Life Insurance Plans
A life insurance policy is a significant financial safety net that everyone needs. It helps people secure their lives, particularly after retirement, and provides security to families with a single earner. This is so that the insured can still make a claim on their life insurance policy even after it has matured. Therefore, it assures everyone of a stable financial future regardless of their marital status, place of employment, or level of company success.
What is Life Insurance?
An assurance of financial protection to a beneficiary upon the death of the insurance holder or following a maturity period is provided by life insurance. This agreement is made through the execution of a formally binding contract between the insurer and the insured. The beneficiary is chosen by the recipient to receive a guaranteed financial aid following the death of the insurance holder. The policyholder gradually accrues the covered amount by making recurrent monthly premium payments.
Types of Life Insurance
Although there are many different types of life insurances available to people of India, life insurance is generally a basic financial investment with guaranteed returns over maturity or after the death of the insured. These versions each have specific target audiences who might profit from them. Before selecting a plan that is the most appropriate for them, one must carefully analyse these sorts.
Here are the types of life insurances offered in India.
Term Life Insurance
Customers can select a term for their insurance, such as 10 years, 20 years, etc., with term life insurance, which is a fairly basic and popular insurance plan. This kind has a considerably lower premium because it is a pure life insurance. Under normal circumstances or after the term period has expired, refunds are typically not permitted. Benefits are only given in the event of a fatality or illness.Following the insurance holder's passing during the term, the financial benefit is given to the beneficiary.
Whole Life Insurance
A whole life insurance policy provides financial protection for the policyholder's whole lifetime. The beneficiary only gets the premium payment once the policyholder passes away. Whole life insurance has a number of advantages, including the ability to use it as collateral for loans and receive regular dividend payments.
Endowment Plan
A two-way advantageous life insurance plan is both an insurance policy and a profitable investment. When the endowment plan life insurance policy expires, the policyholder will benefit from collecting both the whole sum and any profits or bonuses based on how long the insured lived. Many consider this to be a life insurance investment opportunity.
Money-Back Policy
Customers who purchase money-back life insurance are qualified to receive payments at certain intervals in addition to the full payout at the end of the term or following the death of the insurance holder. Money-Back Life Insurance Coverage is one of the most expensive policies to buy despite being a very profitable policy. Given that its returns are guaranteed in the form of survival benefits, death benefits, and term-expiration benefits, it is worthwhile to take into account.
Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP)
Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP), a novel and well-liked life insurance option, is a combination of life insurance and investing. The distribution of funds for the policyholders' life insurance and the balance being invested in different investment instruments like mutual funds, equities, etc. are among the unique aspects of ULIPs.A policyholder can profit from ULIPs in terms of allocating cash flows according on market trends. An experienced fund manager often manages the portion of assets set aside for investing.
Top 5 Life Insurance Companies in India
It almost seems smart to obtain life insurance and financial security so that our loved ones won't have to deal with financial necessities after our passing. This demand must be met equally by organisations who support the cause.
Along with 34 general insurance firms, India has 58 insurance businesses that are formally listed. These businesses offer a lot of support in assisting people in helping them protect their lives for their loved ones.
Given below is a list of the top 10 life insurance companies in India that have impacted the insurance industry gravely.
1) Life Insurance Corporation
The LIC Act, 1956 established the Life Insurance Corporation of India as a legally recognised business body. It is a significant provider of insurance policies in India. LIC has brought approximately 74 billion USD in money since its founding in 1956. The company is the parent of businesses like LIC Mutual Funds, LIC Cards Services Ltd., LIC International Ltd., and LIC Housing Finance.
Numerous insurance products are offered by Life Insurance Corporation. This includes money-back plans like LIC's Dhan Rekha, LIC's Bima Bachat, LIC's Jeevan Tarun, etc. as well as endowment plans like LIC's Bima Jyoti, LIC's Bachat Plus, LIC's New Jeevan Anand, etc. Whole life plans like Jeevan Umang are also included.
2) Prudential Life Insurance from ICICI
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance is a significant insurance firm that has also succeeded in generating US$350 million in revenue. It provides a variety of life insurance policies for clients with different life exigencies.Insurance policy, health insurance, unit-linked insurance, traditional savings/money-back plans, retirement plans, riders plans, group plans, and rural plans are among the products offered by ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company. Additionally, ICICI Prudential asserts that it offers total protection and financial advantages.
3) SBI Life Insurance
SBI Life Insurance runs with its high standard policies and services and has been recognised as one of the top insurance firms in India by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). Products for both individual and group life insurance are available from SBI Life Insurance. Arogya Shield, SBI Life eShield Next, SBI Life Saral Bima Jeevan, and other well-known life insurance plans are a few examples.
4) Max Life Insurance Organization
An Indian multi-venture firm and a Japanese insurance company have generously sponsored the establishment of this sizable non-banking insurance company. Since its founding, Max Life Insurance Company has been able to generate more than INR 400 crore in net income. The business provides its clients with a variety of term plan products and top-notch client care.Their term insurance plans include a few key advantages, such as a lower minimum purchase amount, guaranteed terminal disease coverage, tax exemptions, etc. Customers can take into account the Critical Illness Plan, Term Plans With Return of Premium, Saral Jeevan Bima, and Smart Secure Plus Plans.
5) HDFC Life Insurance Organization
Another significant private insurance firm is HDFC Life Insurance Company, a 2000-founded joint venture between HDFC Ltd. and Standard Life Aberdeen. Customers of HDFC Life Insurance can readily access its products and services because to the company's solid digital foundation.Furthermore, HDFC Life Insurance is able to provide its clients with a comprehensive service thanks to the help of other agencies. HDFC Life Click to Protect Life, HDFC Life Saral Jeevan Bima, Quick Protect Plan, HDFC Group Poorna Suraksha, HDFC Life Group Credit Protection Plus, etc. are a few of the company's primary products.
Best Life Insurance Plans in India 2023
High-end insurance products are offered by numerous companies in a variety of methods to meet the needs of the general population. With regard to both market behaviour and industry competition, these items are frequently adjusted with the most recent prices and policies. In India in 2023, some of the top-rated life insurance plans are listed below:.
LIC’s Tech Term Plan
The plan was created by Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) in 2019 and offers consumers a pure protection coverage. This policy, a non-linked non-profit policy, intends to give the beneficiary financial protection in the event of the insurance holder's passing.
HDFC Click 2 Protect Plus
Another successful term life insurance policy among consumers is HDFC Click 2 Protect Plus. With the introduction of this plan, HDFC Life Insurance aimed to offer a substantial life insurance policy at a lesser price while also providing the customer and his or her loved ones with total security. The coverage options for the policy, such as the life option, extra-life option, income option, income plus option, etc., are customizable..
Max Life Smart Secure Plus Plans
The Max Life Smart Secure Plus Plans provide excellent financial security and flexible payment options. The age requirement to purchase this policy is 18 years old, with a 65 year maximum. Up till the age of 44 to 60, the premium can be paid. In the event of a base death benefit, there will be a guarantee of up to INR 20 Lakhs.
How Much Life Insurance to Buy?
Even while it may not be something that is frequently considered, death is unavoidably a part of life. In fact, a lot of households rely solely on one person to provide for their needs. In such cases, it is strongly advised to think about providing a financial safety net for the dependents. Life insurance can give families financial assistance with debt repayment, managing daily expenditures, paying for funerals, and other things.
The true query is, "How much life insurance should I purchase?" Simply put, your life insurance coverage should be adequate for your requirements and aspirations in life, according to one solution to this topic. To determine how much life insurance you'll need to buy, think about the following rights.
i) First, evaluate the circumstances your family is facing.
ii) Do you have too many family members who rely on you? This will enable you to decide how much insurance to choose.
iii) Besides that, take into account how your members' health is.
iv) Track if you have any sorts of debts.
A approximate notion of how much life insurance you might need can be determined by analysing the answers to all of these questions. In general, it is advised to obtain insurance that pays out 10 times the annual income plus additional money based on the number of children. This rule of thumb is a wonderful strategy to supplement your income in the event of an unforeseen circumstance.
What Affects Your Life Insurance Costs and Premiums?
There are several factors that affect your life insurance premiums and costs. These are as follows:
Age
The person's age has a significant impact on the life insurance premium and cost. It makes sense that the younger you are, the more probable it is that you will be able to pay for the entire cover payment with a smaller premium cost. Therefore, a youthful working professional would pay a lesser monthly or yearly premium than an older counterpart.
Gender
It has been determined, based on official data and statistics, that women typically live longer than men. That unquestionably indicates that women are better able to spread out their premiums over time than men.
Health
The health history of a person is a significant aspect that also affects the cost of the life insurance premium. This element is related to the age factor since a person with numerous morbidities has a higher chance of passing away suddenly than someone in good health. Before making any choices, an insurance company will request a thorough health report on the applicant.
Family health history and smoking or not being a smoker are a couple of the aspects that go under the category of health that can be addressed.
Field of Work
When determining how much to charge for insurance, an insurance firm must take this element into account. This is significant because many fields have a high risk of fatalities. Indeed, a significant aspect in premium cost assessment is the risk factor related to a person's line of work.
Life Insurance Buying Guide
Purchasing an insurance policy will require regular/monthly premium payments, just like any other investment that entails ongoing fees or costs. Based on your profile and history, the insurance policy that you will purchase will evaluate and design a payment schedule. Depending on your income, this payment may or may not turn into a significant ongoing expense. However, it is strongly advised that you carefully evaluate the plans and the provider from which you will be buying them.
When considering a life insurance policy, review the following factors.
i) Ascertain your needs: Review your needs because they will vary based on factors like the number of family members, their health, etc. Once you are aware of your objectives, the next few phases will go much more smoothly.
ii) Scout top organisations that provide life insurance policies: It's crucial to choose a reputable and established organisation. The best possible service will be provided as a result. Choose whether you want to purchase a policy through a government organisation, such LIC or SBI.
iii) Decide the policy type that's best for you: There are a few varieties of policy types that insurance companies offer. Assess the types based on your needs to decide what kind of insurance to go for and compare their prices to grab the best deal.
iv) Go for the one you can afford: Upon comparing, learn more about the terms and rules of that specific company, then determine if it's right for you. Go to the next best option if necessary. Make sure you are thinking about an insurance that you can afford. You shouldn't have to worry about it.
v) Company history matters: You are entrusting a business with your fortune in the hopes that they will reimburse you in the future. Your eligibility and creditworthiness are always verified by businesses. However, that shouldn't be a one-sided act. Make sure the insurance provider in whom you are investing upholds the strictest of your criteria.
Benefits of a Life Insurance Policy
You may actually transfer a lot of your financial worries to the insurance company when you get an insurance policy. You will have the chance to leave your family with much-needed future financial security if you have a policy. It is feasible to obtain a life insurance policy that can double as an investment among the several sorts available. Here are a few of the main advantages of having life insurance.
Financial Cover in case of Death
In the event of an early demise, insurance can provide financial security for your family and loved ones. In a number of ways, this can relieve family stress. Insurances assist with paying for funerals, handling unpaid bills, etc.
Profitable Return on Investments
When you get an insurance policy, you are regularly setting aside a little portion of your salary. When the policy's term is up, the accrued fund is given back to you. Numerous insurance products include returns on investment and survival benefits in addition to the principal..
Tax Exemptions
Due to the fact that the majority of policy premiums are tax deductible, insurance plans might assist you when filing your tax returns. For salaried employees, the Income Tax Act offers tax advantages on a variety of assets.
Collateral
A life insurance policy may be used as security to get a bank loan. The policy money may be used as collateral for the loan. It should be emphasised that only a portion of the premium will be guaranteed, so the loan amount will depend on that amount. This can come in very handy during difficult times.
Documents Requirements for Buying a Life Insurance Policy
Following the submission of accurate, valid documentation and a background check, insurance policies are provided. Two of the mandatory documents required for verification are proofs of identity and address. The following is a list of all the paperwork needed to get a life insurance policy:
Application Form |
Complete medical checkup report |
Identification proof |
Income proof |
Residence proof |
Bank statement |
Age proof |
PAN details |
Photograph of the applicant |
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How to Claim Life Insurance?
It is recommended to contact the insurance provider as soon as possible when an insurance policy holder passes away or the policy reaches its maturity. The beneficiary or any relative may claim the insurance proceeds in the event of death. However, in the event of the term's expiration, the corporation often initiates contact. The business can provide information about it a few months in advance.
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has provided the following recommendations for filing an insurance money claim in the event of death:
i) Inform the business as soon as you can.
ii) Consult the insurance agent for assistance.
iii) The donor must complete a claim form.
iv) Documents such a death certificate, a letter from the insurance company, a relative's evidence of relationship, assignment deeds, and a form with the details for discharge execution should be given to the company.
It's possible that the business will request the deceased's medical records for review.
How to Save Tax with a Life Insurance Policy?
According to Section 80 C of the Income Tax Act of 1961, you can reclaim your tax deductions for the payments made against tax-saving investment vehicles, such as an insurance premium, mutual funds, PPFs, etc. Investing in life insurance can therefore prove to be a significant tax saver. It claims that by submitting your tax returns with copies of your recurring payment bank statements, you might save up to INR 1.5 lakhs.