Term insurance plans secure your family’s financial future even when you are not around. These plans are considered by many as one of the basic financial necessities of life, especially in today’s times. Term insurance plans also have multiple features and benefits, right from affordable premiums to riders for additional covers.

What are the Benefits of Term Insurance?

Term insurance offers multiple benefits to customers. Here are a few you should be aware of:

Financial Protection

One of the greatest benefits of term insurance is financial protection of your family in case of an unfortunate event. The sum assured of your term plan can be sufficient to cover all their needs.

Affordable Premiums

You can get a high-value life cover!a from a term insurance plan by paying an affordable premium amount. Premium payments can be made either monthly/half-yearly/yearly. The earlier you buy a term insurance plan, the lower the premium amount you have to pay.

Whole Life Cover!a

Term insurance plans offer substantially longer coverage. Whole life insurance plans offer coverage till the age of 99 years.

Payout of Sum Insured

In case of the unfortunate demise of the person insured, the family members will receive the sum assured as a payout. The policyholder can choose for this payout to be in the form of a lump sum, an income that is either monthly or annual, a combination of lump sum and income or an increasing income at the inception. This will help take care of financial needs and household expenses among other costs.

Tax** Benefits

You can get tax** benefits on premiums paid under Section 123 (read with Schedule XV, Sr. No. 1, 2 & 4 ) along with premiums paid towards critical illness benefit under Section 126. The lump sum amount received by nominees as the sum assured/death benefit is also exempted from taxes subject to Section 11 (read with Schedule II, Sr. No. 2) of the Income Tax Act, 2025.

Multiple death benefit payout options

Term insurance benefits can be paid out in different ways upon the demise of the policyholder. The death benefit can be received as a lump sum, monthly instalments or a combination of both. These options allow you to choose a payout structure that best suits the financial requirements of your loved ones.

Riders and add-on features

You can enhance the benefits of a term life insurance policy with riders or add-on features. These riders provide additional protection in various situations and ensure comprehensive coverage for the policyholder and their family.

Types of term insurance plans

Below are the different types of term insurance plans:

  1. Individual term life insurance plan

    This is the most common type of term insurance. It covers a single person for a specific period and offers a fixed sum assured.

  2. Group term life insurance plan

    Group term insurance is usually offered by employers to employees. It provides coverage for all members of the group. However, it is usually only active until you work with the employer, and the coverage may end if you quit the company.

  3. Term Insurance with Return of Premium (TROP)

    TROP plans return all the premiums paid during the tenure if the life assured survives the policy term. They offer life cover!a along with a savings element.

  4. Increasing term life insurance plan

    In an increasing term plan, the sum assured is increased periodically. It helps you cover your increasing financial responsibilities and combat inflation.

  5. Decreasing term life insurance plan

    Decreasing term insurance reduces the sum assured over time. It considers your declining liabilities, such as loans or other debts.

  6. Level term life insurance plan

    Level term insurance offers a fixed sum assured throughout the policy term. The coverage and premium remain the same as long as the policy stays active.

  7. Non-Resident Indian (NRI) term life insurance plan

    NRI term insurance is designed for NRIs and provides life cover!a in India while living abroad. It functions like a standard term plan but caters to NRIs.

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Accident insurance benefit

One of the benefits of term insurance is that you can enhance your coverage by opting for an accidental death benefit rider. This rider can provide an extra benefit that typically ranges from ₹10 lakhs to ₹1 crore, though in some cases it can go as high as ₹2-3 crore, subject to insurer’s terms and conditions. It can be particularly suitable for individuals whose occupations expose them to a higher risk of accidents or for those who travel frequently.

Critical illness coverage

The critical illness coverage is another advantage of term insurance. This optional rider provides financial protection against specified life-threatening illnesses. It offers a lump-sum payout upon the first diagnosis of covered critical illnesses. The payout can be used to cover medical expenses such as ambulance charges, hospital room rent, prescription drug purchases, pre-hospitalisation, and post-hospitalisation costs and more. It can also help replace lost income during recovery.

Understanding Term Insurance Riders

Riders are optional term insurance benefits you can add to your base policy for extra protection. These add-ons provide financial security against various risks, enhancing the coverage of your basic term plan.

What are the different kinds of Term Insurance riders & add-ons?

Accidental death benefit

If the policyholder passes away due to an accident, this rider provides an additional payout on top of the base sum assured.

Permanent and partial disability benefit

The permanent and partial disability rider pays a lump sum if the policyholder suffers a permanent or partial disability during the policy term.

Critical illness benefit

In case of a critical illness diagnosis, such as cancer or a brain tumour, the policyholder receives a lump sum payout with this rider to help with medical and other expenses.

Waiver of premium

If the policyholder becomes permanently disabled or faces certain medical conditions, future premiums are waived under this rider while the policy remains active.

Income benefit

Instead of a lump sum payout, the income benefit rider ensures the nominee receives regular monthly income, helping them manage day-to-day expenses.

Terminal Illness

If diagnosed with a terminal illness, the terminal illness benefit rider allows the policyholder to receive the sum assured in advance to support their needs.

What are the advantages of buying term insurance at an early age?

Here’s why buying term insurance at an early age is advantageous:

Lower premiums

One of the key term plan benefits is lower premiums when you buy the plan early. Insurance premiums are largely based on your age and health. The younger you are, the lower your risk to the insurer as younger individuals are less likely to suffer from serious health conditions and make a claim. Compared to when you are older, you are more likely to fall sick sooner and make claims, which increases the insurer's risk.

So, if you want to enjoy lower premiums, it is recommended to buy term insurance while you are young. The premium you lock in will remain unchanged throughout the policy term, which will allow you to enjoy affordable life cover for years to come.

Flexibility

Buying term insurance at a young age offers more flexibility in a number of ways. Firstly, since you have already allocated a portion of your funds to term insurance, you can focus on other areas of financial planning and work towards your other financial goals.

Secondly, you can customise the features of your term life insurance plan to suit your current needs. You have the flexibility to choose the payment term, frequency and the payout method. Some term insurance plans also allow you to increase the life cover at different life stages or add nominees as your family expands.

High sum assured

Another benefit of term insurance when bought early is that you can get a high sum assured at a lower cost. Term insurance plans typically offer high life cover, but opting for a higher sum assured can also increase the premium. This is why many people choose a lower sum assured to keep their premiums affordable.

However, when you buy the plan at a young age, you can get a higher sum assured for a much lower premium. This allows you to purchase adequate life cover without putting too much strain on your budget.

Longer coverage

The younger you are when you purchase term insurance, the longer the policy tenure you can enjoy. This means you get to enjoy the term life insurance benefits for a much longer period. Your coverage can extend from your younger years to middle age and into your later years, protecting you through every major phase of life. Whether you are:

  • Single and just starting your career
  • Married and sharing financial responsibilities
  • Raising children and planning for their future
  • Leaving a financial legacy behind for your loved ones

Having long-term life cover ensures financial protection for your family at every stage.

Financial stability

Buying term insurance at a young age offers financial stability for both you and your family. You can rest assured knowing that their financial security is taken care of if you are no longer around to support them. A suitable life cover can help your loved ones continue meeting their financial responsibilities without having to compromise on their future.

In your absence, they can:

  • Repay outstanding loans
  • Pay for education expenses
  • Manage everyday household bills
  • Continue working towards their future financial goals

No matter what their financial needs may be, a suitable life cover can provide the stability they need.

Extended protection

Buying term insurance at a young age offers extended financial protection for your family. It allows you to purchase a policy with a longer tenure and enjoy the benefits of term life insurance for 20, 30 years or your entire lifetime, subject to the policy's terms and conditions. A longer policy term ensures your loved ones remain financially protected through different stages of life, all at affordable premium rates.

Moreover, buying early also lets you claim tax benefits for a longer period, which helps you save more money over the years.

Peace of mind

People who buy term insurance at a young age can enjoy greater peace of mind. Once you have purchased a term insurance plan, you can rest assured knowing that, no matter what happens, your loved ones will be financially safeguarded. The life cover can help your family:

  • Repay outstanding loans and financial commitments
  • Manage daily household expenses
  • Continue living with financial security and dignity
  • Avoid becoming financially dependent on others

A suitable life cover can help your spouse, children and elderly family members by providing them with the financial support they need to remain secure.

How can a term insurance plan secure your family's future?

A term insurance plan can secure your family’s future in the following ways:

Income Replacement

The death benefit from a term insurance plan can be used to replace the income earned by the deceased policyholder, if alive, and provide crucial financial support to the family. This can help the grieving family manage their expenses and maintain their current standard of living.

Debt Coverage

The money received from a term insurance plan can be used to settle outstanding loans. If you have debt like a home, car or any other loan, it can help to buy a term insurance plan with a life cover!a that is high enough to cover your loan. This ensures that your loved ones have the necessary means to repay the loan in your absence.

 

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Why choose the right term insurance plans?

Insurance Coverage Against Uncertainties

One of the primary benefits of term life insurance is the financial coverage it offers. It provides financial support during uncertain times, ensuring that families are financially secure in the event of an unforeseen circumstance.

Provides Add-on Riders

Another key benefit of a term life insurance plan is the option to add riders for enhanced coverage. Policyholders can opt for additional riders to further strengthen their financial protection.

Offers Multiple Payout Options

Term life insurance offers flexibility in how claimants receive their funds with multiple payout options. Payouts can be withdrawn as regular income, as a lump sum or a combination of both, with part of the amount paid as a lump sum and the remainder provided as regular income.

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Conclusion

There are so many benefits of term insurance. Ignoring or delaying buying it can put your family’s and your own financial security in jeopardy. The earlier you add it to your financial portfolio, the sooner you can start enjoying its many benefits for a longer period.

Before purchasing a policy, evaluate your financial needs and responsibilities. Then, choose a suitable sum assured and policy term that provides adequate protection for your loved ones.

1. What are the tax** benefits of a term plan?

Term plans offer significant tax benefits. You can claim a deduction of up to ₹ 1.5 lakh under Section 123 (read with Schedule XV, Sr. No. 1, 2 & 4 )** and up to ₹ 25,000 under Section 80D** of The Income Tax Act, 2025, for the premiums paid toward your term insurance plan. Additionally, the insurance payout is exempted subject to conditions prescribed under Section 11 (read with Schedule II, Sr. No. 2)** which provides you with further financial advantages.

2. What is the best age to buy term insurance?

The best time to buy term insurance is as early as possible. Purchasing a policy between the age of 18 and your 20s ensures lower premiums and long-term financial security for your loved ones.

3. What are the optional term plan benefits?

Optional benefits of a term plan include riders that can be added to an existing term plan. These provide additional financial protection and the option to customise your plan according to your needs. These flexible options cater to your diverse needs and preferences and enhance the overall value and utility of your term insurance policy.

4. What are the maturity benefits of a Term insurance plan?

The maturity benefits of a term plan do not typically apply to traditional term insurance plans. However, a return of premium term plan is an exception to this rule. In such plans, if the policyholder survives the policy term, all the premium payments are returned. While traditional term plans focus primarily on providing financial protection in case of the policyholder's absence, return of premium plans offer a unique combination of protection and savings. This makes them an attractive option.

5. What are the Benefits of buying a term insurance plan as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI)?

As an NRI, buying a term insurance plan offers several advantages. You can secure the financial future of your family back home, providing them with peace of mind. Additionally, you enjoy term insurance tax** benefits, which can help you save on taxes.

6. Why is term insurance more affordable than other types of life insurance?

Term insurance is more affordable than other types of life insurance primarily because it provides pure financial protection without any investment or savings components.

7. How does term insurance help with debt repayment?

In the event of your untimely demise, the death benefit from a term insurance policy can be used by your family to settle any debts you may have. This plan provides a lump sum payout that allows your family to clear your dues and protect your financial assets.

8. Are Death benefits from Term Insurance taxable?

No, the death benefit from term insurance are not taxable. These benefits are exempt from income tax under Section 11 (read with Schedule II, Sr. No. 2)** of The Income Tax Act, 2025. This ensures that the financial support provided to your beneficiaries in the event of your death is received without any tax liability.

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9. Can I purchase multiple term insurance plans?

Yes, you can purchase multiple term insurance plans if you feel the need for additional life cover. Having multiple term insurance policies can offer you and your loved ones better overall financial protection. You may consider buying multiple term insurance plans to account for:

  • An increase in your income over time
  • New family commitments, such as marriage or the birth of a child
  • Growing long-term financial needs, such as loan repayments

10. What is the difference between the benefits of term insurance and life insurance?

Term insurance is a type of life insurance. A term insurance plan provides pure financial protection for a fixed policy term. Most term insurance plans do not build any cash value or maturity benefit.

Life insurance, on the other hand, includes plans offering both life cover and savings or investment benefits.

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Please read the terms and conditions of the policy before purchase.

** Tax benefits under the policy are subject to conditions prescribed under Section 123 (read with Schedule XV, Sr. No. 1, 2, 4 & 5), Section 11 (read with Schedule II, Sr. No. 2), and Section 202 and other applicable provisions and schedules of the Income Tax Act, 2025. Security Transaction tax (if any ) will be deducted as per prevailing tax laws. Taxes, if any will be charged extra as per applicable rates. Tax laws are subject to amendments from time to time. Please consult your tax advisor for more details.

2a The premium of ₹ 460 p.m. has been approximately calculated for a 18-year-old healthy male life with monthly mode of payment and premiums paid regularly for the policy term of 31 years with income payout option (income for 20 years) with Life Cover of ₹1 crore. Applicable Taxes (if any) as per applicable rates will be charged extra.

~”The premium for a term plan is dependent on factors like age, gender, Sum Assured, Policy Term, etc. Keeping all other factors constant, the premium for younger ages is lower than that of higher ages

!aLife Cover is the benefit payable on the death of the life assured during the policy term.

!jClaim settlement ratio is computed basis individual claims settled over total individual claims for the financial year. For details, refer to ICICI Prudential Financial Information- Business Presentation (FY2025).

^^Tax benefits under the policy are subject to conditions prescribed under Section 123 (read with Schedule XV, Sr. No. 1, 2, 4 & 5), Section 11 (read with Schedule II, Sr. No. 2), and Section 202 and other applicable provisions and schedules of the Income Tax Act, 2025. Security Transaction tax (if any ) will be deducted as per prevailing tax laws. Taxes, if any will be charged extra as per applicable rates. Tax laws are subject to amendments from time to time. Please consult your tax advisor for more details.

aThe online discount percentages vary according to age, policy term, premium payment term and sum assured chosen by the customer and can range between 1%-5%. The exact 5% discount appears at the following scenario: ₹ 50 lakh of life cover for a 30-year-old healthy non-smoker male (occupation: non-salaried) for a policy term of 35 years with regular pay and lumpsum payout option. The offline monthly premium inclusive of taxes will be ₹876 & online annual premium inclusive of taxes will be ₹832.

bA discount as follows will be offered on first year’s premium of Death Benefit (excluding rider premiums, underwriting extra premiums and taxes) to salaried customers:

Premium Payment Option Discount
Limited Pay 15%
Regular Pay 12.5%

>1 Day is a working day, counted from the date of receipt of all relevant documents from the claimant, additional information sought by the Company and any clarification received from the claimant. The Company will be calling the claimants for verification of information submitted by the Claimant which will also be considered as part of relevant documents. Working day will be counted as Monday to Friday and excluding National holidays /Bank holidays/Public holidays.

  • #Interest shall be at the bank rate that is prevalent at the beginning of the financial year in which death claim has been received. In case of breach in regulatory turnaround time, interest will be paid as per IRDAI regulations
  • All due premiums in the policy have been paid and the policy has been active for 3 consecutive years preceding life assured’s death.
  • Mandatory documents to be submitted at Branch Office- Claimant statement form, Copy of death certificate issued by local authority, AML KYC documents- Nominee’s recent photograph, Copy of Nominee’s pan card, Nominee’s current address proof, photo identity proof, Cancelled cheque/ Copy of bank passbook, Copy of medico legal cause of death, Medical records (Admission notes, Discharge / Death summary, Test reports, etc.), For accidental death - Copy of FIR, Panchnama, Inquest report, Postmortem report, Driving license.
  • Total claim amount of all the life policies held by the Life Assured <=₹1.5 Crore.
  • Claim does not require any on-ground investigation.

!a Life Cover is the benefit payable on the death of the life assured during the policy term.

ICICI Pru iProtect Smart Plus: (A Non-Participating Non-Linked Life Individual Pure Risk Insurance Product)

Advt No.: W/II/2009/2020-21

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