Term Life Insurance for Young Adults in India
Table of Contents
Why is it Important for Young Adults to Buy a Term Insurance?
Term insurance is crucial for young adults today for several reasons:
Rising Health Issues
Even kids and young adults face serious health risks today, making financial protection a must. Term insurance gives your family a solid backup, and adding critical illness cover helps handle costly treatments.
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.
Term Insurance for Young Adults: What You Need to Know
Term insurance is a straightforward and affordable type of life insurance designed to provide financial protection for a specific period. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:
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.
Death Benefit
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?
Here are other reasons you should buy the best term life insurance for young adults.
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 Secure
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 the 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.
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Introducing Digit's Term Insurance Products: Your Safety Net For Life's Uncertainties

Digit GLOW Term Life Insurance
Suitable for self-employed and young salaried professionals who want smart and early protection.
Choose your sum assured, from ₹25 Lakhs up to ₹1 Crore, to match your financial goals.
Protection starting at just ₹301/month* (for 25 Lakhs) to fit your fixed income.
No physical forms or waiting, just buy your policy online with PAN and Aadhaar.

Digit GLOW Plus Term Life Insurance
Suitable for salaried professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-income earners.
Access up to ₹20 crore sum assured to cover your extensive financial goals and liabilities.
Terminal Illness Benefit is included and covered at no additional cost.
Gain long-term protection up to Age 85 that supports post-retirement responsibilities.
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99.53% Claim Settlement Ratio For Digit’s Life Insurance in FY 2024-25
When life takes an unexpected turn, every second matters. With a 99.53% Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR), Digit Life Insurance stands as a pillar of trust and reliability. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a promise to our policyholders.
Every claim tells a story. Whether it was a salaried parent overcoming loss, a child’s future hanging in the balance, or a spouse seeking stability, we acted fast to bring peace of mind to grieving families.
That’s why we are committed to settling genuine claims swiftly, transparently, and with compassion, ensuring that your loved ones receive the support they need when it matters most.

₹2.88 Billion Worth Claims Paid in FY 2024-25
At Digit, we don’t just talk about protecting families; we actually do it. In the last financial year, we paid ₹2.88 billion to families who lost a loved one. That’s a big jump from ₹351.52 million a few years ago, showing how much we have grown and how seriously we take our promise.
Every payout represents a family supported, a future safeguarded, and a promise fulfilled. We make sure claims are settled quickly and clearly, with zero confusion, so families don’t have to worry during tough times.

15,000+ Claims Settled in FY 2024-25

Solvency Ratio for Digit's Life Insurance in FY 2024-25 is 3.85
At Digit, being financially strong isn’t just a goal; it’s how we earn your trust. Our solvency ratio has grown from 2.07 to 3.85, which means we are more than ready to keep every promise we make.
This number shows we have more than enough funds to pay claims and support families, even in tough times. In fact, our ratio is nearly double the required limit, giving you extra peace of mind.
Because when you choose life insurance, you are not just buying protection; you are trusting us with your family’s future. And we take that seriously.
Disclaimer: This report offers an overview of Digit Life Insurance’s performance, highlighting the growth in premiums, solvency ratio, and claims settlement metrics (CSR, claims paid, and claims settled), based on the company’s FY’25 internal data. The information is intended for general awareness only and should not be considered financial advice. Past performance may not reflect future outcomes.

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:
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.
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.
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.
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How Young Adults Should Choose the Right Term Life Insurance Plan?
In today’s hectic work life, there is a constant struggle to maintain work-life balance, with health taking the back seat. Thus, the youth are increasingly falling victims to lifestyle diseases these days. In such a case it is important to buy the best term life insurance policy at a young age. Here’s how to choose one:
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
Compare the premiums of different types of term insurance policies offered by various insurance companies to find the best term life insurance for young adults with lower premiums. However, don’t be blinded by low premiums; choose the best value for money. You can use a term insurance calculator to evaluate the costs and benefits of each policy to make a smart choice.
Premium Payment Frequency
You can choose how you pay your premiums. Whether annually, every six months, quarterly, or monthly, this flexibility allows you to align your premium payments with your financial situation, making it easier to manage your 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?
You can buy term insurance riders for an extra cost. These riders let you customize your policy to fit your specific needs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Exclusions of Term Life Insurance
Suicide Clause
If the policyholder commits suicide within the first 12 months of buying or renewing the policy, the insurer will not pay the death benefit. Instead, they may refund the premiums paid up to that point.
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
Term insurance offers several tax benefits for young adults in India. Here are the key benefits:
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 insurance 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.
Terminologies Related to Life Insurance Policy
Policyholder
The Policyholder is the person who buys the insurance and pays regular premiums.
Coverage
The amount of money the policyholder can get from the insurance.
Life Assured
The person whose life is insured. This may or may not be the same person as the policyholder.
Nominee
The person who receives the death benefit or sum assured in case of an unfortunate demise of the policyholder. The policyholder chooses the nominee when taking the policy; however, they can always be changed during the policy term.
Sum Assured
This is the amount of money a nominee receives in case of the policyholder's demise, and it is one of the major factors determining a policy's premium.
Policy Term
The Policy Term is the period during which a policy is active. An insurance policy's benefits and life cover are valid during this period, which differs across policies.
Insurer
The insurer is the insurance provider who offers life insurance plans and handles claims.
Insured
The person who is covered by the insurance policy.
Insurability
Factors affecting a person’s health or life expectancy make them more or less likely to get injured or sick.
Premium
Premium is the amount of money you pay to the insurance company in return for the insurance. It can be paid in various modes: annual, half-yearly, or even monthly.
Death Benefit
The total amount an insurance provider gives to the nominee in case of demise of the life assured. This mostly equals the Sum Assured; however, it might be more when riders are added.
Add-on Benefits (Riders)
Add-on benefits or Riders are additional coverages on your policy that cover specific conditions like critical illness, accidental death, etc. They come at an additional cost over and above your standard premium.

Claim
In the case of the life assured's demise, the nominee should file a claim with the insurance company. It is an intimation to the insurance company about the unfortunate event and the demand for insurance coverage payment.
Maturity Date
When the insurance policy ends and any benefits are paid out.
Maturity Claim
The amount the policyholder receives when the policy ends if it includes a maturity benefit.
Surrender Value
The money the policyholder gets if they end the policy before the maturity date.
Vesting Age
The age at which the policyholder starts receiving regular payouts from an insurance-cum-pension plan.
Beneficiary
The person or entity designated to receive the death benefit from a life insurance policy.
Grace Period
The period after the premium due date, during which the policyholder can still make a payment without losing coverage.
Lapse
The termination of a policy due to non-payment of premiums.
Underwriting
The process by which an insurance company evaluates the risk of insuring a person and determines the premium.
Free Look Period
The policyholder can review the policy terms and cancel the policy without penalty.
Conversion Option
A feature allowing the policyholder to convert a term policy into a permanent one without undergoing a medical exam.
Reinstatement
Restoring a lapsed policy by paying the overdue premiums and meeting other requirements.
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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