Life insurance can prove to be a key consideration in the financial portfolio of many. A single policy can make a significant difference in the future that you create for your loved ones as well as for yourself. Moreover, it can help you create wealth as well as save taxes, without compromising on your budget in the present if you make an informed choice when purchasing a policy and deciding on your sum assured.
To be able to do that, it is important that you are well aware of all the different types of life insurance policies available to you. Of all the available type of life insurance policies, a few might suit you best. The choice has to be made based on several factors, such as your expectations from the policy, your budget, your goals, whether you seek maturity benefits, and more.
Having a clear idea of what are the different types of policies available in India, what they offer, and how they can benefit you, can help you decide on which policy, or multiple policies should you choose based on your requirements.
What are the Different Types of Life Insurance Policies in India?
Any life insurance policy in India, be it a term plan or a ULIP, offers a death benefit at its core. It’s other features such as maturity benefits, bonuses, or market-linked returns are what mainly set them apart from each other.
There are mainly 7 types of life insurance policies in India, which can be chosen based on your goals and requirements.
Term plan:
The simplicity and affordability of term insurance makes it one of the most popular types of life insurance policy. You get relatively high coverage at a low premium. Your dependents can get the sum assured (coverage amount) tax-free as death benefit, in case of your unexpected demise during the policy term. There is no pay-out if the policyholder survives the term, but you can purchase additional covers that protect you from critical illness, death or disability by accident, and even return the premium you have paid.
Endowment plan:
If you want a simple savings plan with financial security, this is one of the ideal types of life insurance policy. Endowment plans offer a death benefit, in case of the policyholder’s unexpected demise and a lumpsum amount when the policy matures. The returns may be fully or partially guaranteed depending on your needs.
ULIP (Unit Linked Insurance Plan):
ULIP gives you the double benefit of investment and insurance. These types of life insurance products are preferred by people who want to grow wealth through market-linked returns. ULIP offers customisation and flexibility. You can invest in equities, debt funds, bonds, hybrid funds or other fund options. You can mitigate market risks by switching between funds or partial withdrawal.
Money Back plan:
This is one of the risk-free options of life insurance if you are looking for a policy with returns to grow your savings. Money back plans pay you a percentage of the sum assured at regular intervals. You can reinvest this amount to earn more returns or utilise it to fulfil an immediate goal. The entire death benefit is paid as lumpsum if the policyholder passes away during the term.
Annuity plan:
These types of policies ensure a comfortable, post-retirement life when there is no income. Investing in an annuity plan can be done when employed, so it may help you build a sizeable corpus. You may also create these investments closer to retirement, if you have a lump sum to put into your retirement corpus. You can claim your money as a monthly regular income or lumpsum payment. The plan offers the sum assured as a death benefit.
Whole Life plan:
Of the different types of life insurance, a whole life insurance policy is the only plan that covers you for the longest duration, i.e., up to 99 years of age. These types of life insurance are ideal for those with dependents in their old age.
Child plan:
Child plan is the one of the most important types of life insurance plan to build a corpus to fulfil your child’s future goals. These plans offer features to ensure that your child receives the corpus you planned for even in your absence.
Here is a quick overview of the various types of plans and their differences.
Policy Type
| Death Benefit
| Maturity Benefit
| Investment Component
| Suitable For
|
Term Plan
| ✅
| ❌
| ❌
| Low-cost pure protection
|
Endowment Plan
| ✅
| ✅
| ❌
| Savings + protection
|
ULIP
| ✅
| ✅
| ✅
| Market-linked wealth creation
|
Money Back Plan
| ✅
| ✅ (partial)
| ❌
| Periodic returns & protection
|
Annuity Plan
| ✅
| ✅
| ✅
| Retirement planning
|
Whole Life Plan
| ✅
| ✅
| ✅
| Lifetime coverage
|
Child Plan
| ✅
| ✅
| ✅
| Child’s future goals
|
How to Choose the Right Life Insurance Policy?
Choosing the right life insurance policy depends on your life stage, financial goals, income, and risk appetite. Begin by identifying your objective – whether it's pure protection, wealth creation, saving for your child’s future, or retirement planning.
If your primary goal is to secure your family's financial future in your absence, a term insurance plan is ideal due to its high coverage at a low premium. For those who want a mix of savings and insurance, endowment plans or money back policies may suit better. If you're comfortable with market risks and looking for long-term wealth creation, consider a ULIP. Planning for retirement? Annuity plans can help you build a steady income post-retirement.
Your age and responsibilities also matter. Younger individuals can benefit from low premiums and longer coverage terms. Parents may prefer child plans to ensure future education expenses are covered.
Also, assess your premium-paying capacity, and ensure the policy fits within your monthly budget. Using a life insurance calculator can help estimate the right coverage. Finally, compare multiple insurers, check claim settlement ratios, and consider adding riders like critical illness or accidental death for enhanced protection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Life Insurance
Many people make crucial mistakes when purchasing life insurance, often due to limited understanding or hasty decisions. One of the most common errors is underinsuring—buying a policy with insufficient coverage. Your sum assured should ideally be 10–15 times your annual income to adequately support your dependents.
Another mistake is choosing a policy only for tax-saving purposes, without aligning it with long-term goals. While tax benefits under Section 80C and 10(10D) are helpful, they should not be the primary motivator. People also tend to delay buying life insurance, assuming it's only necessary later in life. In reality, buying young locks in lower premiums and broader coverage.
Not disclosing health conditions during application is a serious issue. Concealing medical history can lead to claim rejection later. Similarly, many skip reading the fine print, which may hide exclusions or limitations in coverage.
Additionally, some buyers purchase complex investment-linked policies like ULIPs without understanding the market risks involved. Others forget to review and update their policy after life events like marriage, childbirth, or income changes.
To avoid these pitfalls, consult your financial advisor, compare plans, and choose a policy that truly meets your family's future needs – not just today’s checklist.
FAQs
What type of life insurance is right for me?
Choosing the right life insurance will depend on your future goals, how much coverage you want, as well as the premium you can afford. You can either assess your goals and use a life insurance calculator to see which policy you may want to get, or you can consult an insurance expert to help you with the same.
What is the least expensive type of life insurance?
The premiums you pay into your life insurance depends on several factors, including the sum assured chosen. However, if you are seeking a cost-effective life cover, term insurance may be the right option for you.
What types of death does life insurance cover?
Life insurance policies offer coverage for various circumstances including death due to natural causes, disease, accidents, and even suicide. Some coverages may only be activated after a waiting period. You can check your policy document for details of the coverage.
Can I have more than one life insurance policy?
Yes, you can have more than one life insurance policy, and in many cases, it’s a smart financial move. There’s no legal limit to the number of life insurance policies an individual can own, provided you have a legitimate insurable interest and can justify the need for additional coverage.
What if I miss a premium payment?
Most policies offer a grace period. If lapsed, you may be able to revive it within a specific time.
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