Questions You Should Ask Before Buying Term Insurance Policy

Buying a term life insurance can help you in protecting your financial future. However, making the wrong choice from the myriad of options available can also cause great damage to your long-term financial goals. Judging by the fact that the life insurance penetration rate in India remains one of the lowest on the planet at 2.74%, it is assumable that many Indians still have qualms about buying a term insurance policy.

These doubts are perfectly reasonable and necessary before you make any purchase. In this article, we attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions and doubts people raise regarding term insurance policies. If you plan to buy term insurance, the following set of questions will help you understand what you need to check before purchasing it. We understand that not everyone belongs to the insurance industry. We consider it our duty as insurance providers to help you evaluate and ask everything of importance before buying insurance.

Common Questions To Ask Before Purchasing A Term Plan 

Here are some questions you should ask while getting a term insurance plan

1. What is term insurance? 

A term insurance policy or a term plan is a life insurance product that pays the policyholder a fixed sum for a fixed period, called a recorded “term”. Your family will get an assured sum or life cover in case of your unfortunate death within the policy tenure, based on the term plan you select.

2. Can you buy a term plan online?

Yes, you can buy term insurance online. Various insurance providers have separate online and offline procedures to help you buy term plans. 

3. What is covered when you buy term insurance in India?

As it is a life insurance product, a term plan covers you against expenses arising out of accidents, health emergencies, and the untimely demise of your family’s providers, among other things. You might also get a critical illness and disability cover, depending on who your provider is and how much your premium is. Different policies unlock specific features at different periods. You may have to wait for 5 years to unlock the benefits of a critical illness cover. Please read your policy documents to understand the list of inclusions fully.

4. What is not covered in term plans in India?

Any lifestyle-related changes which have not been pre-disclosed but might have caused a health emergency are often discarded. For instance, if a policyholder takes up smoking or drinking or develops a lifelong disease, which was not communicated to the insurer, he/she risks a claim rejection. Moreover, term plans do not provide for theft and property damage. The objective is to safeguard a person’s family against sudden financial losses due to a person’s absence. If the policy buyer’s death was caused by terrorist attacks or natural disasters, categorized under “Act-of-God” events, the claim could be rejected. However, you can get a separate policy to cover you against natural disasters and fire hazards. Most insurance providers can provide more information about this.

5. What happens if you die outside India? 

If you have migrated to a foreign country, you must inform your policy provider. Most insurance providers will not make a change for countries like Norway or Switzerland. If the country you have moved to is associated with terrorism and life threats, your policy could get revoked. However, for a short trip, each insurer may have separate rules. Many believe that sudden demise while on a trip should be covered under travel insurance. However, some will still cover it.

6. Can NRIs buy term plans in India?

Yes, NRIs who can present residence proofs and income tax filings of the previous three years, along with their PAN card, will be able to apply for term plans.

7. Does your premium change over time?

Insurance is subject to the insurer’s will. Sometimes, they mention clearly in the papers that if certain conditions do not remain the same, your premium can be increased. If you develop a critical illness or disability or you indulge in smoking and drinking, your insurance provider will mostly have to increase your premium to compensate for such high-risk factors. However, the revaluation is reasonable in most cases.

8. What if you outlive your term insurance tenure?

In such cases, you can always speak with your term provider and get your term extended. However, the insurer may increase your premium given the health risks that come with advanced age. Moreover, you will have the option to get a lesser coverage as you might have cleared most of your debts.

9. Can you buy multiple term plans?

Since different term plans offer different features, it is typical to choose multiple life insurance. You may opt for a monthly savings plan with one insurer and a whole lump sum plan with another. However, you would have to inform your policy providers in such cases. They will guide you on how to go about claim settlements when multiple providers are involved.

10. What tax benefits do I get on term plans?

As per Section 80C and 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961, your insurance policies can get you certain tax relaxations. Every year you pay a premium, you will get a tax relaxation of up to ₹ 1,50,000. However, when you make the final withdrawal, you will have to pay taxes, as is the case when using your life cover as collateral for its surrender value. As per Section 10 (10D), you will be liable to pay taxes on withdrawals.

Conclusion

Purchasing a term insurance plan is essential for the completion of your financial portfolio and can provide a basic safeguard for the future of your loved ones. It will help you ensure the financial stability of your family after your time. However, before choosing the best term life insurance plan, it is necessary to ask the right questions.

Also read- Know The Multiple Benefits Of Life Insurance Policy

Life Insurance For Senior Citizen Over 80

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.