What are the Differences Between Policy Term and Premium Paying Term?

Differences Between Policy Term & Premium Paying Term

The policy term is the overall duration for which an insurance policy remains active. In contrast, the premium-paying term is the period in the policy during which the policyholder is obligated to pay premiums. Understanding both these terms is necessary for proper insurance plan management.

Here is the table demonstrating the difference between policy term and premium paying term:

Parameters Policy Term Premium Paying Term
Validity Period It is the period until which a policy remains active. In other words, it is the lifetime period of an insurance plan. The premium-paying term is the duration throughout which you must pay the premium on your policy. If you do not pay the premium, your policy may lapse.
Objective Behind Choosing the Term Individuals need to choose a policy term based on how long they want to stay covered. A Policy Term of 20 years means you will be covered under the policy for 20 years. Major insurance companies offer different options, including single, regular, and limited premium-paying terms. Individuals can choose one based on the period until they can afford the premium.
Impact After Expiration When the policy term ends, the insurance companies will absolve their liabilities to return the sum assured/insured. When this term ends, your obligations to pay the premium will end. Even though you stop paying premiums, your life cover will remain intact.

With a clear understanding of the differences between policy and premium paying terms, you can now purchase your policies considering what suits you best. You can carefully choose the period until which you would like to pay your premium and the period until you would like to stay covered under your insurance policy.

What is the Policy Term?

What is the Premium Paying Term?

Considerations for Choosing Policy Term & Premium Paying Term

FAQs about Policy Term vs Premium Paying Term

Can I partially withdraw my funds before the policy term?

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Yes, although many life insurance policies allow you to withdraw some of your money before the policy term, it might affect your cover and sum assured. Always refer to the specific terms of your policy.

Will my policy term end if I do not repay a premium?

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If you fail to pay your premium, your policy may lapse or enter a grace period, but the policy term will not automatically end. You may lose coverage if you do not rectify the missed payment within the specified period.

What is the minimum premium paying term?

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The minimum premium paying term varies with every provider but typically begins at 5 years. For the exact information, refer to your policy document or insurer.

What is a premium due date in a term insurance plan?

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The premium due date is when you must pay the premium to keep the policy in force and receive the policy benefits. If you miss this date, a policy lapse is likely to occur.

Can I modify my premium paying term once the policy has begun?

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Generally, you can only change your premium paying term after your policy begins if provided in your policy contract. Typically, changes take a formal process or endorsement from the insurance company.

Can I shorten the policy term without compromising my insurance coverage?

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Typically, the policy's term may be shorter, which goes against your coverage. Most policies bind you to ensure the agreed-upon term is used to its full benefit.

What are the consequences if I pay my premium after the due date?

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You will probably lose coverage after a grace period for paying your premium later than the due date. Continuous late payments can lead to a policy lapsing or even loss of benefits.

How does the premium paying term affect the sum assured in a policy?

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The premium paying term may impact the sum assured. For the same sum assured, a more significant amount of cover will be paid if the premium paying term is relatively short compared to a lengthier term because the cost of covering it accelerated.

Am I able to extend the duration of my premium paying term?

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Generally, the premium paying term is set and cannot be changed. However, there are specific situations where the insurance period can be modified. In this case, the policy will last for an additional term until you achieve a certain age.

What is the key difference between the policy and premium paying terms?

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The key difference is that the policy term is the total duration of coverage, while the premium paying term is the period during which premiums must be paid to keep that coverage active.

Which is better to avail: a longer policy term or a shorter premium paying term?

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A longer term for the policy may ensure extended coverage, while a shorter term for paying the premium can help cut down financial commitments for a longer period. Again, this depends on your personal view and demands regarding financial goals and needs.

Disclaimer

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  • This is an informative article provided on 'as is' basis for awareness purpose only and not intended as a professional advice. The content of the article is derived from various open sources across the Internet. Digit Life Insurance is not promoting or recommending any aspect in the article or its correctness. Please verify the information and your requirement before taking any decisions.
  • All the figures reflected in the article are for illustrative purposes. The premium for Coverage that one buys depends on various factors including customer requirements, eligibility, age, demography, insurance provider, product, coverage amount, term and other factors
  • Tax Benefits, if applicable depend on the Tax Regime opted by the individual and the applicable tax provision. Please consult your Tax consultant before making any decision.

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