Term Insurance for Housewife or Non-Working Spouse

In today’s fast-paced world, financial security is a priority for every family. While the primary breadwinner often secures life insurance, the role of a housewife or non-working spouse is equally important. Their contributions though not monetized, are invaluable to the smooth functioning of a household.
This is where term insurance for housewives comes into play. It ensures that their absence does not create a financial void for the family. Let’s understand how term insurance for housewives is important, its benefits, and how to choose the right plan.
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What is Term Insurance for Housewives?
Term insurance provides financial coverage for a specific period known as the "term." If the insured person passes away during this term, the life insurance company pays a death benefit to the nominee. For housewives or non-working spouses, term insurance acts as a safety net, ensuring that the family is financially protected in their absence.
While housewives may not contribute directly to the family's income, their role involves managing household chores, childcare, and other responsibilities that would otherwise require significant financial investment if outsourced. Term insurance acknowledges these contributions and provides financial support to the family in case of an unfortunate event.

Why Term Insurance is Crucial for Housewife?
Imagine a scenario where a housewife suddenly passes away. The emotional trauma would be devastating. Term insurance is crucial at this point for several reasons:
Financial Security for the Family
A housewife’s role is often underestimated, but her absence can lead to additional expenses. For instance, hiring help for childcare, cooking, or cleaning can strain the family’s finances. Term insurance ensures that the family has the necessary funds to manage these expenses without compromising their lifestyle.
Coverage for Unforeseen Medical Expenses
Housewives or non-working spouses may not have access to employer-provided health insurance. A term insurance plan with a critical illness rider can help cover medical expenses in case of severe illnesses like cancer, heart disease, or stroke.
Affordable Premiums
Term insurance plans are generally affordable, especially for younger individuals. Since housewives or non-working spouses are often younger and healthier, they can secure substantial coverage at a low premium.
Encourages Financial Independence
Having a term insurance policy in their name can empower housewives by giving them a sense of financial independence. It also ensures that they are not entirely dependent on their spouse’s insurance policies.
Key Features of Term Insurance for Housewife
Term insurance is an essential component of financial planning. It offers critical protection for your loved ones and peace of mind during uncertain times.
Debt Repayment
If the family has outstanding loans or mortgages, the insurance proceeds can help clear these financial obligations, preventing additional stress during an already challenging period.
Children's Education
The insurance amount can be strategically planned to cover future educational expenses, ensuring that children's academic aspirations are not compromised.
Replacing Lost Household Services
The insurance funds can be used to hire professional services that the housewife previously managed, such as childcare, housekeeping, and home management.
Cost-Effective Premiums
Term insurance for a non-working spouse is often more affordable since their coverage needs may be lower compared to an earning member.
Customisable Policy
Many insurers allow you to customise the policy based on your family’s specific needs, such as adding riders for critical illness or accidental death.
Lump-Sum Payout
In the unfortunate event of the insured spouse’s demise, the nominee receives a lump-sum payout, which can be used for immediate and future financial needs.
Benefits of Getting a Term Insurance Plan for a Housewife
Purchasing a term insurance plan for your housewife offers several advantages beyond just ensuring financial security for your family. Here are some key benefits to consider:
Affordable Premiums
When you start a term insurance plan at a younger age, the premiums are often much lower. This means you will save money in the long run by getting coverage early.
Flexible Coverage Options
Many term insurance plans allow you to adjust the level of coverage you want at different stages of life. As your family grows or your financial situation changes, you can increase the amount of insurance to match your needs.
Tax Benefits
The premiums you pay for the term insurance plan are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. This means you can reduce your taxable income, saving money on taxes.
Additionally, the benefits received by your family when the policy matures or in the event of an unfortunate incident are tax-free under Section 10(10D). This is a great way to ensure that your loved ones receive the full amount without tax deductions.
Healthcare Protection with Riders
Term insurance plans include riders that offer supplementary healthcare protection, specifically beneficial for women. These riders can cover critical illnesses or medical emergencies, ensuring that housewives have access to essential healthcare services when they need them most.
How Does Term Insurance for Housewife Work?
Term insurance for a housewife can be an important financial tool for families. Here’s how it typically works:
Purpose of Coverage
Although a housewife may not have a direct income, their contributions to the household have significant economic value. Term insurance helps to provide financial security in case of the housewife's untimely death.
Policy Selection
Families can purchase a term life insurance policy for the non-working spouse, specifying a coverage amount that reflects the value of their contributions. Consideration should be given to the family’s financial needs and future goals.
Premium Payments
The policyholder (often the working spouse) pays premiums for the term of the policy, which can range from a few years to several decades.
Beneficiary Designation
In the event of the housewife’s death, the insurance policy’s benefits are paid out to the designated beneficiary, usually the working spouse or dependents.
No Need for Income Proof
Since the coverage is based on the economic impact of the housewife rather than their income, obtaining a policy may not require proof of earned income, making it accessible for stay-at-home parents.

An Illustration on How Term Insurance for Housewife Works
- Simran had always been more than just a housewife. Her days were filled with careful love, preparing meals, managing the household, nurturing their two children, and supporting her husband's career.
- With dreams of their children's bright and promising future, Raj decides to buy a ₹1 crore term insurance plan for himself to protect his family's financial future in his absence. When an insurance agent suggests term insurance for Simran, Raj hesitates. "Why insure someone who doesn't earn?" he thinks.
- After three months, life changed in an instant. Simran was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. The next six months became a blur of hospital bills, treatments and mounting medical bills.
- During the treatment, cancer took Simran away, leaving Raj and their children devastated. Beyond the immeasurable emotional loss, Raj faced a harsh reality. If only they had listened to the insurance advisor.
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Types of Term Insurance for Housewife
When considering term insurance for a housewife, several types of plans can cater to different needs and circumstances. Here are some common types:
Level Term Insurance
Level Term Insurance provides a constant amount of coverage, and premiums remain the same throughout the duration of the policy, making it easier to budget. It’s a good option for families who have steady financial needs and want predictable coverage.
Return of Premium Term Insurance
Term Insurance with Return of Premium refunds all the premiums you have paid if you don’t make a claim during the policy term. It usually has a slightly higher premium compared to other term insurances.
Joint Term Insurance
Specifically designed for couples, a joint term insurance policy covers two individuals under one plan. In the event of the death of either spouse, a death benefit is paid out, which can be a cost-effective way of providing coverage for both partners.

How to Choose the Right Term Insurance Policy for Housewife?
Choosing the right term insurance policy for a housewife involves several considerations to ensure the coverage meets your family's needs. Here are some key factors to consider:
Assess the Family’s Financial Needs
Start by evaluating your family’s financial requirements. Consider factors like daily living expenses, childcare costs, education expenses, outstanding debts, and any other liabilities. This will help you determine the sum assured you need.
Choose the Right Tenure
Select a policy tenure that aligns with your family’s long-term goals. For example, if you have young children, opt for a policy that covers them until they complete their education or become financially independent.
Look for Riders
Riders enhance the coverage of your term insurance plan. Consider adding riders like critical illness cover or accidental death benefit for comprehensive protection.
Compare Plans
Compare term insurance plans from reputable insurers. Look at factors like premium rates, claim settlement ratio, and customer reviews to make an informed decision.
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Types of Riders Available with Term Insurance for Housewives?
When considering term insurance for housewives, several riders can enhance the policy's coverage. Here are some common types:
Critical Illness Rider
Critical Illness Rider provides a lump sum benefit if the policyholder is diagnosed with specified critical illnesses. This can be particularly important for housewives, as it helps cover expenses related to treatment and recovery, ensuring financial support during a challenging time.
Accidental Death Benefit Rider
Accidental Death Benefit Rider offers an additional payout in case of accidental death or disability. Given that housewives often manage household tasks and may engage in activities that involve risk, this rider can provide peace of mind.
Terminal Illness Rider
Terminal Illness Rider provides for a lump sum payment if the insured is diagnosed with a terminal illness and is expected to live for a limited time, providing significant reassurance and financial security for housewives and their families.
Riders can be added to the plan at a small additional cost. They enhance the coverage and provide much-needed financial support during challenging times.
For instance, the accidental death and disablement rider ensures financial stability in the event of accidental death or disability. The critical illness rider offers a lump-sum payout if diagnosed with severe illnesses like cancer or heart disease. Lastly, the waiver of premium rider keeps the policy active even if premiums cannot be paid due to disability or illness. These riders offer tailored protection to meet unique needs.

Ashok Manwani
VP, Life Insurance Products
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Steps to Buy Term Insurance for a Housewife
Below are a few easy steps to buy term insurance for a housewife:
Compare Policies
Compare the features, benefits, prices, and coverage of various term insurance policies online.
Calculate Coverage
Use an online term insurance calculator to calculate how much coverage you require.
Documentation Needs & Eligibility Requirements
Examine the documentation needs and eligibility requirements for the term insurance plan.
Fill Out the Online Application Form
Complete the online application with personal and health details.
Pay Premium and Access Policy
Pay the premium online using a simple payment option. After payment processing, policy materials and a confirmation will be sent to you.
How to Download Term Insurance Policy Document With Digit App?
Need a copy of your term life insurance policy document? You can download it easily through the Digit App by following these simple steps:

Login Your Account
Visit the Digit website or app and click on ‘Login’ at the top-right corner. Enter your registered mobile number and verify with OTP.
Visit ‘Active Policies’
Once logged in, navigate to the Active/My Policies section. Here, you can check the policy number, end date & start date.
Download the Policy
Done! You can save, share, print or email the policy for future reference anytime, anywhere.
How to File a Claim with Digit?
Filing a Claim for your Digit Term Insurance can feel overwhelming during challenging times, but understanding the step-by-step process can help ensure ones receive the financial support one needs promptly and efficiently:
Inform Digit Immediately
Notify us about the occurrence of the claim event as soon as possible. You can do this by contacting via helpline at 1800-296-2626 or emailing lifeclaims@godigit.com.
Submit Required Documents
Provide necessary documents such as death certificate, policy document, valid ID proof of the nominee and claim form duly filled and signed.
Receive Claim Acknowledgment
After submitting the documents, you will receive an auto-generated ticket number for your claim.
Claim Settlement
Digit will verify the documents and assess the claim. Once the claim is approved, you will receive updates via SMS, email, or through the app, and the company will process the payout to the beneficiary's account.
Term insurance for a non-working spouse or housewife is not just an optional addition to financial planning; it’s a necessity. It safeguards the family’s financial stability and acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the housewife. Families can ensure they are prepared for life’s uncertainties by choosing the right term insurance policy, giving everyone peace of mind.
If you haven’t considered term insurance for your housewife, now is the time to take action. Evaluate your family’s needs, compare policies, and secure the future of your loved ones today.
FAQs about Term Insurance for Housewife
How do you figure out coverage if you don’t have an income?
What is the best age to get term insurance?
What is the maximum age for housewives to buy term insurance?
Do term insurance policies cover accidents for housewives?
Can couples get cheaper term insurance?
Can I add my wife to my term insurance policy?
What is joint term life insurance?
What is the right age for spouse term insurance?
What should I consider when buying term insurance for my spouse?
Can a housewife buy spouse term insurance for herself?
Can someone have two term insurance policies?
Can you get term insurance for a housewife without her having an income?
Can a husband get term insurance for his wife?
Is the premium lower for term insurance purchased for a couple?
Isn't health insurance enough for a non-working spouse like a housewife?
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