Life Insurance

Comparison of Different Types of Life Insurance Plans in India

Best Life Insurance Plans in India 2021

Listed below are the best life insurance plans:

Why Do I Need Life Insurance Policy?

A life insurance policy is essentially a financial cover for any contingency that is linked with human life in case of a disability, death, accident, retirement, and so forth. Human life is mostly subject to risks of demise or disability due to an accident or even natural causes. When human life is lost or suffers a disability whether partial, temporary or permanent undoubtedly it is a loss of income to a household specifically if the individual is the sole bread earner.

Of course, the life of a human can merely not be valued; however, a money sum can be determined on the premise of the loss of income in the prospective years. So, in the life insurance, a sum assured that is the sum guaranteed to be paid in case of the loss is by the way of the benefit. The life insurance products offer the definite amount of sum in case of life insured pass away during the policy term or disability on account of a mishap.

Listed below are some of the key reasons that will highlight the need for an insurance policy:

• In the event the policyholder passes away, a life insurance plan ensures that the family has financial support.
• It will help to finance the educational and various other needs of the children.
• Even after retirement they have a steady flow of income.
• In case of a critical illness or an accident, life insurance ensures that additional income is there even when the earnings are reduced or exhausted.
• It provides for various financial contingencies and also the lifestyle requirements.

Henceforth, a life insurance plan is ideal for those who have a family to support and is the breadwinner. The coverage depends upon various factors such as the number of dependents, investment needs, and so much more. With the evolving time, the life insurance plan is merely not confined to provide protection but also serve the savings and investment needs. As life is full of uncertainties so having a life insurance policy in place will act as the financial hedge and enable you to overcome this insecurity.

How Much Life Insurance Cover Do I Need? 

The market has many insurance products such as the term plans , endowment plans, money back plans and ULIPS’. The tax saving instruments is also opulent and people take insurance for Rs 25 lakh, Rs 1 crore and so on. However, simply picking a random figure is not the way to buy an insurance policy.

Primarily, it depends upon the age of the person, the number of dependents, liabilities, and so forth. Let us just assume that a person falls between the age bracket of 18-24 years of age and is single and unmarried. This means that he does not have many responsibilities. The financial liability could be a loan or his parents depending upon him. Now under such a situation, a small insurance plan would be bought. In case the person has a good source of income, then he could also opt for large cover as the liabilities will increase once married and there will be additional responsibilities upon the shoulders.

Now if a person falls between the age bracket of 24-33 years of age then ideally the person will be married and he also needs to protect the interest of his life partner. Such a person should buy the life insurance plan immediately and not delay any further. The life insurance cover will differ across various stages of life. 

The life insurance cover should be such that it covers all outstanding liabilities provides money to your spouse and covers the expenses of children education, marriage, etc. When you choose the cover do calculate the yearly family expenses and your liabilities as well. Now multiply the sum with the number of years you are looking forward to supporting the family.

The life insurance cover should be enough at any point in time to take care of the family today and tomorrow.

What is a Life Insurance Premium?

A life insurance premium is a payment that is to be paid to enjoy the life insurance benefits. The premium is paid annually; however, the mode of premium payment can be selected from monthly or half-yearly also. This premium also helps to grow the cash value of the insurance.

The insurance company determines the premium payable by the policyholder to the insurance company. Having said that, the buyer gets to select the term of the policy and the sum assured.

In order to calculate the sum assured, the insurer takes various factors such as your lifestyle, occupation, number of dependents, finances, sum assured etc. into consideration.

Note- There is no premium calculator that can calculate the worth of human life.

Document Required for Buying Life Insurance Policy

At the time of applying for a policy, the life insurer will ask for the below-mentioned KYC documents:

• Income Certificate

  This is necessary to estimate the sum assured or cover that would be offered to the insured. In most of the cases, the life insurers offer a cover up to 20 times the proposer's annual income. The standard income proofs include:

  • Salary slips of last 3 to 6 months (depending on the insurer)
  • Income Tax Returns (ITR) of the last 2 to 3 years
  • Last 6 months bank statements with continuous entries of 3 months credited salary
  • If the person is self-employed then a certificate issued by CA.
  • Latest Form 16

• Address Proof

  Insurance companies would ask for address details of the applicant. The following documents can be used as address proof:

  • Voter ID card
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Saving account bank statement
  • Passbook with latest 6 months entries
  • Latest 3 months Credit Card Statement
  • Driving License
  • 3 months Utility Bills
  • Passport
  • Ration Card

• Identity Proof

  One can provide the following documents as ID proof:

  • Passport
  • PAN Card
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Voter Id card

• Age Proof

  Some of the aforementioned documents would be considered as age proof as well. However, below is a comprehensive list of documents that can be used as age proof:

  • PAN Card
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Voter Id card
  • Driving License
  • Passport
  • Ration card
  • Marriage certificate
  • School/College leaving certificate
  • Birth certificate

• Other Documents

  Apart from the KYC documents, here are some other documents that an applicant would have to submit at the time of buying the policy:

  • Insurance application or proposal form.
  • Policy declaration, which is necessary if someone other than the insured has filled the policy proposal form.
  • A final declaration stating that all the provided information is true and that if anything is found untrue, the insurer has the right to reject the application. Subsequently, the contract would be rendered as null and void and the premium paid would be surrendered. Thus, once declared by the proposer, the entire process is completed with utmost faith.
  • In case the policy is required to be registered under the Married Women's Property Act, a separate form needs to be filled and submitted to the insurer, mentioning the nominee.
  • Policy proposal also includes a personal statement, which is attached to the declaration form. Any incorrect statement may lead to rejection of the application.

How to Choose the Best Life Insurance Policy?

There are different plans offered by the life insurance companies in India. It sometimes becomes a task to select the best plan from various options and avail the same at best coverage and a pocket-friendly premium.

Listed below are some key pointers that will help you choose the best life insurance policy:

• The Reputation of the Provider: Today the market is flooded with insurance companies providing different life insurance plans. This means that the insurance sector somewhat also has providers that are not up to the mark or are new in the business. Therefore, go with the insurer, which is renowned and has earned goodwill in the market and most importantly fulfil your insurance requirements
• Claim Settlement Ratio: The intent to buy the life insurance policy is to obtain a claim at the time of need. But what if the filed claim goes nowhere? So before you select the insurance company make sure that you check the claims settlement ratio of the company. This essentially gives you a better idea of the number of claims received and settled by the company in a year. The company with the highest number claim ratio is the safest bet.
• Evaluation of Sum Assured: Before you initiate knocking on the doors of the insurance companies it is advisable to calculate the expected assured sum. Besides, it will also get you an insight into the premium calculation that is done by the insurance companies. To know which company is suitable for you, combine both the factors and you will have your answer and make the informed decision.
• Customer Reviews: Last and not least. Make it a habit of reading the customer reviews online. Today you can easily buy a life insurance policy online. Reading those reviews will help you to make a wise decision. Moreover, in case of any question, dilemma or clarification required simply get in touch with the customer support of the insurance company. This will also help you to understand the efficiency of a certain company in dealing with the customer.

How to File a Life Insurance Claim?

Filing a claim and getting the assured amount can be a cakewalk if all the necessary steps are taken care of. It is important to have the right approach to file a claim. Here's how nominees of the policyholder or policyholder can file a claim in India under the following scenarios:

• Upon the demise of the policyholder
• Upon maturity of the policy

How to File a Claim In Case of Death?

Inform the Insurance Company: Contact the insurer as soon as possible on their toll-free number or inform them over email. It is always preferable to inform the insurer directly over a call to initiate the process.
Share Important Details: The beneficiary or the claimant while lodging a claim with the life insurer needs to share all the important details like:

• Policy Number
• Name of the policyholder
• Place of death
• Name of the claimant

If the policy has been purchased offline, then the insurer would have provided a claim intimation form at the time of the policy purchase.
If it is an online policy, it is simple to apply for the claim settlement through claim form online.
Claim Processing: In case of accidental or natural death, the beneficiary or the nominee needs to submit all the supporting documents to the life insurer as a part of the claim process.
The claim support team will verify the insurance documents and claim declaration. In some cases, they might ask the beneficiary to submit a few other documents.

Documents to be submitted

• Original copy of the policy
• Duly filled claim form
• Death certificate of the policyholder
• Deeds of assignment, if any.
• Discharge form signed by the witnesses.
• Supplementary documents like post-mortem reports, hospital certificate, and doctor’s certificate (if required).
• The investigation report in case of police inquiries.

Note- If someone other than the nominee files the claim, the insurance company can ask for the legal title of succession.
Approval and Pay-out

• Once all the documents have been submitted, and the life insurer has verified it, the claim will be settled by the insurer.
• The life insurer can ask for the beneficiary's bank details - a canceled cheque or a copy of the bank account passbook, which must be attested by the bank authorities.
• For nominee's identity proof, a copy of passport, voter identity card, PAN card, Aadhaar card etc. needs to be submitted.
• Generally, the claim settlement process takes 30 days. Once approved, the insurer may immediately make the payout.
• Some insurers make the payments through the Electronic Clearance Service or ECS, which is an alternative method to make bulk payments.

Aforementioned are the basic set of documents that are required to process a claim.
Here are a few other documents that the insurer can ask for (if need be) -

• Employer's certificate
• Some other forms or reports to support the verification

How to file a Claim for Maturity?

If the insured outlives the policy term, he/she will be eligible to avail policy maturity benefits. However, the insured must make sure the policy is ongoing and that all the premiums have been duly paid.
Here is a simple process to file a maturity claim with minimal paperwork.
When the policy is about to mature, the life insurer generally intimates the policyholder at least 1-2 months in advance. All the details regarding the maturity date, maturity amount, and discharge voucher are provided to the insured.
The discharge voucher (similar to a receipt) has to be signed by the policyholder in the presence of the witnesses. The voucher is then sent back to the insurer along with the original policy bond, on the basis of which the policy maturity benefits are provided.
In case the policyholder has nominated another individual or entity for the policy, then the nominee must sign the discharge voucher to the insurer, in order to receive the claim amount.
Points to Remember

• This process is applicable only to the life plans eligible for maturity benefits like additional bonus, survival benefits, etc.
• In the event of the demise of the policyholder after the date of policy maturity, but during the policy discharge procedures, it will be considered as a maturity claim. And the claim amount will be paid out to the nominees of the deceased policyholder.
• At the time of buying a new life plan, the applicant must mention the details of previously purchased policy (if any). The insurance provider must be aware of the existing policy. Additionally, it can help the insurance seeker choose the right policy as per his/her needs. Otherwise, misrepresentation can be a reason for the rejection of a death claim.

Life Insurance Riders & Their Importance

What are Riders?

These riders offer add-on benefits offered by the insurers that help to enhance the base coverage. However, without knowing the types of riders available in the market, one shouldn't randomly opt for the same just for the sake of increasing the cover amount of the life plan.

Choosing the right rider is as crucial as buying a life insurance plan. After all, no one wants to regret an insurance decision. That's why one must take time and expert's advice before opting for a rider.

Types of Riders

Here are some of the rider options available for policyholders:

Critical Illness Rider

This rider benefit covers major critical ailments like cancer, heart attack, kidney failure, stroke, coma, paralysis, etc. As the coverage may differ from insurer to insurer, it is important to check the list of illnesses covered by the company.
The life insurer offers the rider benefits upon the diagnosis of the covered critical illness. Though many of the above listed critical illnesses may not cause immediate death, the treatment could cost a bomb. Under this rider, the insured can use the sum assured to pay for the treatment expenses. The only condition is that the policyholder will have to survive the waiting period.
As no one can ensure 100 percent guarantee against a critical illness, this rider can be opted by:

• Top-level officers working under extreme work stress
• Chain-smokers
• Someone leading an unhealthy lifestyle

Waiver of Premium Rider

If the insured is unable to pay the premium due to any disability that leaves him/her with no income, the life insurance policy will be terminated. In such cases, the insured wouldn't be offered any compensation. In such a situation, how will their family manage their finances without a regular source of income?
In such a situation, waiver of premium rider acts as life savior, as all the future premiums of the policy will be waived off and the policy will remain in force.
In case the premiums are not paid due to the death or accidental disability of the policyholder, the premium for the base policy and riders will be waived off and the policy will continue.
While this rider can be opted along with critical illness and accidental total and permanent disability rider, the insured can opt for it separately. As uncertainties can't be predicted, one should consider buying this rider if they are a daily commuter or work on on-site civil work that involves physical work.

Accidental Death Benefit Rider

With this rider, in case of the accidental death of the insured, the nominee will receive the basic sum assured amount along with the additional accidental death benefit. In many cases, the policyholder doesn’t pass away on-the-spot, so most of the insurance companies set a time period after the incident to extend the offered coverage.
Let’s say, if the policyholder passes away after 100 days of the accident, the nominee will still receive the sum assured. That's why it is imperative to check the life insurance policy clause carefully at the time of opting for a rider.
As accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, everyone should ensure the financial future of their family. While anybody can opt for this rider, it is a must-buy for those who:

• Commute and travel by car, bike, public or commercial vehicles, on a daily basis.
• Frequently go on business trips or if the job involves physical work in a factory or on-site civil work.

Accidental Total and Permanent Disability Rider

Due to total temporary or permanent disability in case of an accident, if the insured is unable to earn a daily income, this rider provides financial assistance to their family in the form of a monthly income. The rider benefit may vary plan to plan and it is offered for a pre-decided time period.
For instance, some companies offer rider benefits for 5 years to 10 years from the occurrence of the accident. In case of the death of the insured during the policy term, the beneficiary would receive the outstanding sum assured amount.
This rider is important to buy for the individuals who:

• Commute and travel on a daily basis by bike, car, public transport, train, or commercial vehicle.
• Do physical work in on-site civil work or factories or travel frequently for business.
• Term Rider: This rider offers a monthly income or lump sum to the beneficiary in the event of the premature death of the insured. The term rider offers extra coverage for death in addition to the base sum assured which is pre-determined by the insurer.
• Hospital Cash Rider: Under this rider, a fixed amount is paid in case of emergency/planned hospitalization. The benefit amount, terms and conditions, and sum assured may vary from insurer to insurer. This rider benefit offered by life insurers for those policyholders who want coverage for expenses related to emergency hospitalization.
• Surgical Care Rider: Under this rider, a lump sum amount is paid if the insured undergoes an unavoidable surgery in India. However, the rider benefit may vary plan to plan or severity of the surgery. This rider benefit can be opted by anyone who wants to cover the expenses for surgery in case of any eventualities. This helps in avoiding any out-of-pocket expenses that may burn a hole in one's pocket.

Claim Settlement Ratio of Life Insurance Companies

The figures in the below table are as per the annual report of IRDAI 2019-2020:

Disclaimer: Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by an insurer.

Steps to Buy Life Insurance Plan Online from Policybazaar

To get insured from the comfort of home, an individual can buy life insurance online from Policybazaar. Follow these simple steps to buy life insurance online from Policybazaar. 

Step 1- Choose male/female and enter your full name. 

Step 2- Enter your correct phone number, and click on view plan and select your age.

Step 3- Answer 4 simple questions to get more accurate quotes.

• Do you smoke or chew tobacco?

Yes or No

• Select your annual income 
• Select the occupation type
• Choose the educational qualification 

Step 4- Select the best life insurance plan from the options that are displayed. For suggestions and help, the insurance buyers can choose ‘get free advice. 

Step 5- Choose and compare different life insurance plans on Policybazaar. An individual can choose the personalised plan options as well. 

Step6- Once you choose the plan, you can pay the premium or speak to the customer care representative. They will help you to make an informed choice. 

Step 8- Finally you will need to pay the premium. Once all the steps are completed, the policy documents will be emailed to you on the registered mail ID.

Important Life Insurance Terms You Should Know

To understand life insurance completely it is important to know the basic terminologies that are often used within the plan. Sometimes you might not be aware of some terms and refrain from buying the plan.

Let us help you to understand the given below key important terms with brief explanations of each:

• Policyholder

  Anyone who buys the insurance plan and pays the premium is referred to as the policyholder. An individual might own the policy, however, may or may not be the life assured.

• Life Assured

  In simple words, the individual who is protected or insured is known as a life assured. In case of demise of the life assured, the beneficiary will receive the insurance sum. For example, when a husband buys a policy for his wife then he is the policyholder and the wife is the life assured.

• Nominee

  The person that is nominated by the policyholder is known as a nominee. The nominee will receive the payouts along with other benefits in case of any eventuality. The nominee is also referred to as the beneficiary. A nominee is declared when the policy is being bought. Generally, the policyholders’ immediate family members such as the spouse, children and parents are declared as a nominee who is directly financially dependent upon you.

• Policy Tenure

  The duration for, which the life insurance plan provides coverage, is known as the policy tenure sometimes also known as policy term. On the premise of the type of the policy and the terms and conditions of the insurance provider, the life insurance policy tenure differs.

• Premium

  It is the amount that you will pay to keep the policy active. In case you are unable to pay the premium sum either before the due date or under the grace period, then the policy will lapse. The premium sum depends on factors such as the policy term, the age of the life assured, lifestyle habits, etc.

• Sum Assured

  It is the guaranteed sum that the beneficiary or the nominee will receive when the life assured has passed away. Most of the times, the choice to arrive at a sum assured is upon the premise of the financial loss that might incur due to the death of the life assured. At the time of buying the policy, the policyholder chooses this sum, which is then paid to the nominee if the life assured passes away during the policy term.

• Death Benefit

  The death benefit is the sum that is paid to a nominee when the life assured has passed away during the policy tenure. It is to be noted that sum assured and death benefits are two different terms. This implies that the death benefit could be equivalent or higher than a sum assured as it could involve the rider benefit too.

• Maturity Benefit

  The sum that is paid to the policyholder when the policy tenure is completed is known as the maturity benefit.

• Lapsed Policy

  When the policy gets terminated because of non-payment of the premium amount even after the grace period is known as a lapsed policy. There are companies that offer the facility to revive a lapsed policy only when the outstanding premiums are duly paid by the policyholder.

• Grace Period

  It is essentially the extension given by the insurance provider to the policyholder after the due date of the premium payment. When the policyholder pays the premium sum then the cover of the plan continues.

• Revival Period

  When the premiums are not paid during the grace period the policy gets lapsed. In case you wish to continue with the plan then you are provided with an option of re-activating the lapsed plan, however, it should be completed with a certain time frame after the end of the grace period. This is known as the revival period.

• Free-look Period

  In case you are not comfortable with the terms and conditions of the plan it can be returned within a certain timeframe mentioned in the policy documents. This is known as a free-look period. After deducting stamp duty charges, medical examination, proportionate risk premium, the premium sum will be refunded.

• Rider

  The riders are additional benefit than enhances the coverage of the plan. These rider benefits are optional and enhance the financial safety to secure the family against any unforeseen event by paying an additional premium sum.

• Claim Process

  When the life assured passes away during the policy term, the nominee will file a claim to receive the death benefit. This process is known as the claim process.

• Exclusions

  Certain situations remain uncovered within a life insurance plan. In case the claim is made on such exclusions then no benefit is provided by the insurance company.