Skip to main content
deferment-period-under-a-child-insurance

Deferment Period Under a Child Insurance Plan

Learn what deferment period in child insurance means and how it affects your payout timing and planning.

Written by : Knowledge Center Team

2025-08-06

1130 Views

7 minutes read

Child insurance is a life insurance policy that financially protects a child in the event of the death of a parent. The proceeds from a child's insurance policy can be used to pay for the child's education, living expenses, or any other expenses that may arise in the child's life.

case of the policyholder’s unfortunate, untimely demise, the child will be paid the death benefit after the policy term. What’s more, the policy will continue to remain in force and all future premiums would be paid by the insurance company. At the end of the policy term, the child would receive the maturity amount.

Then what is a deferment period in a child insurance plan? Let us understand about it in detail.

What is Deferment Period in Child Insurance?

Deferment period is the time frame from the inception of the policy till the child becomes the policyholder or owner of the policy. Parents make payments on the policy during this period to invest for the child’s future. After the deferment period is over, you will be able to receive benefits from the child insurance policy.

When you avail of a child insurance policy, you become the policyholder or owner and your child gets covered under it. However, when your child turns 18, they become the owner of the policy. The time gap between the date of buying the insurance policy and the date when the child takes ownership of the policy is called the deferment period.

For example, if you buy a child insurance policy when your child is 10 years old, the deferment period will be 8 years.

Secure Your Child’s Education and Future Milestones

Please enter correct name Please enter the Full name
Please enter valid mobile number Please enter Mobile Number
Please enter valid email Please enter Email

Enter OTP

An OTP has been sent to your mobile number

Didn’t receive OTP?

Application Status

Name

Date of Birth

Plan Name

Status

Unclaimed Amount of the Policyholder

Name of the policy holder

Policy No.

Address of the Policyholder as per records

Unclaimed Amount

Error

Sorry! No records Found

Request Registered

Thank You for submitting the response, will get back with you.

Complaint Registered

.  Please use this ID for all future communications regarding this concern.

Request Registered

Thank You for submitting the response, will get back with you.

Thank you for your interest in our product. Our financial expert will connect with you shortly to help you choose the best plan.

Sorry

How does a Deferment Period Work?

Child insurance policies have two stages, one covering the period from the date of commencement of the policy to the Deferred Date (called deferment period) and the other covering the period from the date of deferment to the date of maturity. The insurance coverage on the life of the child starts from the date of deferment and is available during the latter period.

  • The first stage is the deferment period: The deferment period refers to the duration from when the policy commences to the time when the child turns 18.
  • The second stage is the insurance period: The duration of time from when the child becomes the owner of the policy - at age 18 - to the date of maturity of the policy.
     

What if you Surrender the Policy Within the Deferment Period?

Generally, you are allowed to surrender the child insurance policy after completing three years. The guaranteed value on surrendering before the deferred date is:

  1. 90% of the paid premiums excluding the premiums that are paid for the first year
  2. Accumulated fund value in the case of unit-linked child plans

You may also lose any accrued guaranteed bonuses in part or in full, depending on how long you have invested in the policy. Unit-linked child plans, like promise 4 growth plus, usually need five years of continuous investment to acquire a surrender value. Guaranteed child insurance plans require you to invest for a minimum of three years.

Should you buy Child Insurance with a Deferment Period?

The answer to the question depends on several factors. If you are the sole breadwinner of your family and are looking for a life insurance cover for your child, then you must opt for a child insurance plan with a deferment period. The deferment period option is beneficial as it protects your family financially in case of your untimely death.

The deferment period is only one part of a child insurance plan. There are some additional benefits that you are eligible to get:

  • Maturity Benefit: It includes the sum assured and accrued bonuses that are declared at the time of the maturity of the policy. It is paid out in lump sum to you or your nominee.
  • Death Benefit: Nominees or beneficiaries get a death benefit if the policyholder dies after the completion of the deferment period.
  • Tax Benefits: Premiums for a child insurance policy are exempt from the tax under section 80C of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961. The amount paid to you on maturity is also tax-exempt under section 10D.

There are many reasons why buying a child insurance policy is a good idea. It provides financial protection for your child in the event of your death. If something were to happen to you, your child would be taken care of financially. Another reason is it can help your child pay for their education. If you pass away, the child's insurance policy would pay for their higher education. But factor in all points, including the deferment period that can impact you while buying a child insurance policy.

Disclaimer - This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited or any affiliated entity. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. You should consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances before taking any action based on the content provided herein.

Recent Blogs

Will A Child Insurance Plan Really Ensure Your Childs Future Thum Desktop
Can a Child Insurance Plan Ensure Your Child’s Future Financially?
29 July '26
1110 Views
7 minute read
Child insurance plans are best investment plan for your child’s future. Learn how child insurance plans work to secure a child’s future through savings, life cover, education funding, and protection in case of parental contingencies.
Read More
Child Plan
5 Features Of The Best Child Plans In India Thum Desktop
5 Key Features of Top Child Plans in India 2026
28 July '26
8900 Views
7 minute read
Discover 5 must-have features in a child plan. Guaranteed education fund, flexibility, safety cover, growth options and tax benefits for smart planning.
Read More
Child Plan
Planning Your First Child Thum Desktop
Planning Your First Child: Financial Steps to Prepare in 2026
28 July '26
911 Views
8 minute read
Learn how to plan for your first child by preparing finances, managing expenses, choosing insurance and building savings for a secure future.
Read More
Child Plan
Why Have Child Education Plans Become A Necessity Thum Desktop
Why Child Education Plans Are Important for Long-Term Planning?
28 July '26
1023 Views
7 minute read
Reasons child education plans are considered important, covering rising education costs, financial preparedness, and structured long-term planning.
Read More
Child Plan
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Thum Desktop
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana 2026: Interest Rate, Calculator & Benefits
28 July '26
6897 Views
15 minute read
Check latest SSY interest rates, eligibility, tax benefits, maturity amount & Sukanya Samriddhi calculator for 2026.
Read More
Child Plan
How To Build An Education Fund For Your Child Thum Desktop
How to Plan an Education Fund for Your Child?
28 July '26
1180 Views
10 minute read
Practical guidance on planning an education fund for your child, including savings methods, investment options, and future education cost planning.
Read More
Child Plan
Whole Life Insurance To Secure Your Childs Future Thum Desktop
Using Whole Life Insurance to Secure Your Child’s Future
28 July '26
2216 Views
12 minute read
Learn how whole life insurance helps secure your child’s future by offering lifelong coverage, financial stability and long-term support for education and goals.
Read More
Child Plan
Why Investing in a Child Insurance Plan Secures Your Child’s Future
Benefits of Investing in a Child Insurance Plan in 2026
28 July '26
3567 Views
7 minute read
Discover why a child insurance plan is essential. Learn how it offers investment growth, premium waivers, tax benefits, and financial protection for you.
Read More
Child Plan
4 Reasons To Buy Savings Plan For Your Childs Future Thum Desktop
4 Reasons You Should You Buy a Savings Plan for Your Child?
28 July '26
1115 Views
8 minute read
Explore 4 compelling reasons to invest in a child savings plan. Long-term financial security, education funding, tax benefits, and peace of mind for your child’s future.
Read More
Child Plan

Child Insurance - Top Selling Plans

We bring you a collection of popular Canara HSBC life insurance plans. Forget the dusty brochures and endless offline visits! Dive into the features of our top-selling online insurance plans and buy the one that meets your goals and requirements. You and your wallet will be thankful in the future as we brighten up your financial future with these plans.

Fixed Returns, Zero Risks & Worries

iSelect Guaranteed Future Plus
  • 4 Plan options
  • Life cover + Guaranteed benefits
  • Accidental death benefit
  • Premium protection cover

Don't Just Survive, Thrive

Guaranteed Assured INcome
  • 3 Plan options
  • Life cover + Guaranteed income
  • Get Total Premiums at maturity
  • Early income from 2nd policy year

Save, Dream, Plan. Live Peacefully

iSelect Guaranteed Future
  • 5 Plan options
  • Option to choose PPT
  • Get Tax benefits
  • Premium protection cover