Life Insurance Policy for Indian Students Studying Abroad

Top Plans for Indian Students Studying Abroad

*Above calculation is done for a 22-year old boy who wishes to pursue MBA in the UK and is looking for Rs 25 Lakhs sum assured coverage, till 35 years of age [22 Year > Man > 2-3 Lakh Salary > Non-Smoker > 25 Lakhs > Salaried > College Graduate & Above]

Why do Students need Life Insurance Policy?

Though many people will tell you that students are not required to purchase life insurance policies, there are many reasons why purchasing it as a student is beneficial. 

• To pay existing student loans - Usually, students studying abroad avail student loans as it covers the fund for his/her higher or overseas education. But, in the unfortunate event of the student’s death, the parents will be overburdened with the loan payments. In that case, the life insurance will help them pay off the outstanding loan.

• To support spouse and children - If the student is married, the life insurance will assist the spouse and children after the student's death to maintain a lifestyle and in the children’s education. 

• To support parents - If the student's parents rely on him/her for a living, the life insurance will help the parents after his/her death.

Benefits of Buying Life Insurance as an Indian Student Studying Abroad

As a student, you have special benefits when you consider buying life insurance. Below mentioned is a list of some of these benefits:

• Lower Premiums - When you purchase life insurance as a student, your premiums are significantly lower as you're still young. That is because the odds of you being ill are low, and hence, the policy becomes more affordable.

• Affordable Life Insurance Policies in India - As an Indian citizen studying abroad, getting used to the foreign culture is itself a task. Therefore, buying a life insurance policy from the new country can add to the difficulty as you’re not aware of their rules, laws and premium rates. As a result, you can purchase the policy from India and keep paying the premiums online to avoid geographical hassle.

• Protection against unprecedented events - As a student, you may have already availed student loans for your overseas studies. In addition to the financial burdens laid upon your parents, your unforeseen death will add to the agony. In this case, the life insurance will at least help your parents deal with the financial stress.

• Tax Benefits - Section 80C of the Income Tax Act provides tax benefits for life insurance policies. This will allow you to begin earning, and the premium you pay for the plan will assist to minimize your tax liability.

• Wealth Creation - You can use life insurance as a long-term wealth creation tool by going for plans like ULIP, money-back policy, endowment plan etc. Here, you receive a maturity amount after the term of the policy expires.

Why Indian Students Studying Abroad Buy Life Insurance from India

Below are some of the reasons why an Indian student studying abroad must purchase life insurance from India:

• Seamless Claim Settlement - It is an easier option for the beneficiaries to claim the death benefits of the student in their home country than go through the process in a foreign land, as the terms and conditions are different in different geographical locations.

• Tele/Video Medical Check-up - Geographical boundaries are no longer consider an obstacle for NRI customers who wants to buy term plans or life insurance plans in India. They can now easily opt for life insurance plans in India that allow thenm to arrange a tele or video medical check-up from their residential country. 

Challenges Faced by Students While Buying Life Insurance

Below mentioned are some of the challenges faced by Indian overseas students buying Life insurance:

• Financial Barrier - As students are not entitled to a static source of income, it becomes difficult for them to manage money for the premiums. 

• Lack of Knowledge - As students are not entirely aware of the concepts and terminologies of Life Insurance, it becomes a problem for them to understand the importance and benefits.

Wrapping it up!

Although if it is your decision to get life insurance as a student, because your financial position is not as stable as that of an employed individual, it is highly suggested that you purchase it while studying abroad. Diagnostic/medical tests, medicines, and treatment are significantly more costly in other countries than in India. And consider your parents, who will be left with the responsibility of covering the remaining expenses as well as the added grief of losing you, which you may lessen financially if you have already purchased a life insurance. You can take the help of Policybazaar, which compares over 15 insurance companies, for you to choose your most desirable policy.

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