What is Term Insurance?

What is Term Insurance?

Term insurance plans provide life coverage for a fixed period, offering a lump sum death cover to ensure financial protection for your family. Know the meaning, key features, benefits, who should buy, types, and more.
 

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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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  • High coverage at a low premium
  • Financial protection for your family’s future
  • Tax benefits up to Rs. 46,000`` under Section 80C and 10(10D)
  • Dedicated claim assistance
  • Customisable plans to suit your needs
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In summary

Term insurance is a pure life insurance plan that provides financial protection for a fixed period. If the policyholder passes away during the policy term, the nominee receives the sum assured to help manage future financial responsibilities.

Key things to know

  • Provides life cover for a chosen period such as 10, 20, or 30 years.
  • Offers high coverage amounts at comparatively affordable premiums.
  • Helps your family manage living expenses, education costs, loans, and other financial commitments.
  • Available in multiple variants including level term, increasing term, decreasing term, renewable term, and return of premium plans.
  • Coverage recommendations typically range from 8x to 20x annual income, depending on age and responsibilities.
  • Premiums paid may qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C, subject to prevailing tax laws.

Choosing the right life insurance cover depends on your income, liabilities, family responsibilities, and future goals. Explore different life insurance solutions that combine protection, savings, or investment benefits to find a plan that fits your needs.

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What is term insurance: Meaning and definition

Term insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for a specific period, known as the policy term. During this period, the insurer provides financial protection in exchange for regular premium payments.
Importance of term insurance
 

Importance of term insurance

If the insured person passes away during the policy term, the nominee receives the death cover. If the policyholder survives the term, no payout is made under a standard term insurance plan.

Unlike savings-oriented life insurance products, term insurance focuses purely on financial protection. This makes it one of the most straightforward ways to secure your family's financial future.

Why should you consider a term insurance plan?

Many people purchase life insurance to ensure their loved ones remain financially secure even when they are no longer around. Term insurance achieves this goal in a simple and cost-effective way.

Key reasons to consider term insurance

BenefitHow it helps
Affordable premiumsAllows you to obtain substantial life cover without significantly impacting your monthly budget
Pure protectionFocuses entirely on providing a death cover to your family
Flexible policy termLets you align coverage with major financial responsibilities
High sum assuredHelps create a stronger financial safety net for dependents
Complements financial planningCan work alongside savings, investments, and retirement planning goals

Term Insurance ensures financial security with high cover at low premiums. Don’t wait—protect your loved ones today! Get quote!

Why is term insurance often considered a better protection option?

When comparing life insurance options, many individuals prefer term insurance because of its simplicity and affordability.

What makes term insurance stand out?

FeatureAdvantage
High coverage at lower costEnables larger financial protection at affordable premiums
Simple structureEasy to understand with no complex investment component
Family-focused protectionHelps dependents manage future financial obligations
Flexible customisationAllows selection of policy term and optional riders

For families seeking financial protection rather than investment-linked benefits, term insurance can be an effective solution. Explore plans!

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What are the key features of term insurance?

A term insurance policy comes with several features that make it suitable for different life stages and financial needs.
FeatureDescription
High sum assuredLarge life cover at comparatively affordable premiums
Flexible policy termCoverage duration can be selected based on requirements
Rider optionsAdditional protection through optional rider benefits available
Online purchase facilityConvenient application and policy issuance process
Tax benefitsEligible tax advantages as per prevailing tax laws

What are the key benefits of a term insurance policy?

A term insurance policy does more than provide a death cover. It helps protect your family's financial stability when they may need it the most.

  • Financial security for your loved ones:

The sum assured can help your family continue meeting everyday expenses and long-term financial commitments. This support can be valuable during a difficult period.

  • Helps protect your assets:

If you have outstanding liabilities such as a home loan, car loan, or personal loan, the insurance payout can help your family manage these obligations.

  • Supports lifestyle continuity:

A sudden loss of income can affect your family's financial plans. Term insurance helps reduce this financial disruption by providing a lump-sum benefit.

  • Helps manage unexpected expenses:

The payout can assist your family in handling unforeseen financial requirements without immediately relying on existing savings.

  • Affordable way to obtain life cover:

One of the biggest advantages of term insurance is the ability to secure significant coverage without paying very high premiums.

  • Acts as income replacement:

The death cover can help replace lost income and support important goals such as education, healthcare, and household expenses.

  • Tax benefits:

Premiums paid may qualify for deductions under Section 80C / Section 123 of the Income Tax Act 2025 (new act), subject to applicable provisions.

Death covers are generally eligible for tax exemption under Section 10(10D), subject to prevailing tax regulations.

Note: Tax laws are subject to change. BFL does NOT provide Tax/Investment advisory services. Please consult your advisors.


Who should buy a term insurance policy?

Term insurance can be suitable for anyone whose family or dependents rely on their income.

ProfileWhy term insurance may help
Young professionalsAllows early access to life cover and potentially lower premiums
ParentsHelps protect children's future financial needs
Primary earnersCreates a financial safety net for dependents
Individuals with loansHelps reduce the burden of outstanding liabilities
Business ownersCan support business continuity and financial obligations

Which type of term insurance plan is right for you?

Different term insurance plans are designed to address different financial requirements.

Type of term insuranceKey characteristic
Level term insuranceCoverage remains unchanged throughout the policy term
Decreasing term insuranceCoverage gradually reduces over time
Increasing term insuranceCoverage increases during the policy term
Convertible term insuranceOption to convert into permanent life insurance
Renewable term insuranceAllows renewal without a new medical examination
Return of Premium (TROP)Returns eligible premiums if you survive the policy term
NRI term insuranceDesigned for Non-Resident Indians
Group term insuranceProvides life cover to a group under one policy
Basic term planPure life cover at affordable premiums
Basic protection planFocuses entirely on family financial protection
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How does term insurance plan work?

Term insurance follows a simple protection-based structure. You pay premiums for a chosen period, and the policy provides life cover during that time.

If the insured person passes away during the policy term, the nominee receives the death cover. If the policyholder survives the term, no maturity benefit is payable under a standard term insurance plan.

How term insurance works

StepWhat happens
Buy a policyChoose the sum assured and policy term
Pay premiumsPremiums are paid monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually
Stay coveredLife cover remains active throughout the policy term
Claim eventNominee receives the sum assured if the insured passes away during the term
Policy completionStandard plans do not provide a maturity benefit if the insured survives the term

Example:

Suppose you purchase a term insurance policy with a sum assured of Rs. 1 crore and a policy term of 30 years.

If an unfortunate event occurs during those 30 years, your nominee receives the policy benefit. This amount can help manage household expenses, education costs, future financial goals, and outstanding liabilities.


When is the right time to buy term insurance?

The ideal time to buy term insurance is generally when you are young, healthy, and beginning to take on financial responsibilities.

Starting early may help you secure coverage for a longer duration and can potentially result in lower premiums compared to purchasing later in life.

Factors to consider

FactorWhy it matters
AgeYounger applicants often have access to lower premium rates
HealthGood health can improve eligibility and pricing
Family responsibilitiesDependents may require long-term financial protection
Loans and liabilitiesCoverage can help protect your family from debt burdens
Financial goalsSupports long-term planning for education, retirement, and family security

Common life stages when people buy term insurance

  • Starting your first job
  • Getting married
  • Becoming a parent
  • Purchasing a home
  • Taking significant loans
  • Starting a business

How much term insurance coverage do you need?

The ideal coverage amount depends on your income, lifestyle, liabilities, future goals, and family responsibilities.

A commonly used guideline is to choose coverage between 10 and 15 times your annual income. However, your actual requirement may vary depending on your financial situation.

Recommended coverage by age

Age groupSuggested coverage
20 – 25 years20x your annual income – Suitable for young professionals starting out, ensuring future family protection and covering education or debts.
26 – 30 years18x your annual income – Ideal for individuals planning major milestones like marriage or buying a home.
31 – 35 years15x your annual income – Balances protection and affordability as financial responsibilities increase.
36 – 40 years12x your annual income – Offers security for dependents, covering long-term goals and liabilities.
41 – 50 years10x your annual income – Helps safeguard lifestyle needs and future expenses of dependents.
51 years & above8x your annual income – Focuses on legacy planning and covering any outstanding obligations.

What should your coverage include?

When calculating life insurance needs, consider:

  • Outstanding home loans and other debts
  • Household expenses
  • Children's education goals
  • Future family milestones
  • Inflation
  • Existing investments and savings

A term insurance calculator can help estimate the appropriate sum assured based on your personal financial profile.

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Who can buy a term insurance plan?

Most insurers have eligibility requirements related to age, income, and health status.

Eligibility criteria:

ParameterRequirement
Minimum ageGenerally 18 years
Maximum entry ageGenerally up to 65 years (varies by insurer)
IncomeRegular source of income required
Health statusSubject to underwriting and medical assessment

Eligibility conditions may differ across insurers and plans.


What documents are required for term insurance?

Keeping the required documents ready can help speed up the application process.

Documents commonly required:

Document typeExamples
Age proofBirth certificate, PAN card, passport
Identity proofAadhaar card, PAN card, passport
Address proofUtility bill, rental agreement, telephone bill
Income proofSalary slips, bank statements, income tax returns
Medical recordsRequired in certain cases based on underwriting requirements

Insurers may request additional documents depending on the applicant's profile and coverage requirements.


Term insurance vs whole life insurance: What is the difference?

Both term insurance and whole life insurance provide life cover, but they serve different financial objectives.

BasisTerm insuranceWhole life insurance
Coverage durationFixed policy term (usually up to 10/20/30 years)Lifelong coverage (usually up to 99 or 100 years)
PremiumGenerally lowerGenerally higher
Primary purposeFinancial protectionProtection with long-term benefits like savings option
Maturity benefitUsually not availableMay be available depending on policy
Investment componentGenerally absentMay include cash value accumulation
Suitable forProtection-focused individualsLong-term estate or wealth planning

If your primary objective is affordable financial protection, term insurance is often considered a practical option.

What should you consider before buying a term insurance policy?

Term insurance with Group Sampoorna Jeevan Suraksha

Selecting a policy should involve more than comparing premiums alone.

1. Claim settlement ratio:

A higher claim settlement ratio can indicate an insurer's track record in settling claims.

When evaluating insurers, review claim settlement data for the most recent financial year available.

2. Available riders:

Optional riders can strengthen your protection.

Common rider available with term insurance plans are:

Rider typePurpose
Critical illness riderProvides additional protection against specified illnesses
Accidental death riderAdditional coverage in case of accidental death
Waiver of premium riderFuture premiums may be waived under specified conditions

3. Payout options:

Many term insurance plans offer flexibility in how benefits are paid.

Common payout structures include:

  • Lump-sum payout
  • Monthly income payout
  • Combination of lump sum and monthly income

4. Adequate coverage:

The selected sum assured should account for:

  • Current income
  • Existing liabilities
  • Future goals
  • Family living expenses
  • Inflation

Important points to remember when calculating term insurance coverage

Before finalising your coverage amount, consider these factors carefully:

  • Calculate your annual income replacement requirement.
  • Include all outstanding loans and liabilities.
  • Estimate future education and family expenses.
  • Consider the impact of inflation over time.
  • Review existing investments and savings.
  • Reassess coverage periodically as responsibilities increase.

A coverage review every few years can help ensure your family's protection remains aligned with changing financial needs.


How do you buy a life insurance plan through Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall?

Buying a life insurance plan online through Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall typically takes only a few minutes and allows you to compare available options from the comfort of your home.

Follow these steps:

  1. Click on 'Get Quote' on the life insurance page to access the online application form.
  2. Enter your name, mobile number, email ID, date of birth, and gender. Click 'Proceed' to generate a personalised premium estimate.
  3. Share additional details related to your occupation, lifestyle, education, income, and PIN code. Then click 'View Plans'.
  4. Compare available plans, riders, coverage options, and premium details.
  5. Select the plan that matches your requirements and click 'Buy Now'.
  6. A representative will contact you to explain the available options and help you make an informed decision.

Conclusion 

Term insurance is one of the simplest ways to create financial security for the people who depend on you. By offering substantial life cover at affordable premiums, it helps your family manage daily expenses, outstanding liabilities, and future goals even in your absence. Whether you are a young professional, a parent, a business owner, or the primary earner in your family, a suitable term insurance plan can provide valuable peace of mind. Before choosing a policy, assess your income, financial responsibilities, coverage needs, and policy features carefully so that your loved ones remain financially protected for years to come.


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Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

What is term insurance with an example?

Term insurance provides financial protection to your family for a specific period. For example, if a 30-year-old buys a term insurance policy with a sum assured of Rs. 50 lakh for 25 years, the policyholder will pay premiums throughout the policy term. If the policyholder passes away during those 25 years, the nominee will receive Rs. 50 lakh as the death cover. This payout can help your family manage daily expenses, outstanding loans, education costs, and other financial commitments.

Is taking term insurance a good option?

Yes, taking term insurance is a good option as it offers comprehensive life coverage at affordable premiums. It provides financial security to the policyholder's family in case of unexpected and untimely death, ensuring their well-being and financial stability. In addition, term insurance policies offer flexibility and tax benefits, making it a reliable and suitable life insurance option for most individuals.

What are the minimum and the maximum age to buy a term insurance policy?

The minimum age to buy a term insurance policy is 18 years, and the maximum age varies between 65 to 75 years, depending on the insurance provider. The earlier you purchase the policy, the cheaper it is, as the premium rates are lower for younger applicants because they have a lower chance of making a claim.

What are the exclusions of term insurance plan?

The exclusions of a term insurance plan include death caused by suicide within the first year of the policy commencement, participation in illegal activities or criminal acts, death due to self-inflicted injury, and consumption of drugs or alcohol. It is important to read the policy document carefully to understand the list of exclusions.

Do term insurance plans cover terminal illness?

Some term plans include terminal illness benefits, paying out the sum assured if diagnosed with a terminal condition during the policy term, offering financial support when needed most.

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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), 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 Finserv 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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