What are the Eligibility Criteria for Buying Term Insurance in India?

Why is Eligibility Important for Term Insurance?

Who is Eligible to Buy Term Insurance Plans in India?

The age of the applicant is a critical factor in determining eligibility for a term insurance plan.

Criteria Details
Minimum Entry Age Most insurers allow individuals to buy term insurance from age 18, to ensure that young adults can start securing their financial future early.
Maximum Entry Age The maximum entry age for term insurance plans varies by provider, typically ranging from 65 to 70 years, depending on the policy terms.
Maturity Age The minimum maturity age is usually between 75 and 85 years. This means the coverage will cease when the policyholder reaches this age.

Note: Younger applicants generally benefit from lower premium rates since premiums increase with age due to higher mortality risks. Additionally, some insurers provide more flexible terms for younger policyholders.

Term insurance plans are designed to replace the policyholder’s income in their absence. Therefore, insurers often consider the applicant’s employment and income.

Category Requirements
Salaried Professionals Must have a stable job with a regular income, typically requiring a minimum annual income of ₹3,00,000.
Self-Employed Individuals Must demonstrate consistent income through tax returns, with a minimum income threshold usually around ₹3,50,000 per annum.
Business Owners Need to provide comprehensive financial statements and income verification through ITRs and business financial records. Minimum income requirements might be higher compared to salaried professionals.

Note: Ensure that the sum assured is at least 10-15 times your annual income for adequate financial protection.

Your health condition is a significant factor in determining your stability and premium amount.

Category Details
Medical Examination Requirements Mandatory medical tests (Blood tests, ECG, Lipid profile, Diabetes screening, Liver function tests) for applicants above 35 years to assess applicant’s current health status.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Applicants with pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart-related disorders, cancer history and chronic respiratory diseases may still qualify for term insurance, but at a higher premium.
Lifestyle Choices Habits like smoking, alcohol consumption or risky hobbies can impact eligibility and premium rates.

Note: Always disclose accurate health information to avoid claim rejection in the future. The health parameters of eligibilty are maintain Body Mass Index (BMI) within acceptable range, no significant ongoing medical treatments or terminal illnesses.

Most insurance plans in India are available to Indian citizens and non-resident Indians (NRIs). However, the terms and conditions may vary:

Category Details
Indian Citizens Indian citizens are primarily eligible, you just need to provide identity proof, such as Aadhaar card or passport.
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can also purchase term insurance but Foreign nationals residing in India might have specific limitations both has to provide valid visa or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.

Note: Check if the policy offers worldwide coverage if you frequently travel or reside abroad.

Other Criteria and Conditions for Term Insurance

Documents Required to Meet Eligibility Criteria in Term Insurance

To apply for a term insurance plan, you will need to submit several documents for verification. The required documents typically include:

Document Type Details
Identity Proof
  • Aadhaar card
  • Voter ID
  • Passport
  • PAN card
Age Proof
  • Birth certificate
  • Passport
  • School leaving certificate
Address Proof
  • Utility bills (electricity, water, etc.)
  • Rent agreement
  • Bank statement with address
Income Proof
  • Salary slips (last 3 months)
  • Bank statements (last 6 months)
  • Income tax returns (ITR)
Medical Records
  • Recent medical reports
  • Doctor's certificates (if applicable)

Note: Keep these documents updated and organised to speed up the application process.

Factors Influencing Eligibility for Term Insurance

Steps to Check Your Eligibility for Term Insurance

Step 1

Evaluate your financial liabilities, dependents, and long-term goals to estimate the required coverage.

Step 2

Ensure you fall within the age bracket and have sufficient income to pay premiums.

Step 3

Be prepared for a medical examination if required.

Step 4

Compare policies from various insurers to find the one that suits your requirements.

Step 5

Ensure all your documents are up-to-date and accurate.

Benefits of Meeting Eligibility Criteria Early in Term Insurance

Getting term insurance when you are young has many benefits. Here are some key reasons why it’s a smart choice:

Lower Premiums

When you purchase a term insurance policy at a younger age, you usually pay lower premiums. This is because insurance companies see younger individuals as having fewer health risks. The younger and healthier you are, the less you pay for coverage.

Longer Policy Term

Buying insurance early gives you the option to choose a longer policy term. This means you can secure coverage for many years, providing peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be financially protected for a longer time.

Comprehensive Coverage

By starting early, you can earn a higher sum for a lower premium. This ensures that your loved ones will have better financial support if something happens to you, making handling expenses like mortgages, education, and daily living costs easier.

FAQs about Term Insurance Eligibility Criteria

Why is eligibility necessary for term insurance?

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Insurers set different credentials to mitigate the risks associated with timely payment of premiums. Also, the insurer needs to assess the health conditions of the applicant to weigh the chances of a possible claim.

What is the minimum age to buy a term insurance plan in India?

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The minimum age to purchase a term insurance plan in India is typically 18 years.

What is the maximum age limit for purchasing term insurance?

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Most insurers allow individuals up to the age of 65 to buy a term insurance plan. Some plans may extend this limit to 70 years.

Is there a maximum age for policy maturity in term insurance?

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Yes, the maximum maturity age for term insurance plans usually ranges between 75 and 85 years, depending on the insurer.

Can a non-resident Indian (NRI) buy a term insurance plan in India?

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Yes, NRIs can purchase term insurance plans in India. However, they may need to provide additional documents like a valid visa, OCI/PIO card, or proof of overseas residence.

Do I need to undergo a medical check-up to buy term insurance?

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In most cases, insurers require a medical check-up to assess your health condition, especially if you are older or opting for a high sum assured.

Can smokers or tobacco users buy term insurance?

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Yes, smokers can buy term insurance, but they may have to pay higher premiums due to increased health risks associated with smoking.

What documents are required to prove eligibility for term insurance?

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Key documents include identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN), address proof (utility bills, bank statement), age proof (passport, birth certificate), income proof (salary slips, ITR), and medical records.

Is term insurance available for unemployed individuals?

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Yes, some insurers may offer term insurance to unemployed individuals if they can demonstrate their financial capability through savings or other assets.

Can I buy term insurance if I have pre-existing health conditions?

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Yes, you can still buy term insurance if you have pre-existing health conditions. However, the premium might be higher, and certain conditions may be excluded from coverage.

Are there eligibility differences between salaried and self-employed individuals?

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No significant differences exist, but self-employed individuals may need to provide additional income proof, such as bank statements or business income records.

Can homemakers buy term insurance?

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Yes, some insurers offer term insurance for homemakers, but the sum assured is often linked to the earning capacity of the primary earning member in the family.

Does marital status affect eligibility for term insurance?

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Marital status does not impact eligibility, but the nominee (often the spouse) must be declared in the policy.

Can a senior citizen buy term insurance?

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Senior citizens can buy term insurance if they meet the insurer's maximum entry age criteria, which is usually up to 65–70 years.

Can I buy term insurance without providing income proof?

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Some insurers may allow term insurance without income proof, but the sum assured may be capped at a lower limit. Providing income proof is generally recommended for better coverage options.

Disclaimer

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  • This is an informative article provided on 'as is' basis for awareness purpose only and not intended as a professional advice. The content of the article is derived from various open sources across the Internet. Digit Life Insurance is not promoting or recommending any aspect in the article or its correctness. Please verify the information and your requirement before taking any decisions.
  • All the figures reflected in the article are for illustrative purposes. The premium for Coverage that one buys depends on various factors including customer requirements, eligibility, age, demography, insurance provider, product, coverage amount, term and other factors
  • Tax Benefits, if applicable depend on the Tax Regime opted by the individual and the applicable tax provision. Please consult your Tax consultant before making any decision.

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