Annuity: Buy Best Annuity Plans of 2023

Post-retirement, it is important to have a flow of income so that you can meet your daily needs and simultaneously maintain your lifestyle.

What are Annuity Plans?

In the simplest words, annuity plans enable one to receive payments regularly for a lifetime after investing a lump sum. The investment made is further invested by the company, and the investor is paid with the generated returns. Hence, to receive regular payments, one should invest in the best annuity plans. 

No matter how well your life is going at this point, it is important to secure money for the prospective times and invest in the best annuity plans. This is prudent for your second innings and to cover your everyday expenses.

Investing in the best annuity plans 2023 will not let you worry. You will be able to secure the future for your spouse, your children, and your family by investing in the best annuity plans.

What are the Features of the Best Annuity Plans in India?

Annuity plans are designed in a way to give you a comfortable life after your retirement. Top best Annuity plans give you financial security; therefore, you should invest in the best annuity plan in 2023.

Listed below are some of the key features offered within the best annuity plans in India 2023:

1. Safe Investment Option:

   The best Annuity plans let you save for the future and are one of the safest investment tools. While buying any of the best annuity plans or immediate annuity plans, you will be informed in detail about the same so that you can make an informed decision.

2. Financial Security:

   The annuity plans in India 2023 secure your financial requirement, which may arise in the future.

3. Flexibility in Payouts:

   You have the flexibility to choose from an array of the best annuity plans depending on what suits your requirements the most.

What are the Different Types of Best Annuity Plans?

Listed below are the following types of best annuity plans in India 2023:

1. Deferred Annuity:

   Deferred is one of the best annuity plans. Under the deferred annuity, the money is invested for some period before payments are made. It can be chosen by individuals who are working and still have some years of work before retirement. It may also come with a "life cover," which implies that in case of the demise of the insured, the nominee is paid a lump sum amount from the investment of the best annuity plans.

2. Immediate Annuity Plan:

   In an immediate annuity plan, you start receiving payments as soon as the initial investment is made. If you are approaching retirement age, then an immediate annuity plan is the best option. Therefore, a deferred annuity accumulates money, while an immediate annuity plan pays money.

   You can convert deferred annuities into immediate annuity plans if you want immediate payments.

   Depending on the investment type, immediate annuity plans are further classified as fixed and variable. When the payout made to the customer is a fixed sum for a certain number of years, it is called a fixed immediate annuity plan. In a guaranteed period annuity, the period for, which the payment will be made, is decided. Even if the policyholder dies, payments are made to the nominee for the remaining years from an immediate annuity plan. If the individual survives the tenure, they receive the payout for the rest of their life.

   When the payout varies depending on the type of investment or market performance, it is a variable annuity.

3. Variable Annuity:

   Variable is one of the best annuity plans as it offers good returns on investment. As the name suggests, within the variable of the best annuity plan, the payout is unfixed, and it may accordingly vary from company to company. It happens as it is completely based on the market performance of the insurance company. Besides, the plan is market-linked and is more risk-prone. It is to be noted that when the returns are good, the payouts will most likely be on the higher side and vice versa

4. Fixed Annuity:

   Within the fixed annuity plans, the amount of payout is fixed for the complete period of the annuity plan. Moreover, the plan duration is too fixed. Therefore. Even after the demise of the insured, it is the nominee who will likely receive the fixed payout.

   In the table below, there are types of best annuity plans based on the features and meeting the requirements of certain annuitants:

   Annuity Types	The Variants
   Premium Frequency	Single
   	Regular
   Payout Types	Variable
   	Fixed
   Initiation of Payout Time	Deferred
   	Immediate
   Payout Duration	Life Annuity
   	Certain Time
   People Benefiting	Single Life
   	Survivor/ Joint
   Nature of Buyer	Individual
   	Group

Best Annuity Plans 2023-24

Below is the list of best annuity plans to invest in 2023-24.

1. Aditya Birla Sunlife Immediate Annuity Plan

   This is a single premium payment policy, which helps an individual to keep aside their savings and provides a regular income in the retirement years so that one can enjoy a relaxed and happy second innings. Let us take a look at the features of the policy.

   Features of Aditya Birla Sunlife Immediate Annuity Plan

   • The plan offers the benefit of choosing from 6 different payout options to receive an annuity.

   • The plan offers guaranteed income for your entire life.

   • The policyholder can choose the annuity payout modes as monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and yearly from the policy initiation date.

   • No medical test is required to purchase the plan.

   • Tax benefits can be availed U/S 80C of the Income Tax Act.

2. Aviva Annuity Plus

   This is a traditional and one of the best annuity plans specifically designed to provide guaranteed regular income after retirement. Here are some of the salient features of the policy.

   Features of Aviva Annuity Plus

   • The plan offers the advantage of choosing from 7 different annuity options per one's requirement.

   • The annuity amount payable is guaranteed for the tenure of the policy.

   • The plan offers the flexibility to enhance the purchase price at inception for a higher annuity installment.

3. Canara HSBC Pension 4Life Plan

   This is one of the best annuity plans where the policyholder receives a predefined level of annuity installment in exchange for a purchase price.  This plan ensures a regular guaranteed income post-retirement. Let us take a look at the features of the policy.

   • The plan offers an extensive range of annuity options to choose from.

   • The plan offers the option to receive an immediate or deferred annuity on the deferred or immediate annuity plan.

   • The plan offers the option to receive regular payments as long as your partner is alive.

   • The plan offers the flexibility to choose annuity installments as monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and yearly mode.

4. Exide Life New Immediate Annuity Plan

   This is an immediate annuity plan with an option of return of purchase price. In addition, the plan offers guaranteed regular income after retirement as an annuity. The following are the key features of the policy.

   Key reasons to buy this plan:

   • Lifelong Annuity payouts are guaranteed for life.

   • Flexible options to receive the annuity.

   • Large volume discount on annuity rates depending upon the purchase price range.

   • No medical examinations are required.

   • On demise, option for a full refund of the purchase price.

5. Future Generali Immediate Annuity Plan

   The plan secures the financial future of the individual after retirement by paying guaranteed regular income as an annuity.  The annuity is paid immediately after the policyholder pays the premium of the policy as lump sum. Here are the features of the policy of an immediate annuity plan.

   Features of Future Generali Immediate Annuity Plan

   • The policy offers a fixed income for the rest of the retirement life of the insured.

   • The plan offers the flexibility to choose monthly or yearly payout modes.

   • The plan offers the option to choose between 'life annuity' and 'life annuity with return of purchase price.'

   • The policy offers an annuity card that ensures convenience in receiving the annuity amount.

6. HDFC Life Pension Guaranteed Plan

   This is a non-participating single premium annuity plan that provides a regular guaranteed income for a lifetime. Some of the salient features of the policy are.

   Features of HDFC Life Pension Guaranteed Plan

   • The plan offers regular guaranteed income for a lifetime.

   • The plan offers the option to choose a deferred or immediate annuity plan option.

   • The life assured can purchase the plan on a single or joint life basis.

7. ICICI Prudential Immediate Annuity Plan

   This plan is specifically designed to provide financial security to the individual in the golden years of retirement. As an immediate annuity plan, it provides life assured with a guaranteed regular income for the entire life. The following are some of the key features of the policy.

   Features of ICICI Prudential Immediate Annuity Plan

   • Pay once and get guaranteed regular income for life.

   • The plan offers the flexibility to receive income at a frequency of monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly.

   • The plan offers 12 different annuity options to choose from to suit the financial needs.

   • The plan comes with the option of returns of the purchase price in case of death, critical illness, and permanent disability due to an accident.

   • The plan offers annuity income from as early as age 30.

   • Higher annuity rates for the large purchase price and deferred pension plan

8. IDBI Federal Guaranteed Lifetime Income Plan

   This is an immediate annuity plan, which offers a guaranteed regular income for life. The plan ensures that the financial future of an individual is secure after retirement and helps them to deal with any eventualities after retirement. These are the salient features of the policy.

   Features of IDBI Federal Guaranteed Lifetime Income Plan

   • The plan comes with 3 different annuity options to choose from.

   • The plan offers the convenience of a one-time payment.

   • The plan offers the option to receive an immediate or deferred annuity.

   • The plan offers the option of return of purchase price on death.

   • The life assured can choose to receive an annuity in monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly mode.

9. India First Immediate Annuity Plan

   India First immediate Annuity Plan is specifically designed to help you maintain a good lifestyle post-retirement. The plan helps you deal with rising healthcare costs and stay ahead of inflation. In addition, the plan offers a guaranteed return in the form of a regular annuity after retirement. Let us take a look at the features of the policy.

   Features of India First Immediate Annuity Plan

   • Pay once and get guaranteed regular income for life.

   • The plan offers the flexibility to receive income at a frequency of monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly.

   • The life assured can purchase the plan on a single or joint life basis.

   • Higher annuity rates for the large purchase price and deferred pension plan.

10. Kotak Lifetime Income Plan

    This is a non-participating non-linked immediate annuity plan, which ensures a financially independent and comfortable life post-retirement. In addition, the plan provides assured income throughout your life. Here are some of the key features of the policy.

    Features of Kotak Life Insurance Plan

    • The plan ensures financial independence after retirement.

    • Offers an extensive range of income options to cater to the different requirement needs of the individual.

    • The life assured can choose to receive the annuity in monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and yearly modes.

    • The plan offers 6 different annuity options to choose from.

11. Max Life Guaranteed Lifetime Income Plan

    This is non -participating, non-linked general annuity savings plan that helps you start planning for your retirement early so that you can create a retirement fund for the future. The plan offers both the option of a deferred and immediate annuity plan option. Let us take a look at the features of the policy.

    Features of Max Life Guaranteed Lifetime Income Plan

    • The plan offers guaranteed lifetime income to cater to financial needs after retirement.

    • The life assured can choose the payout options to receive annuity at yearly, half-yearly, quarterly, and monthly frequency.

    • The life assured can choose between a single-life annuity or a joint-life annuity option.

    • The plan offers multiple annuity options to choose from.

    • The policyholder can choose the annuity option, which provides 105% of the purchase price to the beneficiary of the policy after the death of the annuitant.

12. Reliance Nippon Life Immediate Annuity Plan

    This is a non-participating, non-linked immediate annuity plan that provides guaranteed regular income to the individual after retirement. This is a single premium payment plan where one needs to pay a lump-sum premium amount and opt for a suitable annuity option as per one's requirement. The following are some of the salient features of the policy.

    Features of Reliance Nippon Life Immediate Annuity Plan

    • The plan offers guaranteed whole-life income as an annuity to the life assured.

    • The plan offers the flexibility to choose from 3 different annuity options.

    • Tax benefits can be availed on the premium paid.

    • Convert your earnings into regular income.

13. SBI Life Annuity Plus

    This non-participating, non-linked annuity plan helps individuals celebrate their golden years without financial worries. The plan offers a comprehensive range of annuity options to choose from. Let us take a look at the features of the policy.

    Features of SBI Life Annuity Plus

    • The plan offers security through a steady retirement income after retirement.

    • The plan offers the option to choose from different annuity options.

    • The plan offers a fixed annuity from the date of policy issuance.

    • The annuity payouts can be received in yearly, half-yearly, quarterly, and monthly frequencies.

    • The life assured can also enjoy the option of advancing the annuity.

14. Shriram Life Immediate Annuity Plus

    This is a non-participating, non-linked immediate annuity plan, which aims to provide lifetime guaranteed income post-retirement. To gain immediate regular income on this type of immediate annuity plan, the policyholder needs to pay the premium once as a lump sum. The following are the features of the policy.

    Features of Shriram Life Immediate Annuity Plus

    • Annuity for life increases at a 3% per annum simple rate.

    • The plan offers a guaranteed annuity with a return of 100% purchase price on the death of the life assured.

    • A guaranteed annuity is offered after the completion of 5/10/15/20 years of the policy and thereafter for life.

    • Tax benefits are available as per the provision of the Income Tax Act.

15. Star Union Dai-Ichi Life Immediate Annuity Plan

    This is a non-participating, non-linked immediate annuity plan, which aims to provide lifetime guaranteed income post-retirement. This is a single premium payment plan where one needs to pay a lump-sum premium amount and opt for a suitable annuity option as per one's requirement. The following are some of the salient features of the policy.

    Features of Star Union Dai-Ichi Immediate Annuity Plan

    • The plan offers the flexibility to receive an annuity in monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and yearly installments.

    • The plan offers 9 different annuity options to choose from.

    • The plan offers a single premium payment mode.

    • Guaranteed lifelong income is offered with three plan options.

16. TATA AIA Life Insurance Smart Annuity Plan

    This is a single premium, non-participating, non-linked immediate annuity plan that provides guaranteed regular income to the individual after retirement. This is one of the best annuity plans as it ensures an individual's financial future is secure after retirement and helps them deal with any eventualities. These are the salient features of the policy.

    Features of TATA AIA Life Insurance Smart Annuity Plan

    • The plan offers flexible annuity options to choose from so that an individual can fulfill their future needs.

    • The plan offers the option of a single or joint-life annuity.

    • The plan offers the flexibility to choose different annuity payout modes, i.e., yearly, half-yearly, quarterly, and monthly.

    • Top-up options are offered to enhance the annuity payouts.

    • The plan offers security through a steady retirement income after retirement.

How Does Annuity Plans Work in India 2023?

Annuity plans could be the best thing for your retirement period if you select the best annuity plan in India.

It takes a lot of effort to build a retirement corpus. Today many life insurance companies in India provide annuity plans so that you don't need to depend on somebody else for your golden period and take the burden in regards to the finance.

Therefore, it is important to understand the working of the annuity plans in India 2023.

1. Life Annuity with Return of Purchase Price:

   Until you do not pass away, you will constantly receive the annuity payments at a specified interval. After this, the insurance provider would return the initial amount that was used while buying the annuity to the mentioned nominee. This might be considered a decent alternative by those who desire to leave a legacy aftermath.

2. Joint Life Annuity with Return of Purchase Price:

   Joint Life Annuity is undoubtedly one of the best annuity plans, as until the time the other half is alive, the payments will be received at a constant frame of time. The initial amount of investment will be received by the nominee if either the spouse or both are no more alive.

3. Inflation-indexed Annuity: 

   With every passing year, there is a certain increase in the annuity rate, which could be 2% or even 5%. Possibly, it would not be connected to the rate of inflation, which is actual; however, the expenses will be taken care of up to a specified scope.

4. Joint Life Survivor Annuity:

   It will be paid until you or your spouse is alive.

5. Life Annuity:

   One will be able to receive a constant payout until one passes away. The annuity shall stop the day you are no more alive. The payout could be received on monthly, quarterly, or annually.

6. Payable Premium for Best Annuity plan For a Guaranteed Phase:

   The annuity to be paid will be for a specified time frame, which could be from 5, 10, or even 15 years in case the buyer of the annuity passes away. That can be calculated by using an annuity calculator easily. The annuity will stop in case the annuitant is no more alive or the period of guarantee is completed accordingly.

When is the Right Time to Invest in the Best Annuity Plans 2023?

The best Annuity plans are long-term investments issued by any of the insurance companies in India with the general intent of protecting you monetarily at the very important yet crucial phase of your life.

As such, there is no certain or specified right time to buy the best annuity plan in 2023. You can buy the annuity plan as early as possible, like at the age of 45 or 50 years, after knowing the present value of the annuity and possibly availing of the benefits.

Listed below are the ways to buy the best annuity plan 2023 in India:

1. Select the Right Type of the Best Annuity Plan:

   Selecting an annuity plan based on the age of retirement and the payout one wishes is essential. For instance, one can choose between the immediate annuity and the deferred annuity. When it comes to an immediate annuity, the person will soon likely receive the payments post the investment is made initially. In the case of a deferred annuity, the amount will be locked for specified times before the payments are made. Anyone about to retire may opt for an immediate annuity plan, and those who have some years before the retirement period could opt for a deferred annuity plan.

2. Select the Right Type of Option For Best Annuity Plans:

   Most insurance providers provide different annuity plans. The annuity options could vary from single life to a joint life. Besides, there are some best annuity plans, which offer flexibility wherein the annuity payouts yearly will increase. You can access the payouts accessible for any specific scenario and choose the best annuity plan in 2023 that is suitable and fulfills your requirements.

3. Extensive Research the Plan Features:

   Before you zero down on any of the annuity plans, you need to understand the requirements and conduct thorough research on the premise of it. Look for plans that offer multiple benefits for you and your other half and opt for the payout method accordingly.

   The right annuity plan will help you and your partner live contented lives even after retirement.

*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance plan. Standard T&C Apply

Advantages of Best Annuity Plans

Now, let us have a look at the below-mentioned advantages, which are offered under any of the best annuity plans apart from peace of mind:

1. No Cap of Investment:

   When it comes to the best annuities plans, there are no investment caps like we have in the case of the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme and Post Office Monthly Income Scheme.

2. Removes Reinvestment Peril:

   One of the biggest benefits that best annuity plans offer is that there is no scope for reinvestment risk. Structurally, in India, we are likely inclined towards the interest rates, which are on the lower side; the peril is that when one desires to reinvest a principal, one will most likely receive a rate of interest on the lower side. Besides, the short-term tools, for example, POMIS, have reinvestment risk. However, when you invest in the annuity plan, it is assured that you will receive the payout for a lifetime.

3. Sense of Financial Security:

   An annuity plan gives you security in terms of finance for a life wherein you will receive every month. The insurance provider takes on the peril of how to move ahead with the monetary aspect until you are alive and do not worry about the future. Moreover, one can opt for the frequency of the premiums and obtain a payout, which is fixed out at a specified interval of time, which could be monthly, quarterly, semi-yearly, or yearly.

Disadvantages of Annuity Plans

The annuity plans offer a guaranteed sum, providing stability and security to retirees. However, it has certain disadvantages listed below:

1. Simple Interest:

   The annuity plans use simple interest, whereas instruments like Senior Citizens Savings Scheme do use compound interest every quarter.

2. No Premature Withdrawal:

   Annuity plans do not permit premature withdrawals. However, premature withdrawals are allowed in investment instruments such as POMIS and SCSS. For instance, when it comes to an SCSS, you can withdraw the money after a year by making the payment as a penalty. Therefore, if you are looking forward to accessing the principal amount, an annuity plan will not be of much help, nor will it be a choice.

3. Low Rate of Return:

   The annuity plans' returns every year are not much attractive compared to various other products, which likewise offer low returns.

4. No Inflation Fight:

   Most of the instrument plans do not combat inflation. Also, the price increase is not restricted to the age of retirement or so. Therefore, it is prudent to contemplate the effect of inflation before one plans for retirement.

5. No Access to Capital:

   In India, annuity plans are not an opulent instrument option as the citizens mostly want to avail capital, which is not possible in the case of an annuity plan. On the other side of the coin, when it comes to the POMIS, the investor will receive a capital post of six years.

Eligibility Criteria of Best Annuity Plans

To avail of one of the best annuity plans, one needs to be under the age group of 35 years to 75 years. However, the age group may vary from one insurance company to the other.

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