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Tax benefit is subject to changes in tax laws
Life insurance is a contract between a policyholder and an insurance company. In this Life Insurance Agreement, the insurer promises to pay the policyholder's nominee a fixed amount (called the sum assured) in case of the policyholder's death during the policy term. In exchange, the policyholder pays regular premiums to keep the policy active.
Some life insurance plans, like term insurance, offer pure life cover and maturity payouts are not paid. Other protection plus savings plans, such as endowment plans, ULIPs, pensions, and money-back policies, combine life cover with investment or savings benefits. These investment plans offer maturity payouts, bonuses, or market-linked returns depending on the plan type. Read more about these features, benefit, best plans, and types of life insurance plans further in the content:
Life Insurance Meaning: Life insurance is a financial safety net that ensures your family receives a lump sum payout if you pass away during the policy term or sometimes after the term ends.
Life Insurance Plans Comparison in India 2025 | ||||||
Type of Policy | Overview | Maturity Benefits | Death Benefits | Purpose | Ideal For | |
Term Life Insurance | Provides financial protection to your family in case of your untimely death | No maturity benefits | Yes, death benefit paid | Pure life cover for protection | Primary earners, young professionals, homemakers | |
Savings Insurance Plans | Combines life cover with guaranteed savings | Yes, guaranteed amount paid | Yes, death benefit paid | Insurance plus low-risk savings | Young individuals, married couples, parents | |
ULIPs | Offers life cover and invests part of the premium in market funds | Yes, based on fund returns | Yes, death benefit paid | Life cover plus market-linked returns | Goal-based investors, parents, young professionals | |
Retirement Plans | Helps build a retirement fund and offers life cover | Yes, in the form of an annuity | Yes, death benefit paid | Retirement income and protection | Retirees, people planning for retirement |
Early Beginnings (1818–1938):
Life insurance in India started with the Oriental Life Insurance Company in 1818, followed by several Indian and foreign players. Over time, the need for regulation led to the Indian Life Assurance Companies Act (1912) and the Insurance Act (1938).
LIC Formation (1956):
To bring stability and trust to the sector, the Government of India merged 245 private life insurers to form the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) on September 1, 1956. LIC was established as a public sector company to make life insurance more accessible and affordable.
LIC Monopoly Era (1956–1999):
LIC operated as India's sole LIC life insurance plans provider for over four decades. During this time, it built deep customer trust, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, and significantly increased insurance penetration.
Privatization and IRDAI (1999 onwards):
In 1999, the government established the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). This marked the opening of the life insurance sector to private and foreign companies, encouraging innovation, competition, and improved consumer protection.
Policybazaar offers comprehensive life insurance for NRIs to ensure their families in India remain financially secure in their absence. The platform allows NRIs to compare multiple life insurance plans online from trusted insurers, making it easier to select a policy that aligns with their long-term protection goals.
To make the experience seamless, Policybazaar provides a Dedicated Claim Assistance Program that supports NRI customers and their nominees throughout the claim process. This includes step-by-step guidance, documentation support, and follow-ups to ensure timely claim settlement.
Additionally, Policybazaar assigns a dedicated claims relationship manager who offers personalized support to the nominee, ensuring they face no delays or hurdles during emotionally challenging times. The team also ensures faster claim disbursal, priority processing, and transparent communication.
With its strong digital platform and customer-first approach, Policybazaar helps NRIs stay connected, compare policies with ease, and ensure their loved ones in India are well protected under a reliable life insurance plan.
Lower Premiums Than International Plans
Life insurance for NRIs from Indian companies is much more affordable than global plans. In many cases, you can save up to 50–60% on premiums. For example, a ₹2.25 crore life cover in the UAE may cost around ₹5,664/month, while the same cover in India costs just ₹2,288/month.
Easy Medical Tests from Anywhere
NRIs don't need to travel to get medical tests done. Most Indian insurers offer telephonic or video medical tests, making the process quick and convenient, no matter where you live.
Global Coverage with 24/7 Claim Help
Indian life insurance plans for NRIs come with worldwide coverage. Plus, insurers offer 24/7 customer service to help with claim support, so your family can easily get assistance, wherever they are.
Save 18% GST with NRE Account Payments
NRIs paying through an NRE account in foreign currency don’t have to pay 18% GST on life insurance premiums.
Extra 5% Discount for Paying Annually
Paying your premium once a year can get you an additional 5% discount. Combined with the GST waiver, you can save up to 23%.
There are only two types of life insurance plans: term insurance (protection plans) and investment plans. While Term Insurance provides pure risk coverage with a death benefit, investment plans offer protection and wealth creation. Let's explore the different types of life insurance plans as per your financial needs:
The purest and most affordable form of life insurance.
Offers financial protection to the nominee in case of the policyholder's untimely death.
Coverage is provided in exchange for fixed premiums over a specific policy term.
A type of term insurance that includes a Survival Benefit.
Provides life cover like standard term plans.
If the policyholder survives the entire policy term, all premiums paid (excluding GST) are returned.
A term insurance variant that allows policyholders to exit early and get a full refund of all premiums paid up to that point.
If not exited early, the policy continues as a regular term insurance plan.
The plan offers flexibility without compromising on life cover.
Offers life cover until the age of 100 years.
Ideal for those who want to leave a legacy or ensure lifelong financial protection for their family.
The death benefit is paid out whenever the policyholder passes away, anytime during the policy term.
Combines investment and insurance in one plan.
Premium is split: part goes to market-linked funds (equity, debt, or both), and part to life cover.
Returns depend on market performance; top-performing ULIPs have historically offered 15–20% returns.
Offers both insurance coverage and savings.
It helps in systematic saving with maturity, which benefits survival.
Provides a death benefit if the policyholder passes away during the policy term.
Designed for post-retirement income security.
Pay premiums regularly or as a lump sum.
Offers regular income after retirement (immediate or deferred).
It aims to ensure your child's financial future, especially regarding education and life goals.
Offers life cover to the parent and funds future premiums if the parent passes away.
Ensures the child's financial needs are met even in the parent's absence.
After understanding the basics of insurance, let’s get into the detailed features and benefits of an insurance policy:
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+Price is calculated for salaried, annual income 10 Lacs & education is graduate and above
While buying any type of life insurance plan, you need to understand how life insurance policy works and how your nominee can get the policy benefits. To understand more how it will help in deciding the payment frequency, payout and sum assured, let’s discuss in 3 steps:
Assess your financial needs and coverage goals.
Choose the right type of plan (term, endowment, ULIP, etc.)
Decide on the policy term and sum assured
Use a Life Insurance calculator to estimate premiums
Add suitable riders for added protection
Pick a payment frequency: monthly, quarterly, yearly, or single
Understand how your premium is calculated (age, health, policy type)
Choose between regular pay, limited pay, or single premium options
Set up auto-debit or digital reminders to avoid lapses
Keep payment receipts or statements for future reference
Notify the insurer about the claims by submitting online, via SMS, email, or by branch.
Submit all required documents for processing.
In case of death, provide death certificate and nominee ID.
For maturity claims, provide bank details and policy bond.
Once verified, the insurer processes and settles the claim.
Follow these simple steps to buy the best life insurance policy plans online from Policybazaar.
The Government of India offers several life insurance schemes to provide affordable financial protection to individuals, especially those from low-income and unorganised sectors. These schemes ensure citizens can access basic life insurance coverage without complex paperwork or high premiums. Here are some of the most popular government life insurance schemes available in India:
To purchase a life insurance policy in India, you will need to submit the following essential documents:
?To see the complete list of the documents, check out the important documents required for a life insurance policy.
Individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 who are Indian citizens or NRIs and have the financial ability to pay premiums can buy life insurance policies. Before buying a policy, they need to provide the necessary documentation and accurate medical conditions. It's essential to understand policy T&Cs and disclose information truthfully during the application process.
An insurance policy benefits some other groups of individuals besides those discussed above.
There are several ways to evaluate the amount of life insurance one needs. Here is an easy-to-remember method called D.I.M.E. that everyone can use to check the life insurance amount.
Debt: Start by evaluating any outstanding debts you owe, such as auto loans, personal loans, credit card balances, or other liabilities. Your life insurance coverage should be enough to clear these debts, ensuring they don’t become a financial burden for your family in your absence.
Income: If you are the breadwinner of your family, then your family's livelihood depends on your income. In case of his/her death, the family can experience huge financial stress. As a general thumb rule, you should get life insurance that is 10 to 15 times your annual income so that it can help cover your family's living expenses.
Mortgage: Mortgage or home loan payments often comprise much of the monthly expenses. Managing these payments can place a heavy financial strain on dependents if the primary earner is no longer around. That's why it's important to choose a life insurance death benefit that is sufficient to cover the outstanding loan amount.
Education: As parents, we strive to give our children the best education possible. However, the cost of education can be a significant financial burden. In your absence, not having life insurance could affect your child's future goals. To prevent this, it's essential to have a life insurance plan with a death benefit that can fully support your child's education and aspirations.
Various financial products help you save money, such as life insurance plans and other savings products. Let us take a look at the comparison of life insurance vs other savings products available in India:
An insurance plan is a secure way to safeguard your family's financial future. A life insurance policy offers guaranteed benefits, ensuring financial stability even during economic uncertainties. Below are some of the reasons showing why having a life insurance policy is a safe investment:
In today’s world, life insurance policy is not just for men—it's equally essential for women. Whether you are a working professional, a homemaker, or a businesswoman, having a life insurance plan ensures financial security for you and your loved ones. Here’s why every woman should consider investing in life insurance policy:
Here is a list of some factors that affect the life insurance plans premium amount:
Yes.
Alcohol consumption can impact your life insurance premiums. Insurers evaluate your drinking habits during the underwriting process to gauge risk.
How does alcohol use influence your policy?
Moderate or occasional drinking usually doesn’t affect your premiums much. But if you drink heavily or regularly, it raises red flags for insurers. Chronic alcohol use is linked to serious health risks such as iver disease, heart conditions, certain cancers which makes you a higher-risk applicant.
Will insurers ask about my alcohol consumption?
Yes.
You’ll be asked about your alcohol intake in the application form and possibly during your medical test. If your answers or test results show frequent or excessive use, the insurer might raise your premium, delay approval, or ask for additional medical evaluations.
Can I be denied coverage because I drink?
In some cases, yes.
If your alcohol consumption is classified as high-risk or if you have related health issues, insurers may reject your application or offer a policy with exclusions and a much higher premium.
Can I hide my drinking habits?
No, it is not advisable to hide your drinking habits when applying for life insurance.
Doing so can lead to claim denial or even policy cancellation later. Insurance companies evaluate lifestyle choices like alcohol consumption to assess your risk and determine your premium. Being honest ensures your family receives the claim payout when they need it the most.
Yes.
You can buy more than one life insurance policy. There's no legal or regulatory restriction on owning multiple life insurance policies in India. In fact, for many people, it makes sense to do so.
Why would it make sense for someone to need more than one life insurance policy?
Having multiple life insurance plans helps you diversify coverage. One policy might offer life cover, another can help build wealth, and a third could support your goals like retirement or child planning.
Are there any disadvantages of buying multiple life insurance policies?
While multiple plans offer better protection, they also mean higher premiums. If you're not careful, this can clash with other financial goals like saving for a house, a child's education, or retirement. In addition, more policies mean more renewal dates and documentation, and a greater risk of missing premium payments, leading to policy lapse.
Will insurers ask about my existing policies?
Yes.
Insurers will ask about your existing policies.
Every time you apply for a new life insurance plan, insurers ask you to disclose details of your existing coverage. This helps them assess total insurability and avoid fraud. If you hide this information, it can cause claim rejections later.
Let us take a look at the following payout options available in life insurance:
You can follow these simple steps to file a claim:
You can file a life insurance death claim online, physically at the insurer's branch office, or by calling or emailing by following steps below:
To submit an online life insurance claim, visit Policybazaar and click ‘File a new claim'.
To submit a claim by phone, call us at our toll-free helpline: 1800-258-5881. NRIs can call on +91-124-6166633
To submit a claim via email, write us at care@policybazaar.com
You can visit your nearest branch to submit a life insurance claim in person. Check the Policybazaar offices.
You can submit your query on whatsapp at +91 8506013131
If there's no valid nominee, or if the nominee dies before the policyholder, the claim doesn’t automatically go to anyone. This situation is called an "Open Title" case.
In an Open-Title case, the payout doesn't go to anyone. It's distributed to the legal heirs according to succession laws, either the Indian Succession Act or relevant personal laws like the Hindu Succession Act or Muslim Personal Law, depending on the policyholder's background.
Yes.
Once the claim is approved, the insurer keeps the amount on hold until the legal proof is provided. However, interest is paid on the claim amount during this waiting period, as per IRDAI guidelines.
Yes.
Without a nominee, the process is more complex. Legal heirs need to prove their relationship to the deceased and wait for court-issued documents, which can take weeks or months. Until then, the insurer holds the claim amount, but interest is paid as per IRDAI rules.
If there's no valid nominee, or if the nominee dies before the policyholder, the claim doesn’t automatically go to anyone. This situation is called an "Open Title" case.
In an Open-Title case, the payout doesn't go to anyone. It's distributed to the legal heirs according to succession laws, either the Indian Succession Act or relevant personal laws like the Hindu Succession Act or Muslim Personal Law, depending on the policyholder's background.
Yes.
Once the claim is approved, the insurer keeps the amount on hold until the legal proof is provided. However, interest is paid on the claim amount during this waiting period, as per IRDAI guidelines.
Yes.
Without a nominee, the process is more complex. Legal heirs need to prove their relationship to the deceased and wait for court-issued documents, which can take weeks or months. Until then, the insurer holds the claim amount, but interest is paid as per IRDAI rules.
In the absence of a valid nominee or if the nominee has passed away before the policyholder, a legal proof of title or a succession certificate from a competent court is required. This situation is referred to as an "Open Title" case.
Once the claim is accepted, the insurer holds the settlement amount until the necessary proof is submitted. During this period, interest is paid as mandated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). The claim is then disbursed to the individual specified in the court-issued proof.
In case of maturity, follow the steps below to claim your Maturity Benefit:
Life insurance covers most natural and accidental deaths, but certain exclusions exist. One of the most common is:
In the absence of a valid nominee or if the nominee has passed away before the policyholder, a legal proof of title or a succession certificate from a competent court is required. This situation is referred to as an "Open Title" case.
Once the claim is accepted, the insurer holds the settlement amount until the necessary proof is submitted. During this period, interest is paid as mandated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). The claim is then disbursed to the individual specified in the court-issued proof.
Here is a list of four times you should revisit your life insurance plan:
To answer what is term life insurance it is one of the simplest life insurance plans, which takes care of the expenses of your family in your absence in the form of a huge life cover for a very small premium. In case of the policyholder's untimely death, their family or nominee receives the Cover Amount as per the policy. These life insurance policy plans can be customized to one's needs by including add-on benefits like: Early Payout on Critical Illness, Additional payout on Accidental Death, Additional benefits on Diagnosis of Critical Illness, etc.
Anyone can buy 1 Crore term life insurance policy plan. If any of your family members is dependent on you for their expenses or future needs, then it is highly recommended that you get covered under term life insurance policy plans. Buying a Term life Insurance will ensure that your family is not impacted financially in your absence.
Yes, term insurance is a worthwhile purchase, especially if you want to ensure the financial protection of your loved ones in the event of your unfortunate demise. These plans provide the required financial security in your absence and help your family care for their needs.
Term insurance provides the required financial protection for your loved ones in the event of your unfortunate demise. The benefits of term life insurance plans are that they are highly affordable and offer long-term protection with a large life cover.
Your term insurance coverage amount should be a factor in your family's expenses, keeping inflation in mind.
A simple way to calculate is to go up to 25x your annual earnings to cover your family's financial needs in your absence sufficiently. A human life value calculator can check your family's suitable life insurance cover amount.
ULIP plans are one of India's safest investments with the highest returns. These plans allow you to grow your money in the long run while providing life protection through the insurance component.
The best investment to grow money depends on your individual needs. You may opt for a capital guarantee plan if you require a certain amount as a fixed life cover and your wealth creation. If you require an investment plan with higher returns and a flexible insurance component, you may opt for a ULIP plan.
Depending on the type of investment and the risk profile, a monthly investment of Rs. 5000 can yield varying returns. Before investing, you should thoroughly research the types of plans and investment options available and assess their returns.
The 4 major types of investment options available in India are as follows:
One should thoroughly research before investing in market-linked or guaranteed return life insurance policy plans. The following are some pointers to be considered before making a selection
A Pure Life insurance plan is a contract between the policyholder and insurance company that pays out a sum upon the assured's death or after a set period. This benefit (life cover) secures your family members by paying a lump sum in case of an unforeseen event.
Life insurance plan safeguards your family's future by paying a lump sum in case of an unforeseen event.
Anyone who has financial dependents should buy life insurance.This includes working professionals, parents, married individuals, business owners, and even single people with financial responsibilities like loans. Life insurance protects your loved ones financially if something happens to you.
Life insurance is important to make sure that your immediate family members has the financial assistance in case of your death, to finance children's education and other needs and a savings plan to have a constant source of income in the future after retirement.
A term insurance plan is the most affordable life insurance policy. A term plan is a pure protection plan that provides a sum assured amount in case of an unforeseen event during the policy term.
Term insurance is considered the most affordable form of life insurance available. It is a pure protection plan that provides a death benefit if the policyholder passes away during the term, without any survival or investment benefits. Due to its simplicity, premiums are typically low. However, factors such as smoking, health conditions, high-risk occupations, and age can affect the premium amount.
Term Insurance
Whole Life Insurance
Universal Life Insurance
Both type of insurance are both designed to provide financial protection, but they differ significantly in structure, and purpose.
Term insurance is a pure protection plan that offers a high life cover at a low premium. It provides a death benefit to your family if you pass away during the policy term, but has no maturity benefit if you survive.
Life insurance, on the other hand, combines life cover with savings or investment. It pays out both in case of death (death benefit) and at the end of the policy term (maturity benefit), making it useful for long-term financial planning. However, it comes at a significantly higher premium than term insurance.
To finance your children's education and other requirements.
To make sure that your family members has some financial security in case of your demise.
To have savings for the future to have a constant income source after retirement.
There are 2 main types of life insurance plans: term insurance and investment. Under these 2 types of life insurance plans, you can choose from several other variants of term and investment plans.
Yes, having an insurance policy is worth it if you have financial dependants like a spouse, kids, or parents. Insurance is a good investment option as it can help provide them with suitable financial stability in your absence and a chance to create wealth in the long run. The death benefit payable on your death can help them pay off any remaining loans and maintain their existing lifestyle.
An insurance premium is the amount the policyholder has to pay for the required premium payment term to ensure that the insurer provides coverage for the specific policy term. You should always compare premiums before buying the most suitable life insurance plan.
Various life insurance policy plans offer survival benefits to their customers on surviving a certain period of the policy term. Using the survival benefits, you can pay off any medical or urgent financial emergencies that may arise while covered under the plan. You can also use the survival benefits to care for your post-retirement life.
Yes, the premium paid towards the policy is tax-exempt up to a maximum limit of Rs 1.5 lakh in a financial year, as per section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
The surrender value in insurance refers to the amount the insurance company pays if the policyholder terminates the plan before it matures. Suppose the policyholder chooses to surrender the policy mid-term. In that case, the insurance company will provide the portion of the sum that has accumulated from earnings and savings up to that point.
If a policyholder commits suicide within 12 months of purchasing a policy, the nominee will not get any insurance benefits. However, the insurance company will pay the premium amount received until the insured's death date after deducting service and administration charges and relevant processing fees.
Yes, you can buy multiple life insurance policy. Buying multiple policies can provide broader coverage and act as a backup. However, it also increases premiums and management complexity. Consider your financial goals, coverage needs, and ability to manage multiple policies before deciding. A single comprehensive policy might be simpler and more cost-effective.
"Sabse Pehle Life Insurance" is a mass media awareness campaign launched by the Life Insurance Council of India. The campaign's primary objective is to educate Indian households about the importance of securing life insurance as a priority for financial protection and family security.
Yes, a few life insurance plans, such as savings plans, unit-linked investment plans, and savings plans, offer the option of money withdrawal.
Yes, most major life insurance companies in India provide mobile apps to simplify policy management.
LIC has the LIC Customer app to check policy details, premium payments, and claim status.
SBI Life services are integrated into the SBI YONO App, allowing users to view and pay premiums directly.
HDFC Life offers the HDFC Life Insurance App, where users can manage policies, download certificates, and raise service requests.
SBI Life Insurance is a joint venture between the State Bank of India (SBI) and BNP Paribas Cardif, a French insurance company. While SBI is a government-owned bank, SBI Life is a public company that is not fully government-owned like LIC.
No, they are two different companies.
ICICI Prudential Life is a joint venture between ICICI Bank and Prudential Corporation Holdings.
SBI Life is a joint venture between SBI and BNP Paribas.
Both are private life insurers regulated by IRDAI, but they operate independently.
Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance has introduced the Super Term Plan, a comprehensive term policy combining life cover, income protection, and health support. Key features include three coverage options, Enhanced Life Stage Protection, and health management services.
Policyholders can choose from various death benefit pay-out modes, including a lump sum or staggered income. The plan also offers instant claim payments and return of premium benefits, addressing evolving customer needs.
˜Top 5 plans based on annualized premium for bookings made on https://www.policybazaar.com in the first 6 months of FY 24-25.
Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. This list of plans listed here comprise of insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. For a complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website, www.irdai.gov.in
+Rs. 487/month (Rs.16/day) is starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 38 years of age.
Prices offered by the insurer are as per the IRDAI approved insurance plans | #All savings and online discounts are provided by insurers as per IRDAI approved insurance plans | Standard Terms and Conditions Apply | **Tax Benefits are subject to changes in tax laws.| Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited
We will respond in the first instance within 30 minutes of the customers contacting us. 30-minute claim support service is for the purpose of giving reasonable assistance to the policyholder in pursuance of the claim. Settlement of claim (including cashless claim) is the responsibility of the insurer as per policy terms and conditions. The 30-minute claim support is subject to our operations not being impacted by a system failure or force majeure event or for reasons beyond our control. For further details, 24x7 Claims Support Helpline can be reached out at 1800-258-5881
For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale