Life insurance is essential for all people. Whether you live in India or abroad, securing your loved ones in your absence is a must. Term insurance for NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) is particularly important as living life in a foreign country can be hard for your family members if you are no longer around to provide for them. In your absence, your family can use the money to relocate to India, cover their needs abroad, find opportunities to live their life comfortably, and do a lot more.
Here are some things NRIs should keep in mind when buying a term insurance.
Features of NRI term insurance
Here are some features of a term plan for NRIs
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Policy term as per your needs:
NRIs have plenty of choices in selecting the policy tenure of a term plan. The tenure for term insurance for NRIs can range from 5 years up to 99 years.
Moreover, the minimum age to purchase a plan is 18 years, and the maximum can be up to 65 years, making it suitable for most people.
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Life cover of your choice:
The sum assured can be chosen based on your preference. Term insurance for NRIs in India offers sum assured, ranging from ₹ 50 lakh up to ₹ 5 crore, catering to every individual and family’s unique needs.
You can choose a life cover amount depending on your income, lifestyle, debt obligations, and future financial goals.
It is generally recommended that your life cover amount should be 10-15 times your annual income.
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Easy payments:
NRI term insurance in India provides easy payment options for increased convenience. Payments can be made online through net banking/credit cards.
NRIs can also pay through their Non-Residential External (NRE) and Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) accounts. Moreover, the premium payment term and frequency can be customised accordingly.
Why Should NRIs purchase a term plan from India?
Being one of the breadwinners of the family means always feeling responsible for the family’s security. For NRIs, this feeling is amplified by the fact that they are away from their families and are thus always looking for trustworthy avenues that will help them secure their families as well as build wealth for their future.
Purchasing a term plan comes with a number of distinct advantages, some of which have been listed below:
- Easier Claim settlement for dependents back in India like spouse, children or parents, etc.
- Tax Benefits^
- In unforeseen situations like pandemic or when you are unable to visit India, such policies will ensure financial security for dependents back in India
- Affordable premium pricing for term plans purchased from India
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 select the Return of Premium (ROP) option, under which the sum total of all the premium payments is given back at the time of maturity, if the policyholder survives the term.
- Additionally, NRIs can add other optional riders/add-ons to enhance their plan’s coverage.
What are the benefits of term insurance for NRIs?
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Tax benefits
NRIs can enjoy tax benefits* on the premiums paid under Section 80C and on premiums paid towards other optional riders (based on the riders opted). The insurance payout is exempt subject to conditions prescribed under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
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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 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
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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.
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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.
Onboarding Process for NRIs:
There are three parts to the onboarding process:
Documents Required
Medicals
Additional requirements
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.