What is the Meaning of Level Term Insurance & How it Works?

What is a Level Term Insurance Policy?

Why Should You Opt for a Level Term Life Insurance Policy?

Types of Level Term Insurance Policies

How Does a Level Term Insurance Work?

Understanding Level Term Insurance Scenario with Illustration

Benefits of Level Term Insurance Policy

The benefits of level term insurance policies are as follows: 

Assurance

The plan is very simple to understand, as you can be sure about the amount that your beneficiary will be receiving after your death. Hence, it becomes easier to plan your finances accordingly unless you outlive the policy duration.

Stability

The policyholder and insurer can discuss among themselves to select an appropriate amount. Hence, it is considered a stable plan as you do not have to worry about coverage and at the same time the premiums stay constant throughout.

Affordable

The premiums of this policy are pretty affordable. Hence, paying them will not act as an additional burden on your finances. Also, your monthly budget will not get disrupted on purchasing this plan.

Annual Renewal

Towards the later stages of this policy, you will have to pay the premium only once a year. Hence it will be easier for you to save money for the same and you do not have to face any financial crunch.

Add-Ons Available

You can choose several additional riders for your plan according to your lifestyle needs. This will provide you customised coverage on your policy and ensure that you stay protected from predictable adverse situations.

Lump-Sum Payout

Your nominee will receive all the money at once after your death. Hence, they can use this money according to their need and do not have to stay dependent on the insurance company for the same every month. 

Tax Benefit

Your nominee will not have to pay any tax on the claim amount according to Section 10D of the Income Tax Act. Thus this money acts as a safety net which they can use to the fullest to meet their financial requirements in your absence.

No Hidden Charges

There are no hidden charges involved in this policy. Hence, you can easily plan your budget and save accordingly with the assurance that there will be no extra charges or sudden increase in premiums. Apart from this, there are several cons as well that you must know before purchasing this plan for providing financial assistance to your family after your demise. 

Level Term vs Decreasing Term vs Whole Life Insurance

Here is a comparison between level term life insurance, decreasing term insurance, and whole life insurance plans to help you make an informed decision:

Feature Level Term Insurance Decreasing Term Insurance Whole Life Insurance 
Coverage Fixed death benefit for a specified term Death benefit decreases over the policy term Lifelong coverage 
Duration 5-40 years 1-30 years Whole life (till 99/100 years) 
Premiums Constant throughout the policy term Constant throughout the policy term Higher but constant 
Cash Value None None Accumulates cash value over time 
Purpose Cover financial obligations like expenses, education, and debts Cover debts that decrease over time (e.g., mortgage) Long-term financial planning and estate planning 
Death Benefit Remains unchanged throughout the entire plan Decreases with each passing year Guaranteed death benefit till assured entire life 
Pros Predictable premiums and coverage amount Generally cheaper than level term insurance Lifelong coverage and cash value component 
Cons No cash value; coverage ends when the term expires unless renewed Decreasing benefit may not cover all financial needs over time Higher premiums and more complex 
Ideal for Those needing predictable coverage for a specific period. Those covering debts that reduce over time. Lifelong coverage and a savings component but comes with higher premiums. 

Who Might Benefit from Purchasing Level Term Insurance?

What are the Things to Consider Before Buying a Level Term Insurance Policy?

Eligibility Criteria for Level Term Insurance

Eligibility criteria for level term insurance policies are designed to determine who can acquire and benefit from the coverage. These criteria vary among insurers but generally include the following key points:

Eligibility Criteria Description
Age Term insurance is available for individuals aged 18-65. You can still buy a policy at 65 with coverage up to 99. Age significantly affects the premium.
Citizenship Residents of India are eligible for term insurance, even if they later move abroad for study or work.
Medical Tests Purchasing term insurance may require medical tests to assess the premium based on your health accurately. Some policies bypass medical tests but offer lower coverage.
Lifestyle Smoking, high-stress levels, and poor sleep habits can increase your premium. Jobs or hobbies that are considered risky can also lead to higher premiums.

Documents Required for Level Term Insurance

To apply for level term insurance, typically, the following documents are required: 

Document Type Description
Identification Proof 
  • Aadhar Card
  • Passports
  • Driving licenses
  • Voter ID
Age Proof
  • Birth Certificate
  • Passport
  • 10th Class Certificate
  • Aadhar Card
Proof of Address
  • Utility Bills
  • Bank Statements
  • Valid Lease Agreement
Income Proof
  • Recent Salary Slips
  • Income Tax Returns
  • Employer Income 
Medical Records Detailed medical histories and possibly recent medical exams for each family member.
Photographs Recent passport-sized photographs of all individuals to be insured. 

Steps to Buy a Level Term Policy

Step 1

Calculate how much coverage you need to cover major expenses like mortgages, loans, and future costs for your children.

Step 2

Use an online calculator or talk to insurance agents to get quotes and compare premiums and policy details.

Step 3

Fill out the application with detailed information about your health, lifestyle, and any risky habits.

Step 4

Most insurers require a medical exam to determine your risk profile and final premium.

Step 5

Once approved, you will receive details about the premium and policy details. Pay your first premium to activate the policy.

Tips for Choosing the Right Level Term Insurance Plan

Disadvantages of Level Term Insurance Policy

The disadvantages of level term insurance policies are as follows:

Fixed Coverage Based on Current Health

Your health determines your coverage at the time of purchase. You can't increase the coverage if you develop serious health issues later.

Premiums

While consistent premiums are predictable, they might not match your family's changing financial needs over time.

No Payout if You Outlive the Policy

There are no benefits if you outlive the policy term.

Need for a New Policy

If the policy expires before you do, you will need to buy a new one, which can be more expensive due to age.

What Happens When a Level Term Insurance Policy Expires?

FAQs about Level Term Insurance

What happens if you outlive level term policy duration?

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If you outlive a term policy, the plan will expire, and you will not be able to benefit from it anymore. Hence, you will have to purchase a new plan for financial protection.

What is the usual duration of a level term policy?

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The duration of a level term policy usually ranges between 10 to 30 years.

Can you cancel the level term insurance policy?

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Yes, you can cancel a level term policy within the free-Look period that is up 30 days. However, you should note that you will not get any refund or the surrender value after 30 days of policy cancellation.

Is level term insurance policy permanent?

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A level term insurance policy can stay active only for a fixed number of years. Once it exceeds, the policy ceases and can no longer be beneficial to your family. Hence, this policy type cannot be considered as permanent.

Will the premium change in the years to come?

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No, the premium stays the same throughout the policy term in a Level Term Insurance Plan. 

What happens if the insured starts smoking after getting a life insurance policy?

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If the insured starts smoking after getting the policy, it might increase the premium because smoking raises health risks. The exact impact depends on the insurance company and the policy.

Is a medical examination required to get a level term insurance policy in India?

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Whether you need a medical exam depends on factors like the sum insured and your age. Some policies may require it, while others might not. 

What new options do I have for adjusting my premium?

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According to the IRDAI, you can now reduce the premium amount or the sum assured of your life plan after 3 years. 

What if I want to cancel my level term insurance policy early?

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If you cancel your policy before it expires, you might not get a refund on the premiums paid unless you have a "Return of Premium" policy. It's important to understand the cancellation terms in your policy to know about any penalties or losses.

What is the maximum coverage I can get for an accidental death benefit rider?

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As per the IRDAI, you can get an Accidental Death Benefit Rider with coverage up to three times (3x) the base sum assured of your life insurance policy.

How does inflation affect level term insurance?

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Inflation can reduce the value of the fixed death benefit over time. To combat this, consider a policy with a built-in increase to the sum assured or look for financial products that offer inflation protection. This helps ensure that the death benefit maintains its value over the years. 

What happens when level term life insurance expires?

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When a level term life insurance policy expires, the coverage and benefits provided by the plan come to an end. This means your beneficiaries will no longer receive a death benefit if you pass away after the term has expired. 

Can you extend level term life insurance?

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Most insurers do not allow you to extend the term of a level term life insurance policy once it expires. However, it's always a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your specific policy or check with your insurer.

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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