Term Life Insurance for Young Adults in India
Table of Contents
Why is it Important for Young Adults to buy a Term Insurance?
Rising Health Issues
Poor health is no longer just a concern for the elderly. Nowadays, even young people and children face serious medical problems. This makes it important to secure yourself and your family financially.
Term insurance ensures that if something happens to you, your family will have a significant amount of money to rely on. You can also add a critical illness cover to help with the costs of serious illnesses.
Outstanding Loans
If you have loans for things like a house or a car, you need a financial backup in case you can’t repay them. Situations like permanent disability or long-term illnesses can affect your ability to earn. Term insurance can support you and your family in these scenarios.Security for Life
In the event of an unfortunate incident, a term plan can protect the future of your dependents. The money from a term insurance policy can be used for your children’s education or your spouse’s daily needs, helping them maintain their standard of living.Understanding Term Insurance Scenarios with Illustration
Rohan, a 28-year-old software engineer in Bengaluru. Like many young adults, he rarely thought about long-term financial planning. However, a conversation with his friend Priya, who worked in healthcare, changed his perspective. Priya shared stories of young people facing unexpected health issues, emphasizing the importance of being prepared.
Rohan recalled his 30-year-old cousin's struggle with a severe illness and the overwhelming medical expenses. He realized that poor health wasn't just a concern for the elderly. Additionally, Rohan had recently taken a loan to buy his dream car and worried about his family's ability to repay it if something happened to him.
After much thought, Rohan decided to purchase a term insurance policy online. The process was easy and convenient. He compared different policies, chose one that suited his needs, and added a critical illness cover for extra protection.
With his term insurance policy in place, Rohan felt a sense of relief. He knew that if anything happened to him, his family would be financially secure. The policy would cover his outstanding loans, provide for his parents, and ensure his future children's education.
Disclaimer: The above illustration is a hypothetical example created for educational purposes only and does not represent a real-life scenario. Please read your policy documents to understand the terms and conditions clearly.
How Does Term Insurance for Young People Work?
Choosing the Policy
You select a term insurance policy based on your needs. This includes deciding the sum assured and the duration of the policy (term), which can range from 5 to 40 years or more.Paying Premiums
You pay regular premiums (monthly, quarterly, or annually) to keep the policy active. The premium amount is determined by factors such as your age, health, lifestyle, and the coverage amount.Coverage Period
During the policy term, if you pass away, the insurance company pays the sum assured to your beneficiaries. This payout helps them manage financial obligations like loans, daily expenses, and future needs.No Payout if You Survive
If you outlive the policy term, the coverage ends, and no payout is made. Term insurance does not have a savings or investment component, so there is no maturity benefit.Optional Riders
You can enhance your policy with riders, such as critical illness cover, accidental death benefit, or waiver of premium. These add-ons provide additional protection and benefits in specific situations.Claim Process
In the unfortunate event of your death, your beneficiaries need to file a claim with the insurance company. They must submit necessary documents, such as the death certificate and policy details. Once the claim is verified, the insurer disburses the sum assured.Why Should You Buy Term Life Insurance at a Young Age?
Get Lower Premiums
Term insurance premiums are significantly lower for people in their 20s or early 30s as youngsters have a lower risk of developing chronic health issues, leading to lower premiums. Also, buying term life insurance at a later stage in your life can increase premiums by 50-100%, especially if you happen to develop a lifestyle disease or any other illness.Reduce Chances of Rejection
It is better to purchase a term life insurance policy when you're young and healthy. Young adults usually suffer from fewer medical issues, making it less likely that their term life insurance application will be rejected. However, if you have pre-existing medical conditions, insurers may still deny coverage or charge a very high premium.Stay Financially Secured
As a young adult, you may have financial responsibilities such as outstanding education loans or other expenses if you have dependents. So, in case of policyholder’s untimely demise while the policy is still active, your term insurance can provide financial security to your loved ones and ensure that they can continue to meet their financial obligations.Benefit from Flexible Plans
Term insurance plans come with different riders or add-ons that you can purchase with your policy as per your needs, by paying a nominal additional premium, to enhance the coverage and get better benefits. Thus, youngsters can choose to add these riders at important milestones in their lives like marriage and childbirth, as per their changing needs.Save Tax
You can avail tax benefits under Section 80C, Section 80D, and Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. So, investing in the best life insurance policy for 18-year-old, when you're still young can help you save more money on taxes as you age.Get Longer Coverage
Buying term insurance at a young age provides you with coverage at an affordable premium rate for a long-term. This way you also ensure the financial future of your family remains secured by paying a nominal premium to the insurer as compared to if you buy a policy in your 30s.Benefit of Optional Riders
Starting early allows you to add riders, such as critical illness cover or accidental death benefit, to your policy. These add-ons provide extra protection and can be more affordable when purchased at a younger age.
So, all in all, buying term life insurance for young adults provides you with peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be financially all right in case of your untimely demise.
What to Ask Yourself Before Buying Term Life Insurance?
As a person in your 20s, you might be tight on budget and may tend to buy insurance policies based on your current financial situation, which is not a good decision.
So, what should you ask yourself before buying the best term insurance policy for young adults?
Here are few questions to ponder upon:
1. What are my future goals?
- Chart out a rough plan of how you want your future to look like - if you want to study further and want a loan or if you want to get married and have kids.
- These goals will determine the type of term insurance policy and riders that will help your family go through financial turmoil in case of an unexpected event.
2. What are my liabilities?
- Always consider your current or future liabilities like outstanding loans, or if you intend to take a loan in the future before you purchase a term policy at a young age.
- Make sure your insurance covers your financial liabilities to avoid burdening your family with EMI repayments.
3. Do I have dependents? How many?
- Consider the number of dependents you have and plan for their needs in the future.
- Ask yourself - Do you have aging parents with medical conditions? A spouse who may not have a fixed source of income? Will you have children in the future?
- These factors will determine the coverage amount required to provide your family with a comfortable life in your absence.
4. What health issues do I suffer from?
- Include your health issues, if any, in your term insurance plan.
- This will determine your premium and allow you to opt for relevant riders to get enhanced coverage and financial protection.
5. Can I afford the premiums?
- Ensure that the premiums fit within your budget without compromising your current financial stability.
- Remember, it’s important to maintain the policy over the long term.
6. Do I need any riders?
- Evaluate if you need additional coverage options, such as critical illness cover, accidental death benefit, or waiver of premium.
- These riders can provide extra protection tailored to your specific needs.
How Young Adults Should Choose the Right Term Life Insurance Plan?
Coverage Amount
Check the coverage amount of the term life insurance policy and if it is sufficient to meet the financial needs of your family in case of your (policyholder's) untimely demise. As young adults, this should be decided based on your current and future financial obligations.Premiums
Compare the premiums of different types of term insurance policies offered by different insurance companies to land at the best term life insurance for young adults with lower premiums. However, don’t only be blinded by low premiums; choose the one that offers the best value for money.Policy Term
As a young adult, it is highly beneficial if you choose a term insurance policy with a long term, enough to provide financial security to your family. This way you will remain insured as you grow older, when there’s a high chance of developing health issues, by paying the same affordable premium. Also, you must consider your age, financial goals and liabilities while choosing the policy term.Premium Payment Frequency
The premium can be paid monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually. So, young adults can choose any of the premium payment frequency based on their financial goals and budget.Riders
Look for term insurance policies that come with riders at affordable extra premiums. Make sure that the policy you choose offers riders that satisfy your specific needs and provide necessary coverage.Claim Settlement Ratio
Buy a term life insurance policy from an insurance company with a high claim settlement ratio to ensure that your family receives the death benefit quickly and hassle-free, in case of an unfortunate event.Which Term Insurance Riders are Important for Young Adults?
1. Accidental Death Benefit (ADB)
If the policyholder dies in an accident during the policy term, the nominee gets an extra payout in addition to the sum assured.2. Accidental Total Permanent Disability Benefit (ATPD)
If the policyholder becomes permanently disabled due to an accident, all future premiums are waived, and the policy continues as normal or gets a lump sum payout to cover financial needs.3. Critical Illness
If the policyholder is diagnosed with one of the critical illnesses mentioned in the policy documnet, after a waiting period, all future premiums are waived, and the policyholder gets a lump sum payout to help with medical costs.4. Terminal Illness
If the policyholder is diagnosed with a terminal illness, they receive the full sum assured (up to 2 crores) in advance. If the sum assured is more than 2 crores, the excess amount is paid to the nominee after the policyholder’s death.How to Buy a Term Plan Online?
Step 1
Analyse and compare term plans which suits best according to your need and budget.
Step 2
Consider factors like the sum assured, policy term, and any additional riders.
Step 3
Complete the online application form with your personal and medical details.
Step 4
Submit the required documents, such as identity proof, address proof, and income proof.
Step 5
Pay the premium online. Once confirmed, you will receive a policy document via email.
Understanding Terminologies of Term Insurance
Paid-up Benefit
This benefit is available under certain life insurance plans with a return of premium option. If the policyholder fails to pay the premium within the grace period after the first two policy years, the policy will convert into a paid-up policy. Once converted, the insurer will pay the applicable death benefit if the policyholder passes away during the policy term.Policy Revival
You can revive a lapsed or paid-up term insurance plan within five years from the first unpaid premium. To do so, you will need to pay all outstanding premiums along with any applicable interest. The insurer may also require a new medical examination.Surrender Value
If you decide to surrender the policy during its tenure, the insurer will pay the unexpired risk premium to the policyholder. The surrender amount will be determined based on the chosen plan option.Grace Period
The insurer provides a grace period for premium payments: 30 days for quarterly, annual, and semi-annual payment terms, and 15 days for monthly payments.Free Look Period
You have a free look period to review the policy: 15 days for policies purchased offline and 30 days for policies purchased online.Exclusions of Term Life Insurance
Suicide Clause
If the policyholder commits suicide within the first 12 months of buying or renewing the policy, the nominee will receive 80% of the total premiums paid or the surrender value, whichever is higher.Accidental Death and Disability Exclusions
The accidental death or total permanent disability benefit will not be paid if the policyholder had pre-existing conditions, was involved in criminal activities, self-harm, suicide, military actions, riots, wars, or was under the influence of drugs.Critical Illness Exclusions
The critical illness benefit will not be paid if the illness is due to war, riots, rebellions, alcohol or drug influence, or involvement in unlawful activities.Term Insurance Tax Benefits for Young Adults
Section 80C
Premiums paid for term insurance are eligible for tax deductions up to ₹1.5 lakhs per annum under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This benefit can be availed by the policyholder, their spouse, and dependent children.Section 10(10D)
The death benefit received by the nominee is tax-free under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, provided the premium does not exceed 10% of the sum assured.Section 80D
If the term insurance plan includes a health rider, such as critical illness cover, the premium paid for this rider is eligible for an additional deduction under Section 80D.
These tax benefits make term insurance a financially savvy choice for young adults looking to secure their future while also saving on taxes.
FAQs about Term Insurance for Young Professionals
What is the minimum age for term insurance in India?
Are riders available with term life insurance for young adults?
What is the best age to buy term insurance?
Who should young adults nominate as the beneficiary of the term life insurance policy?
Can a 22-year-old switch to a different term life insurance policy in the future?
Why should young adults consider buying term insurance?
What is the ideal term length for a term insurance policy?
How much coverage should a young adult opt for?
How does the policy lapse affect a young adult’s term insurance?
What is the tax benefit associated with term insurance for young adults?
How does opting for a term insurance plan with return of premium (ROP) impact young adults?
What is the difference between single-pay, limited-pay, and regular-pay term insurance, and which is best for young adults?
- Single pay: Pay the entire premium upfront.
- Limited pay: Pay premiums for a shorter period, but coverage lasts the full term.
- Regular pay: Pay premiums throughout the policy term.
Regular pay is often more affordable for young adults, but limited pay may be attractive for those who prefer to complete payments early.
How does term insurance work if a young adult takes it in multiple countries (for those working or studying abroad)?
Is it possible for young adults to increase the term insurance cover without buying a new policy?
What is the difference between term insurance and group term insurance?
How does debt impact the decision of term insurance coverage for young adults?
What is the impact of participating or non-participating term insurance policies for young adults?
How affordable is term insurance for young adults?
What are the benefits of term insurance for young adults without dependents?
Is term insurance affordable for young adults?
Can young adults customize their term insurance policies?
What happens if a young adult outlives the policy term?
How do pre-existing conditions impact term insurance for young adults?
Should young adults opt for increasing term insurance?
Is online term insurance a good option for young adults?
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Disclaimer
- 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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