Everybody hopes for the best, but it is always better to prepare for scenarios that might not be ideal. This is why a backup in any situation always helps. This is especially true for life. A life insurance plan can offer financial support to your loved ones in your absence. Keep reading to find out how.
What is Life Insurance Policy?
A life insurance policy is a contract between a policyholder and an insurance company. In a life insurance policy, the insurance company promises to pay a sum of money to the loved ones of the policyholder in case of death of the policyholder during a certain period. In return, the policyholder pays a small amount as premium to the insurance company.
In certain types of policies, the policyholder can also opt for critical illness benefits or choose additional protection to cover against an unfortunate event due to an accident. Read more about these features and types of life insurance policies below.
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From your first job to your retirement, a life insurance plan is crucial at every stage of your life!
You want to fulfil your desires like getting a better phone, your first car, going on holidays, and more. A unit linked insurance plan4 like ICICI Pru Smart Life offers life cover and helps in the growth of your money along with providing financial protection to your family, in case of any uncertainty.
You want to upgrade your standard of living by buying a bigger car, a house of your own, and more. which may increase your financial liabilities. Hence, a term insurance plan like ICICI Pru iProtect Smart provides life cover and will help you financially safeguard such assets for your family, in case of an unfortunate event. Additionally, it also gives you an option to protect yourself against 34 critical illnesses*^.
You want to fulfil your child’s growing needs like best education, extra circular activities, to provide for them irrespective of the choice of their career, marriage, and more. A unit linked insurance plan4 like ICICI Pru Signature helps grow your money for your child’s future along with providing a life cover.
You want ensure your current standard of living or better, post-retirement as well. You would also want enough money to take care of medical exigencies, unplanned expenses, and more. without hampering your life style. Along with this, you can plan to create a corpus for your spouse and children. An annuity plan like ICICI Pru Guaranteed Pension Plan helps you provide a comfortable life post-retirement with a regular income.
SO, MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION AND FINANCIALLY PLAN FOR EVERY LIFE STAGE.
Why is it important to buy a life insurance plan?
Who can purchase a Life Insurance Policy?
Life insurance in India is a vital financial tool to have for all age groups. A life insurance policy can provide your loved ones with financial support as well as offer you adequate returns that can be used to plan for various individual goals.
Here is how you can benefit from buying a life insurance policy:
Importance of buying life insurance for different age groups
Age group | Importance of buying life insurance |
---|---|
20 to 30 years | People between the ages of 20 and 30 years can use life insurance plans to secure their future financial goals, such as saving for a house purchase, retirement, and more. |
30 to 40 years | People between the ages of 30 and 40 years can use life insurance plans to secure their family members in their absence with adequate financial protection. Life insurance plans can also be used to plan for your child’s higher education and marriage expenses, and more. |
40 to 50 years | Individuals between the age of 40 and 50 years can buy a life insurance policy to plan for their retirement savings. |
50 years and above | Individuals aged 50 or above can purchase a life insurance policy to invest and ensure financial security for self and family. Life insurance can also offer them tax benefits and help them save more money. |
Apart from the age groups mentioned above, there are several other types of people who can benefit from a life insurance plan. These include the following:
- Smokers: Smokers can be prone to health issues. Buying a buy life insurance policy can ensure sufficient financial protection for their loved ones. However, smokers must inform the insurer of their lifestyle habits before purchasing a plan.
- Disabled individuals: Disabled individuals can also benefit from a life insurance plan. However, they need to undergo some medical tests before buying a suitable insurance plan.
- People with pre-existing medical conditions: Individuals with pre-existing medical concerns can enjoy financial security with life insurance. However, it is vital to share the details of such medical conditions with the insurer.
Important life insurance terms you should know
Life assured:
The insured person is referred to as the life assured. In the unfortunate event of the life assured’s death, the nominee receives the insurance money.
Policy tenure:
This is the duration for which the insurance company provides coverage. Policy tenure for a life insurance plan can range anywhere from 1 year to 99 years (whole life).
Death benefit:
This is the money that the insurance company pays to the nominee in the unfortunate event of the life assured’s death.
Maturity benefit:
This is the money that the policy holder gets on surviving the policy term. Although a term life insurance policy does not have any maturity benefits, other life insurance plans offer this feature.
Lapsed policy:
A life insurance plan can get lapsed if the policy holder does not pay the premium on time. In such cases, the policy is referred to as a lapsed policy and the insurer reserves the right to terminate the contract if the policy holder does not pay the premium even during the grace period.
Grace period:
If the policy holder does not pay the premium, the insurance company offers an extension, also known as the grace period. This allows more time for the policy holder to make the payment.
Revival period:
If your life insurance policy gets lapsed due to non-payment of premium, you can revive it later by paying the premium and any added charges. This is known as the revival period.
Riders:
Riders are add-ons that can be added to a policy at an extra cost. They are completely optional but can enhance the coverage of your plan.
Claim process:
The claim process refers to the steps involved in raising a claim request to the insurance company. It usually includes submitting the claim form, death certificate, FIR, identity proof, KYC information, and other necessary documents to the insurance company.
Exclusions:
These are the list of things that are not covered under a life insurance plan in India. For instance, some insurers do not cover suicide within the first few years of the policy tenure.
Policy:
A policy refers to the insurance contract between you and the insurance company. There can be different types of policies, such as a term insurance policy, an endowment policy, a unit-linked insurance policy, and more.
Sum Assured:
This is the amount of money that the insurance company promises to pay to the nominee in the unfortunate case of the demise of the policyholder during the policy term. The premium for a policy depends on the Sum Assured you choose.
Life Insurance Coverage Period:
This refers to the duration for which a life insurance policy remains active and covers the Life Assured.
Types of Life Insurance Policies
Types of Life Insurance Policies | Coverage |
---|---|
Term life insurance policy | Pure Risk Cover |
Endowment life insurance policy | Insurance Cover + Saving |
Non-Linked Participating Endowment Plan | Insurance cover |
Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIP) | Insurance Cover + Market-linked Investment Benefits |
Non-participating Non-linked endowment plan | Fixed Insurance Cover |
Retirement Plan | Insurance Cover + Saving |
Child Plan | Insurance Cover + Investment Benefits |
Term Insurance Policy
This is the simplest type of life insurance policy. It pays your family a sum of money in case of your death, during the policy term. It does not pay anything if you survive the policy term. However the premiums on this type of policy tend to be low. For instance a monthly premium of just ₹ 1,057 can get you a life insurance cover of 1 crore rupees with regular income payout option (for a 30 year old, non-smoker) for 40 years(exclusive of taxes)
Explore Our Term Insurance Plan
Term plan with a range of options that you can select as per your budget.
- It fits into a tight budget^$
- Get claim payout on the first diagnosis of 34 critical illnesses (optional)*^
- Accidental Death Benefit upto 2 Crore (optional)+*
- Choice of 4 payout options
- Tax^ benefits under Section 80C & 10(10D)
- Get covered till the age of 99 years
Endowment Policies
Policies other than term life insurance, are called endowment policies. These can in turn be divided into participating, non-participating and unit-linked.
Non-Linked Participating Endowment Plan
This type of policy lets you ‘participate’ in the profits of the life insurance company and get a share of them. It pays your family a sum of money on your death but it also pays you an accumulated sum, if you survive the policy term. The survival payment or benefit is linked to the profits of the life insurance company.
Unit Linked Life Insurance Policy (ULIP)
This policy pays an amount on your death and a maturity amount if you survive the term. However unlike a traditional participating policy, the maturity amount is more dependent on your investment choices rather than the profits of the life insurance company. Your policy is invested in funds and divided into ‘units’ similar to those of a mutual fund. You typically get a lot of freedom to choose the type of fund your money will be invested in.
Non-participating Non-linked endowment plan
A non-participating policy defines exactly how much your family will get on your death and how much you will get on the maturity of the policy. There is no variable or investment linked component. You know before-hand exactly how much you will get, in each scenario.
How does term insurance policy work?
Let’s say Mr. X has a ₹1 crore ICICI Pru iProtect Smart life insurance policy in place. He has paid insurance premiums for three years. In this example, we will take the premium as ₹ 540^` per month which comes to ₹ 19,440 in total premiums paid.
If Mr X passes away in the third year, his family will get an insurance payout of ₹ 1 crore. In other words, the insurance payout will be as per the policy cover regardless of when the insured passes away in the period covered.
He paid premium of ₹ 540/month for 3 years
TOTAL PREMIUM PAID
₹ 17,640
If Mr. X dies after 3 years his nominee will get insurance payout immediately
Tax^ Benefits of Life Insurance (Section 80C and Section 10(10D))
If you buy life insurance, you qualify for a deduction up to ₹ 1.5 lakh annually under section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The payout received at the time of maturity will be tax-free^ subject to the conditions given in Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Tax laws are subject to amendment from time to time.
Benefits of Life Insurance Plans
Life insurance in India can play a critical role in your life. It can help you in diverse financial situations and offer the following advantages:
Act as loan collateral
A lot of loan providers ask for collateral when sanctioning a loan. A life insurance plan can be used as collateral for secured loans. This can help you get a loan with a favourable rate of interest in your hour of need.
Online payment discount
Life insurance plans offer online discounts from time to time. If you purchase a plan online, you can enjoy a discount on the premium. Some plans may offer a discount if you make the payment through a specific bank.
Discount based on payment periodicity
Life insurance plans let you choose the premium payment method. Typically, the premium can be paid in half-yearly, yearly, or monthly instalments. Each of these methods can provide you with unique discounts. You can find out more about them from the insurance company and pick an option that lets you save the most.
Tax benefits
A life insurance policy can help you save a lot of money otherwise spent on tax. You can claim a deduction^ of up to ₹ 1.5 lakh in a financial year under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 on the premium paid towards a life insurance plan. In addition to this, the payout received for your life insurance policy is tax-free^ subject to conditions prescribed under Section 10(10D).
COMP/DOC/May/2022/275/0381
Life insurance plans offered by ICICI Prudential
-
Term Insurance Plan
ICICI PRU iProtect Smart
Term plan with a range of options that you can select as per your budget.
Read More 🡪Key Benefits :
- Get payout diagnosis of 34 critical illnesses*^
- Accidental Death Benefit up to 2 Crore+*
- Tax^ benefits under Section 80C & 10(10D)
- Get covered till the age of 99 years
-
Endowment Policy
ICICI PRU Future Perfect
An ideal endowment plan that gives you dual assurance of guaranteed benefits and a life cover
Read More 🡪Key Benefits :
- Guaranteed Additions and Guaranteed Maturity Benefit by staying invested*
- Security of your loved ones with potential for wealth creation and Life Cover
- Get Reversionary and Terminal Bonus, if any, on maturity of the plan**
- Get tax benefits^1 under Section 80C and 10(10D) of Income Tax Act 1961
-
Unit Linked Insurance Plans
ICICI Pru Signature
IN ULIPS, THE INVESTMENT RISK IN THE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO IS BORNE BY THE POLICYHOLDER
A savings plan that can give you better returns while it shields your loved ones with life cover
Read More 🡪Key Benefits :
- Financial protection for your loved ones with life insurance cover
- Return of mortality and policy administration charges1
- Enjoy policy benefits till 99 years of age with Whole Life policy term option
- Withdraw money regularly from your policy with SWP2
-
Non-Linked Participating Endowment Plan
ICICI Pru Savings Suraksha
Offer your savings the opportunity to grow while enjoying the benefits of guaranteed returns
Read More 🡪Key Benefits :
- Life cover to protect your loved ones
- Guaranteed Maturity Benefit and Guaranteed Additions *#
- Get Reversionary and Terminal Bonus, if any, over and above the maturity benefits of the policy^#
- Tax benefits^2 on premiums paid and benefits received as per Income Tax Act 1961
-
Non participating non linked endowment plan
ICICI Pru Guaranteed Income For Tomorrow
A protection + savings life insurance plan with guaranteed benefits to help you achieve your goals
Read More 🡪Key Benefits :
- 100% Guaranteed^^ Tax free^3 income/lump sum
- Life cover+ for entire policy term
- Option to get income from 2nd year*`
- Upto 3.5% Additional Maturity Benefit online~
^^ Terms & conditions apply
Check Premium🡪 - View All Online Life Insurance Plans 🡪
Our experts are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Call us at 1800-267-9777
Call centre hours -
9.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m. all days
Comparison of different types of life insurance plans
Term life insurance policy | Endowment life insurance policy | Non-linked participating endowment plan | Unit linked insurance plans (ULIP) | Non-participating Non-linked endowment plan | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overview | Used to financially protect your dependents in your absence | Used to financially secure your loved ones and build low risk savings | Used to financially secure your loved ones and build low risk savings | Used to financially secure your loved ones and create wealth as per your preferred risk type | Used to financially secure your loved ones and yourself. The death and maturity benefits are fixed |
Maturity benefits | No maturity benefits | Offers maturity benefits | Offers maturity benefits | Offers maturity benefits | Offers maturity benefits |
Death benefits | Offers death benefits | Offers death benefits | Offers death benefits | Offers death benefits | Offers death benefits |
Purpose | Provides pure risk cover | Provides insurance cover plus low risk savings | Provides insurance cover plus low risk savings | Provides insurance cover plus investments | Provides a fixed insurance cover |
How to choose the right Life Insurance Policy?
Assess your financial needs
Everyone’s financial needs are unique. A life insurance plan that is suitable for your peers may not be ideal for you. So, make sure to assess your individual needs and understand your investment purpose before you pick a life insurance plan. Do not pick a plan just because it is popular amongst your peers.
Learn about the various types of life insurance policies
It is important to understand the various types of life insurance policies available in the market, so you can make the right choice. Go through the different varieties and see how they align with your needs and budget.
Reputation of the provider
Life insurance plans are a long-term commitment. They are meant to secure your family at a time when you may not be around anymore. Hence, it is important to pick an insurance company that has a good reputation and is financially reliable.
Customer testimonials
Reading customer testimonials will help you pick a suitable insurer and plan. It can also help you understand how transparent the provider is and how well the company treats its policyholders.
Points to Consider Before Selecting Life Insurance Cover
Goals
Before you buy a life insurance cover, make a note of your goals. Every person has different life goals. While you may want a life insurance plan that would protect your family, someone else may be looking for a plan to invest in for their retirement. So, assess your goals and then pick a plan that offers the most benefits according to your goals.
Age
Your age and health can play a crucial role when you intend to buy a life insurance policy. The cover and premium are largely dependent on these two factors. The younger you are, the easier it is to buy life insurance as you would be relatively healthier. You can also get a low premium at a young age. Hence, it may be recommended to buy a life insurance policy as early as possible.
Financial liabilities
The responsibility to pay back your debt and other liabilities may fall on your loved ones when you are no longer around. If you have any pending loan repayments or credit card dues, you must take them into account when deciding on the life cover amount. Picking a sufficient sum assured is vital, so your family can repay your dues without any hassles and continue to live a dignified life.
Regular source of income
Life insurance policies can offer a regular source of income to your nominee. This money can act as a substitute for your income and help them cover day-to-day expenses as well as any unexpected emergencies. Life insurance plans can offer a regular stream of income to the families of both self-employed and salaried individuals.
Remaining working years
It is important to take an estimate of your remaining working years. This will give you an idea of how much to invest. This can also help with deciding the adequate sum assured for your family’s requirements. Moreover, if you are investing in life insurance retirement plans, you can make suitable investment decisions based on your preferred retirement age.
Do’s and Don'ts of life insurance policies
Below are some essential do’s and don'ts to keep in mind:
Do’s of life insurance policies
- Buy early: When you buy life insurance early in life, you can get a bigger cover at comparatively lower premiums. This also ensures financial protection for your loved ones from an early stage
- Read the policy document carefully: It is important to take the time to read and understand the policy document thoroughly. This helps you make informed decisions and know exactly what you are covered for
- Consider adding riders: You can enhance your coverage by adding riders to your policy. Riders can provide additional protection in times of need
- Compare policies: Comparing different policies and insurance companies helps you find the one that offers the best coverage, premium and customer service. You can compare claim settlement ratio, assets under management and number of lives covered for different insurance companies
Don’ts of life insurance policies
- Don’t provide false information: Avoid providing false or inaccurate information during the application process. This could lead to claim rejections and policy cancellations
- Don’t miss premium payments: Missing or delaying premium payments can lead to lapses in your coverage
- Don’t delay purchasing insurance: Don't procrastinate on purchasing life insurance. Delaying this crucial decision can leave your loved ones financially vulnerable in case of an unfortunate event
Why is life insurance a safe investment?
Life insurance can offer a safe investment avenue. The sum assured of your policy remains unaffected by market fluctuations, certifying your family’s financial stability in uncertain times. The inclusion of riders can provide you with additional coverage during challenging times. These riders offer extra financial protection against specific risks, ensuring overall financial security.
Life insurance is a transparent financial product. It clearly outlines inclusions and exclusions to ensure you know exactly what you are covered for. This offers peace of mind, making life insurance a safe choice to protect your loved ones' financial future.
Why should women consider investing in a life insurance policy?
Women, like men, should consider investing in life insurance due to its universal significance. Regardless of gender, life insurance serves as a critical financial tool for several reasons, as mentioned below:
Life insurance offers a safety net to ensure the well-being of your children in your absence. The financial support provided by a life insurance policy can help cover their education, healthcare and other essential needs
Life insurance provides a layer of protection for your spouse, ensuring that they can maintain their lifestyle and financial stability
Life insurance empowers you to leave behind a lasting legacy for your loved ones and support their financial goals and aspirations
In the unfortunate event of your demise, your loss of income can introduce financial challenges for your loved ones. Life insurance can bridge this gap by replacing your income and allowing your family to live without financial strain
How to pick the right life insurance plan for your family?
While picking out the right life insurance plan for your family, make sure to pay attention to the following aspects:
- Claim settlement ratio: This is the number of claims that an insurance company receives in a year versus the number of claims it settles in the same year. The higher the claim settlement ratio, the more reliable is the insurer, thus there is a lower chance of your claim getting rejected
- Solvency ratio: The solvency ratio indicates the insurance company’s ability to meet its debt obligations. It gives you an insight into the insurer’s cash flow and financial health. Pick an insurer with a high solvency ratio to ensure financial security
- Premium: Affordable premiums can help you save money. Look for a life insurance plan that offers cost-effective insurance premiums
- Claim settlement process: Pick an insurance company with a simple claim settlement process. This will ensure that you and your family members do not face any hassles at the time of claim settlement
- Customer feedback: A positive customer feedback can help you gauge the insurance company’s performance and willingness to assist its customers. You can look for customer reviews online or refer to friends and colleagues for recommendations when purchasing a life insurance policy
How to pick the right life insurance plan?
Which is the right Life Insurance policy for you?
Well, different types of policies suit different types of people. Someone who is willing to take some risk and knows a little about investments may go in for a ULIP. Someone who only wants the protection aspect of life insurance may prefer a term insurance policy.
You can find some nifty optional features offered by ICICI Prudential iProtect Smart Term Insurance
CRITICAL ILLNESS BENEFIT*^
This feature pays you a certain sum of money on the diagnosis of a critical illness like heart attacks and cancer. With providers such as ICICI Prudential, a defined amount is paid regardless of your actual medical expenses. This saves you the hassle of showing bills and getting reimbursed, as with medical insurance. If your life cover exceeds the critical illness amount, the balance cover will remain intact.
read more...Accidental Death Benefit+*
Accidents are all too common in India with our unruly traffic and tough driving conditions. This feature pays your family an additional amount if your death is due to an accident.
STEADY INCOME AFTER DEATH
Many families have a tough time managing monthly expenses after death. Hence, companies like ICICI Prudential Life Insurance give you the option of giving your family a steady income after your death rather than a lump sum which they may have difficulty managing.
You can choose all or any of these options depending on what is offered to you by the life insurance company.
What is Human Life Value, and why should you consider it before deciding on
your life cover+?
Human Life Value (HLV) represents the current value of your future income, expenses, financial liabilities and investments. Expressed as a figure, HLV helps you determine the amount of money needed to secure your loved ones with life insurance in the unfortunate event of your demise.
HLV can guide you in selecting insurance plans that optimally protect your family financially. This parameter can help you identify potential income loss and the rise in liabilities in your absence. It considers factors like your age, gender, income, occupation, likely retirement age and more.
HLV eliminates confusion and ensures that your chosen life coverage+ comprehensively safeguards your loved ones. It empowers you to make informed decisions that provide certainty in protecting your family's financial future.
How much Life Insurance cover do I need?
- Early Adulthood 20 – 30 years At this stage in your life, you can pick a life insurance policy with a sum assured that is at least 10 times3 your annual salary plus your outstanding loans. Such a sum will help your family in your absence and also beat inflation. Term plans, endowment plans, and unit-linked investment plans can be a suitable pick at this age. Remember, the younger you are, the easier it is to get a life insurance plan and the lower is the premiums
- Middle Adulthood 30 – 45 years At this stage in your life, you would likely be married and have children. Hence, you must consider your children’s and spouse’s needs when picking out a life insurance plan. Take into account the future education costs and inflation and try to opt for a life cover that is at least 15 times your annual salary plus your outstanding loans. You can invest in term plans, endowment plans, and unit-linked investment plans at this age. In addition to this, if you have children, you can also invest in child plans. Moreover, starting your retirement planning with pension plans can be an excellent idea at this age too
- Mature Adulthood 35 – 45 years Your children will most likely be starting college in a few years at this age. Hence, you must account for their graduation, post-graduation, and marriage expenses. Try to opt for a life cover that is 15 – 20 times your annual salary plus your outstanding loans. You can continue to invest in term plans, endowment plans, pension plans, and unit-linked investment plans
- Late Adulthood 45 - 55 years Since your financial responsibilities towards your children are likely to be less in retirement, you can opt for a life cover at least 10 times your annual salary plus your outstanding loans. In this age bracket, you can consider purchasing a term insurance plan and a pension plan like an annuity plan
Factors that affect life insurance premium
Your life insurance premium depends on several factors. The main factors contributing towards the calculation of life insurance premium include your age, the type of coverage you are opting for, the amount of coverage, and personal factors such as smoking status, occupational status, and more.
Should you buy more than one life insurance policy?
The decision to purchase multiple life insurance policies depends on your circumstances, objectives and financial situation. Having multiple policies can provide broader coverage and potentially cover more risks. Moreover, if one plan’s claim is rejected or the coverage is insufficient, another policy can act as a safety net for your family.
While multiple policies can offer enhanced coverage and serve as a backup, they also come with increased premiums that might interfere with your current financial goals. Managing several policies can be complex and increases the risk of missing premium payments. This may lead to lapses in coverage.
It is important to consider the benefits against the drawbacks to determine if the added protection from multiple policies is worth the increased expenses.
What are the payout options available for ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plans?
ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plans like ICICI Pru iProtect Smart offer flexible payout options that cater to every type of policyholder. You can choose from 4 payout options. These are:
LUMP-SUM
The agreed life cover is paid as a fixed amount to the nominee in case of policyholder’s unfortunate death.
INCOME
This option provides claim payout in equal monthly installments so that family’s monthly financial needs are taken care.
INCREASING INCOME
Your nominee will receive monthly installments for 10 years. Income amount will increase by 10% per annum simple interest every year. This option provides a 45% additional life cover.
LUMP-SUM PLUS INCOME
The life cover gets paid in two parts, as you mention during policy inception. You can choose to receive half of the amount in a lump sum manner and the rest as equal monthly installments.
Steps to buying a Life Insurance Policy Online
- 1Life insurance plans come with various options. It is important to pick a plan that is the most suitable to your unique needs, budget, and family’s future requirements
- 2Select an insurance company that has a positive reputation and offers good customer service, timely and quick claim settlements, and a simplified claim process
- 3Select the policy term, type of cover, sum assured, and riders for your life insurance policy judiciously. Check the premium and go ahead if it fits your budget
- 4Submit all the relevant information like your identity, age, income, and address proofs. You may also be asked to submit photographs and take a medical test
- 5Pay the premium online using your debit card, credit card, net banking, payment wallets or UPI
Important documents to buy a life insurance policy
- Identify proof
- Address proof
- Age proof
- Medical history/ diagnosis reports
- Passport sized photographs
- Bank statements
Important documents to get your Life Insurance claim amount easily
How to file a life insurance claim?
You can file a life insurance policy claim online, at a physical branch central office, or on our central ClaimCare helpline through SMS or e-mail by following the steps given below:
- To submit an online claim, please visit the Claims section on the ICICI Prudential website
- To submit a claim via phone, please call us at our 24x7 ClaimCare helpline number at 1800 2660
- To submit a claim via email, please e-mail us at claimsupport@iciciprulife.com
- To submit a claim in person, you can visit a branch near you
Claim in case of death
In case of an untimely death of the insured, the nominee can follow the steps given below to raise a life insurance policy claim:
- Inform the insurer of the unfortunate event using any one of the methods mentioned above – website, call, email, or in person
- Submit all necessary documents like the death certificate, life insurance policy certificate, hospitalisation documents, and others. KYC proofs of the nominee, like Aadhaar card, PAN card, or any other required document. FIR papers in case of suicide or accidental death, and a cancelled cheque
- The insurance company will review the documents and issue the settlement
What happens when there is no nomination or in case of a pre-deceased nominee
at the time of death claim?
In such circumstances, we would require the proof of title or succession certificate issued by a competent court. The claim would then be paid to the person specified in the said proof. Such a condition is called 'Open Title' situation.
If we have accepted the claim but are waiting for the issued certificate of proof, we hold the money till the proof is submitted and pay interest as directed by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India.
Claim in case of maturity
You can follow the steps given below to raise a maturity claim for your life insurance plan:
- Contact the insurer using any one of the methods mentioned above – website, call, email, or in person
- Submit your life insurance policy certificate, KYC proofs like Aadhar card, pan card, or any other required document, and a cancelled cheque
- The insurance company will review the documents and issue the settlement
Four times you should revisit your life insurance policy
Below are four crucial situations when you should consider reviewing your policy:
Marriage brings shared responsibilities. This can be a critical time to reassess your life insurance policy to ensure it reflects your new financial obligations and provides adequate financial protection for your spouse in your absence
Children can introduce increased financial responsibilities. You must review your policy when you become a parent to ensure uninterrupted financial support for your little ones
A large loan, such as a house or car loan, can burden your family in your absence. If you take on debt, make sure to reevaluate your insurance coverage+ to ensure it covers the loan
Your dependents, like children or a spouse, may experience medical issues, such as permanent disability or a lifetime illness that may require substantial financial support. When faced with such a situation, you must ensure your policy can offer the necessary funds for their medical needs
Life Insurance FAQs
What are the benefits of Life Insurance?
There is a wide range of benefits of owning life insurance.
- Financial safety for family and loved ones
- High life cover at affordable premiums
- Tax^ benefits under section 80C and section 10(10D) of Income tax act, 1961
- Assured income through Annuity plans
What is the Life Insurance term that I should choose?
Selecting the tenure of your term insurance plan is as important as the amount of cover. A life insurance policy is usually taken for covering financial risks until the end of your working age. People usually work till 58-60 years. However, in today's times, many work till 65-70 years of age if health condition permits. So, it is better to choose a life insurance term that lasts till you have cleared all your financial liabilities like various loans, education, and marriage of children.
Which type of life insurance plan is the most affordable?
A term insurance plan is one of the most affordable life insurance plans in the market. A term insurance plan is a pure protection plan that offers a life cover in case of an unfortunate event during the policy term. There are no survival benefits or the option of saving or investing your money for other financial goals. As a result, its premium is the most affordable. However, the premium can still differ for different people and may be higher for people who smoke or consume alcohol, those who have health issues, people working in dangerous working environments and older people.
What Life Insurance plan should I buy?
There is a life insurance plan for every possible financial goal. If you are looking for a simple cover to shield your loved ones against financial risks, choose a term plan. Whole life Insurance plan offers life insurance coverage to the life assured for the whole life. Those looking for a combination of insurance and investment opportunity, a Unit linked insurance plan (ULIP) is the ideal choice. If you want insurance and comfort of savings, select an endowment plan. Periodic returns with an insurance cover can be realized from a money-back plan. A child plan is a right choice to fulfill your child’s life goals like education, marriage, etc. Plan your retirement and retire gracefully with a retirement plan.
How much life insurance coverage do I need?
It’s important to get adequate life insurance coverage to ensure optimum financial security for your loved ones. However, the right amount of life insurance coverage that you must buy depends upon several factors, such as your age, annual income, lifestyle, monthly expenses, and the number of people financially dependent on you. As a general rule, you can buy life insurance coverage of almost 10 times3 your current annual income.
Are proceeds from Life Insurance taxable?
Proceeds from Life insurance policy is exempt under section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 if: i. Sum paid on Death except in case of a keyman policy
ii. Sum paid other than in case of Death (i.e., surrender/partial withdrawal/maturity), if
- For policy issued between April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2012: if Premium does not exceed 20% of Sum Assured (SA to premium is 5 times or more)
- For policy issued post March 31, 2012: if Premium does not exceed 10% of Sum Assured (SA to premium is 10 times or more)
Can life insurance premiums be tax deductible?
Yes, a policyholder can claim deduction for the premiums paid by him or her towards a life insurance policy subject to conditions under Section 80C^ of The Income Tax Act, 1961. The maximum deduction allowed under this section is ₹ 1.5 lakh per financial year. This deduction is available if the policy is purchased by the taxpayer for self, spouse, or children.
Should I buy Life Insurance?
Life insurance is a great financial tool. From offering protection against financial risks, over the years life insurance has evolved to provide options for building wealth and generate tax-free^^ maturity.
You should buy life insurance if you meet any of the following:
- Have financial dependents
- Are beginning a family
- Have a mortgage or other significant debt/loan
- Are part of a non-child working couple family structure
- Have children
- Have specific long-term financial goals
Are life insurance benefits paid in a lump sum?
As a policyholder, you can choose how you want your nominee to receive your life insurance benefits. In the case of your unfortunate death during the policy term, your nominee will receive policy benefits as a one-time lump sum payout. Or else, he or she can also receive a portion of the sum assured as a lump sum and the rest of the amount would be paid to them in instalments.
What is the “Sabse Pehle Life Insurance” campaign?
“Sabse Pehle Life Insurance” is the first joint mass media campaign launched by the Life Insurance Council of India. This campaign aims to create awareness about the importance of Life Insurance for Indian households.
Why would a life insurance claim be denied?
Some common reasons for life insurance claim rejection are providing false information in the application, lapse of the policy due to premiums not paid on time, type of death not covered in the plan etc.
How long does life insurance take to payout?
At ICICI Pru Life, the average time for claim decisioning from completion of last requirements was 1.27 days in FY2024
After receiving the claim request along with mandatory documents, we review the claim and communicate the requirement (if any) or decision the claim within the regulatory timeframe mentioned below
Average time for death claim decisioning – As per Insurance Regulation And Development Authority Of India (IRDAI) | |
---|---|
Stages of claim | Turn around time |
Raising Claim Requirements | Within 15 days of receipt of claim |
Settlement or Rejection or repudiation of claims where field verification is not required | Within 30 days from the date of receipt of last necessary document |
Settlement / Rejection / Repudiation of claims where field verification is required | Field verification to be completed not later than 90 days from the date of receipt of claim intimation and the claim shall be decided within 30 days thereafter |
Can I withdraw money from my insurance policy?
Yes, some life insurance plans like unit-linked investment plans, savings plans, and others offer the option to withdraw money.
Is life insurance necessary for senior citizens?
Buying life insurance is not necessary for senior citizens unless their children or spouse are dependent on them or they have existing loan or debt, which is yet to be settled.
What is the minimum & maximum age to buy Life Insurance?
The minimum and maximum age to buy a life insurance policy may differ depending on the company and the plan you choose. The minimum and maximum age to buy our top-selling~~ term insurance plan, ICICI Prudential iProtect Smart, is 18 years and 65 years respectively.
Can a minor be appointed as Nominee in life insurance?
A minor can be appointed Nominee, but it is recommended that an appointee be a person who has completed the age of majority.
How to file a life insurance claim?
In case of the untimely death of the policyholder, the nominee can file a claim on the life insurance policy. Below are the steps to file a life insurance claim:
- Step 1 – Intimate the insurance company about the death of the policyholder
- Step 2 – Fill out a life insurance claim form and attach the required documents. The insurer may ask for the original policy copy, the death certificate of the policyholder, and other relevant documents
- Step 3 – The insurer will appoint a surveyor to assess the claim
- Step 4 – Once the surveyor approves the claim, the insurer will transfer the claim amount to the nominee’s bank account within a few working days. In some cases, the insurer may also send the claim amount through a cheque or Demand Draft (DD)
When can I start to pay the life insurance premiums?
When you buy a life insurance plan, you also get an option to choose the premium payment method, which can be in the form of monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual payments. You can start paying your life insurance premiums as per the chosen method as soon as your policy is active.
What if I do not pay my premium on time?
If you do not pay your premium on time, you will get a grace period of 15 – 30 days, during which you can pay the premium and keep your life insurance policy active. If you pay the premium, your policy will be reinstated. However, if you do not pay the premium, your policy will be deactivated and you will lose all the benefits of the life insurance plan.
If your plan has a paid-up value and you have paid premiums for a certain period as specified in the policy document, your policy will not be discontinued. In this case, your nominee will receive the paid-up value at the time of death and not the entire sum assured.
What happens if I stop paying life insurance premiums?
If you stop paying the life insurance premium, your life insurance policy will be deactivated. You will be given a grace period to complete the payment. If you are unable to do so during the grace period, the plan will lapse permanently.
Will I have to pay tax on my life insurance policy's maturity benefit?
The benefits of life insurance plans that are received at the time of maturity are tax-free^, subject to the conditions of Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act of 1961. However, keep in mind that these conditions may change with a change in the law.
What is the average life insurance payout?
There is no fixed average life insurance payout and you can pick a sum assured of your choice as per your family’s future needs. The payout for a life insurance plan generally differs as per the policy term, age and gender of the policyholder, premiums, occupation of the policyholder, terms and conditions of the policy, and many other similar factors.
Can life insurance policy payouts be claimed before death?
Yes, depending upon the kind of life insurance policy you invest in, you can claim some part of the payout before death. For instance, a life insurance plan, such as the unit-linked insurance plan, has a lock-in period of 5 years. Post the lock-in period, you can withdraw funds partially for short term needs. Endowment plans also offer a loan facility after your policy acquires a surrender value. A term insurance plan, on the other hand, may not offer such a facility.
Hence, claims before death would depend on the type of life insurance product you choose.
What happens if I outlive my life insurance policy term?
There will be no survival benefits if you outlive your life insurance policy. However, if you have a return of premium life insurance plan, you will receive the total of all your premiums. If you want to continue the protection, you will either have to buy a new plan or extend your coverage to your whole life.
What are the documents required for buying a life insurance policy?
The documents required for buying a life insurance policy may vary from one insurance provider to another. Usually, an insurer asks for the following documents for issuing life insurance policies:
- A duly filled proposal form
- Age proof of the proposer or life assured (PAN card, Aadhaar card, Birth Certificate, or others)
- Photo identity proof (PAN card, masked Aadhaar card, Driving License, Passport, or others)
- Address proof (Driving license, masked Aadhaar card, Voters ID card, Passport, or others)
- Income proof (Bank statements, Salary slips, ITR receipts, or others)
- Medical examination reports of the life assured in case of any previous health history
- Recent passport-sized photograph
COMP/DOC/Feb/2023/22/2180
What do you mean by paid-up value in life insurance?
If the policyholder fails to pay the premiums after a certain period, such as 3 or 5 years, the insurance company pays a reduced sum assured amount instead of the one chosen at the time of purchase. This reduced amount is known as the paid-up value in a life insurance plan. In the event of death, if no premiums were paid beyond a certain year, the insurance company pays the paid-up value to the nominee and not the original sum assured.
ADVT NO. W/II/4865/2021-22