coverage?

Term insurance provides a death cover if the life insured passes away due to COVID-19 during the policy term, subject to the policy terms and conditions. Some plans also allow you to enhance your coverage with optional riders.
Secure Your Family’s Future
 

Secure Your Family’s Future

CoverageDetails
Death due to COVID-19The nominee may receive the applicable death cover if the life insured passes away due to COVID-19 during the policy term, subject to the policy terms and conditions.
Critical illness benefit riderSome insurers offer this optional rider for covered critical illnesses listed in the rider terms.
Accidental death riderPays an additional benefit only if death results from a covered accident. It does not apply to death caused solely by COVID-19.
Waiver of premium riderAvailable with some plans. Future premiums may be waived if the rider conditions are met.

Read the policy document carefully to understand the coverage, exclusions, rider benefits and claim conditions before purchasing a plan.

Does term insurance cover hospitalisation expenses for COVID-19?

No. Term insurance does not cover hospitalisation or treatment expenses for COVID-19. It provides a death cover to the nominee if the life insured passes away during the policy term, subject to the policy terms and conditions.

For medical expenses, you need a health insurance policy, as a term insurance plan does not cover hospitalisation or treatment costs. Health insurance is specifically designed to cover eligible hospitalisation and medical expenses.

Insurance typeCoverage
Term insuranceProvides financial support to the nominee through the applicable death cover.
Health insuranceCovers eligible hospitalisation and medical expenses according to the policy terms.
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Key features and benefits of term insurance with COVID-19

The key benefits of term insurance include financial protection for your loved ones, affordable life cover, optional riders and applicable tax benefits. Death due to COVID-19 is generally covered as a natural cause of death, subject to the life insurance policy terms and conditions.

FeatureBenefit
Death coverProvides financial support to the nominee if the life insured passes away due to COVID-19 during the policy term.
Affordable life coverOffers the option to choose a high sum assured at affordable premiums, depending on the plan and the life insured's profile.
Optional ridersSome plans offer riders such as critical illness, accidental death or waiver of premium benefits for wider protection.
Tax benefitsPremiums paid may qualify for a tax deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh in a financial year under Section 123 of the Income Tax Act, 2025, if you choose the old tax regime.

The death cover received by the nominee may also qualify for a tax exemption under Section 11, read with Schedule II of the Income Tax Act, 2025, which is available under both tax regimes.
Financial securityHelps your loved ones manage future financial commitments if an unforeseen event occurs during the policy term.


Tax laws are subject to change. BFL does not provide tax or investment advisory services. Please consult your advisers.

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How to choose the right term insurance for COVID-19 coverage?

Choose the right term insurance plan by comparing the sum assured, policy term, premiums, available riders and claim settlement performance rather than COVID-19 coverage alone. As COVID-19 is generally treated as a natural cause of death, reviewing the overall policy features can help you select a plan that suits your financial needs.

Consider the following before buying a policy:


  • Choose an adequate sum assured: Select a cover amount based on your income, financial responsibilities and your family's future needs.
  • Compare the policy term and premium: Ensure both align with your long-term financial goals and budget.
  • Review optional riders: Add riders only if they meet your protection needs and understand the benefits they provide.
  • Read the policy terms carefully: Check the inclusions, exclusions, and claim conditions before purchasing the policy.
  • Compare insurers: Compare insurers based on their claim settlement performance, policy features, customer support and digital claim process.

Conclusion

Term insurance provides essential financial protection during uncertain times, and most policies cover death due to COVID-19. While it does not cover hospitalisation or medical treatment, the death cover ensures that your family’s financial future is secure in the event of a tragic loss. When choosing a insurance plan, carefully review the policy terms and consider adding riders to provide enhanced protection, offering peace of mind during the ongoing pandemic.


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Conclusion

Term insurance provides essential financial protection during uncertain times, and most policies cover death due to COVID-19. While it does not cover hospitalisation or medical treatment, the death cover ensures that your family’s financial future is secure in the event of a tragic loss. When choosing a insurance plan, carefully review the policy terms and consider adding riders to provide enhanced protection, offering peace of mind during the ongoing pandemic.


 

Frequently asked questions

Does term insurance cover COVID-19

Does term insurance cover deaths caused by COVID-19?

Yes, term insurance typically covers COVID-19-related deaths, as it is treated like any other natural cause of death. If the policyholder dies due to COVID-19 complications, the beneficiaries will receive the sum assured, provided the policy is active.

Can hospitalisation expenses for COVID-19 treatment be covered by term insurance?

No, term insurance does not cover hospitalisation or medical treatment expenses for COVID-19. It only provides a death benefit in case of the policyholder’s passing. For hospitalisation costs, a separate health insurance plan or COVID-specific policy is required.

How can term insurance support your family during a pandemic?

Term insurance provides financial security by offering a death benefit if the policyholder passes away due to COVID-19. This lump sum helps cover debts, living expenses, and future financial needs, ensuring the family’s financial stability during uncertain times.

What should you consider when selecting a term insurance plan with COVID-19 coverage?

When choosing a term insurance plan, consider factors such as the sum assured, any exclusions related to COVID-19, available riders like critical illness, the insurer’s claim settlement ratio, and affordability of premiums to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Will COVID-19-related deaths lead to claim rejections in term insurance policies?

No, COVID-19-related deaths generally do not result in claim rejections, as they are covered under natural causes. However, claims may be denied if the policyholder did not disclose relevant pre-existing health conditions during the application process.

Does critical illness insurance cover long COVID?

Long COVID is generally not covered by critical illness insurance on its own. These plans pay only for specific illnesses listed in the policy. If long COVID results in a covered critical illness that meets the policy terms, you may be eligible to make a claim. However, you must check with your insurer and read the policy terms and conditions thoroughly.

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Disclaimer

*T&C Apply. Bajaj Finance Limited (‘BFL’) is a registered corporate agent of third party insurance products of Bajaj Life Insurance Limited (Formerly known as Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited), HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Limited.),  Bajaj General Insurance Limited(Formerly known as Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited), SBI General Insurance Company Limited, ACKO General Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited, New India Assurance Limited, Chola MS General Insurance Company Limited, Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company Limited, Star Health & Allied Insurance Company Limited, Care Health Insurance Company Limited, Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited, Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited and Manipal Cigna Health Insurance Company Limited under the IRDAI composite registration number CA0101. Please note that, BFL does not underwrite the risk or act as an insurer. Your purchase of an insurance product is purely on a voluntary basis after your exercise of an independent due diligence on the suitability, viability of any insurance product. Any decision to purchase insurance product is solely at your own risk and responsibility and BFL shall not be liable for any loss or damage that any person may suffer, whether directly or indirectly. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions and exclusions please read the product sales brochure & policy wordings carefully before concluding a sale. Tax benefits applicable if any, will be as per the prevailing tax laws. Tax laws are subject to change. BFL does NOT provide Tax/Investment advisory services. Please consult your advisors before proceeding to purchase an insurance product. Visitors are hereby informed that their information submitted on the website may also be shared with insurers. BFL is also distributor of other third party products from Assistance service providers such as CPP Assistance Services Private Limited, Bajaj Finance Health Limited. etc. All product information such as premium, benefits, exclusions, value added services etc. are authentic and solely based on the information received from the respective Insurance company or the respective Assistance provider company.

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