- What is an NRI Term Insurance Plan
- What are the features of NRI Term Insurance?
- What are the benefits of Term Insurance for NRIs?
- How do Term Insurance Plans for NRI Work?
- Who can buy Term Insurance in India as an NRI?
- Factors to consider before buying NRI term insurance
- Easy Steps to Buy NRI Term Insurance in India
- Mistakes NRIs should avoid while buying term insurance
- Conclusion
- Onboarding Process for NRIs
- Frequently asked questions related to term insurance for NRI
What are the features of NRI Term Insurance?
Here are some features of a term plan for NRIs
Easy Documentation
Buying term insurance as an NRI is straightforward. You can submit your documents online or in person, depending on your preference. All that is required is proof of identity, address and income, making the application process quick and hassle-free.
Policy term as per your needs
Life cover of your choice
Easy payments
What are the benefits of Term Insurance for NRIs?
Here are some advantages of term insurance for NRIs:
Tax benefits
NRIs can enjoy tax benefits* on the premiums paid under Section 123 (read with Schedule XV, Sr. No. 1, 2 & 4 ) and on premiums paid towards other optional riders (based on the riders opted). The insurance payout is exempt subject to conditions prescribed under Section 11 (read with Schedule II, Sr. No. 2) of the Income Tax Act, 2025.
Death benefits
Term insurance plans offer a sum assured in case something unfortunate happens to the policyholder. This is given to the nominee and is exempt from tax subject to conditions prescribed under Section 11 (read with Schedule II, Sr. No. 2) of the Income Tax Act, 2025.
Financial stability
Term insurance for NRIs can be an excellent source of financial security. Term plans can be an affordable way to secure the future needs of your loved ones.
Select your payout
NRI term insurance in India offers multiple payout methods, such as lump sum, regular income, lump sum plus regular income, and increasing cover with time. You can select anyone based on your family’s preference and lifestyle needs.
Cost-effective premiums
Term insurance premiums in India are generally more affordable compared to many other countries1. For NRIs, this makes it easier to get adequate coverage within their budget. With a wide range of affordable term plans available, NRIs can ensure financial protection for their loved ones back home without worrying about expenses.
Easy global payout transfers
Although the policy is issued in India, insurance providers facilitate the direct, hassle-free transfer of insurance payout to an overseas bank account.
Flexibility
NRI term insurance plans come with flexible features designed for NRIs. You can customise the premium payment frequency, policy tenure, sum assured and add-on riders to align with your needs.
Currency advantage
Paying premiums in Indian Rupees (INR) while earning in a foreign currency can be financially advantageous for NRIs. Favourable exchange rates can make the premiums feel even lighter on your wallet. This further enhances the affordability of Indian term insurance for NRIs.
How do Term Insurance Plans for NRI Work?
- Term insurance for NRIs works just like other term plans in India. The policyholder pays a premium to the insurer in return for a sum assured. In the unfortunate event of the policyholder’s demise during the policy tenure, the sum assured is paid to the nominee.
- NRIs can also get all paid premiums back with the smart exit benefit° option, under which the total of all the premium payments is given back to the policyholder after the age of 60.
- Additionally, NRIs can add other optional riders/add-ons to enhance their plan’s coverage.
ADVT: W/II/1023/2024-25
Who can buy Term Insurance in India as an NRI?
Term insurance can be purchased by the following people:
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
NRIs between the ages of 18 and 65 can purchase term insurance plans from Indian insurers. The process can often be completed online by submitting the required documents by the insurer.
Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)
Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) are also eligible to buy term insurance in India. They must provide their PIO or Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card, along with the other required documents by the insurance company.
Factors to consider before buying NRI term insurance
Below are some factors to consider before buying term insurance for non-resident Indians:
Choose the right sum assured
Make sure you choose the right sum assured based on factors like:
- Your lifestyle abroad and in India
- Prevailing inflation rates
- The number of dependents you support
- Any existing liabilities such as home loans or car loans
Getting the value of the sum assured right ensures your family stays financially secure.
Select an appropriate policy term
It is important to select an appropriate policy term based on factors such as your age, your dependents' ages, future goals, and your loan repayment terms, to ensure your loved ones have financial support when needed.
For example, if you have a 20-year home loan, your term insurance tenure should be at least as long.
Compare premium payment options
Comparing premium payment options allows you to choose a cost-effective plan that suits your budget and needs. This way, you can save money while still securing the coverage with the best term insurance in India for NRIs, without overpaying for a plan that may not work for your financial situation.
Consider optional riders
Term insurance for NRIs offers riders like:
- Critical illness benefit
- Permanent disability benefit
- Accidental death cover benefit
Consider adding these for additional financial security, since they provide extra protection that your base term plan alone may not fully offer.
Review policy exclusions
Indian term insurance for NRIs may exclude coverage for death due to suicide, illegal, terrorist or criminal acts and drug intoxication among other scenarios. Be sure to go through these exclusion rules carefully before purchasing, so you know exactly what to expect.
Easy Steps to Buy NRI Term Insurance in India
1
Choose the best term insurance plan in India for NRIs:
Browse options and pick the term insurance plan that fits your needs
2
Submit documents:
Complete your application by submitting proof of your identity, address and income
3
Medical test:
Take a medical test either in India or via a video consultation, depending on your location
4
Add riders
Get additional coverage by adding riders to the plan for a comprehensive coverage
5
Pay the premium
Make your premium payment online
Onboarding Process for NRIs:
There are three parts to the onboarding process:
Documents Required
Medicals
Additional requirements
COMP/DOC/Feb/2024/92/5423
Mistakes NRIs should avoid while buying term insurance
Below are some mistakes that you should avoid when buying term insurance for NRIs:
Choosing inadequate life cover
It is important to select a suitable life cover amount to ensure you, and your loved ones stay financially secure in case of an unfortunate event. Selecting an inadequate cover may result in unfulfilled goals, compromised family finances and even seizure of assets if outstanding loans can't be cleared within the chosen sum assured.
Ignoring optional riders
Riders exist for good reason. They provide additional protection that helps you stay financially secure in unexpected situations. While riders come at an extra cost, which may deter some buyers, it is important to add them if you need extra financial protection beyond your base policy.
Hiding medical history
A medical history with pre-existing illnesses can result in a higher premium, which is why many people are tempted to hide it. However, doing so can lead to claim rejection later on, causing greater financial hardship for your family when they need support the most.
Choosing a very short policy term
Selecting a very short policy term may get you a lower premium, but it will leave your loved ones financially unprotected for a longer period once the policy ends. This mismatch can create serious issues later on for a grieving family.
Not updating nominee details
Any change in your family structure should prompt you to update your nominee details. Failing to do so could mean your payout ends up with someone other than your intended nominee. This can cause confusion, delays and family disputes. It can also leave the people you meant to protect financially insecure.
Conclusion
Term insurance for NRIs is a much-needed financial tool that can offer peace of mind and financial safety for a long time. It can secure your family members in your absence and help you build savings for the future.
Moreover, with the multiple policy terms and payment options, it is a hassle-free investment that requires very little of your time and attention.
Frequently asked questions related to term insurance for NRI
1. Do the NRI need to be present in India while buying a term insurance plan?
The process depends on the plan. In some cases, the NRI may need to be present for some formalities, like the medical test, while in others, the entire purchase process can be done virtually via emails and video consultation.
2. Is the death benefit offered by a Term insurance policy for NRI applicable worldwide?
Yes, the death benefit is applicable worldwide unless stated otherwise in the policy.
3. Which are the available premium payment modes for NRI Term Insurance Plans?
Premiums can be paid in multiple modes, such as monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. Additionally, NRIs can opt for online payment modes like debit/credit cards and net banking.
4. Is a PAN card mandatory for an NRI to purchase a Term insurance policy in India?
NRIs do not require a PAN card to buy a term insurance policy. However, a PAN card can be necessary if the NRI files an Income Tax Return (ITR) and claims tax^ benefits under the Income Tax Act, 2025.
COMP/DOC/Feb/2025/202/8448
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