everything-you-need-to-know-about-postal-life-insurance-scheme

Postal Life Insurance Scheme: Everything You Need to Know

Postal Life Insurance plans are a great investment for anyone who is working under the Indian Government. Read below to find more details about PLIs.

 

Considering life’s uncertainty, your family’s future is your biggest concern. Getting life insurance is one of the best decisions. However, it is rare to find a scheme that gives you high returns at low premium rates. Moreover, even if it promises you these benefits, is it worthy enough?

The Postal Life Insurance Policy (PLI) gives you all the mentioned benefits with the trust of the Indian Government. It is one of the oldest insurance products in India.

Key Takeaways

  • Central and state government employees, such as those working in defence and public sector undertakings and other government-aided bodies, can enjoy the benefits of Postal Life Insurance (PLI).
  • Eligible individuals go for PLIs because they not only offer high returns but also have pretty affordable premium rates.
  • There are not one but several PLI policies which you can buy as per your financial needs. These include Whole Life Assurance, Endowment Assurance, and Joint Life Assurance.
  • The tax deductions, premium discounts, nomination facilities, and loan options make these plans even more attractive.
  • You can easily transfer, revive, and make payments for the Postal Life Insurance scheme. Payments are accepted via salary deductions, online payments, and post offices, too.

What is the Postal Life Insurance Scheme?

Postal Life Insurance is an insurance scheme that the Government of India offers to Central and State Governments, public sector undertakings, educational institutions aided by the Government, nationalized banks, etc.

PLI’s best feature is that it fetches good returns at extremely low premium limits.

Features of Postal Life Insurance

  • The scheme provides tax exemption to the insured under Sec. 88 of Income Tax Act.
  • If you pay the premium in advance for a policy period of 6 months, you are eligible for a discount on a premium worth 1% of the value.
  • If you pay the premium in advance for a policy period of 12 months, you are eligible for a discount on a premium worth 2% of the value.
  • A nomination facility is provided.

What Is the Eligibility Criteria Of Postal Life Insurance?

Postal Life Insurance allows many types of Government employees and other people working in public institutions. The Postal Life Insurance (PLI Scheme) provides coverage for the following:
 

Eligible Persons

All the Employees of:

  • Central/State Government (This includes people hired on a contract basis)

  • Defence Services

  • Paramilitary Forces

  • Reserve Bank of India

  • Local Bodies

  • Autonomous Bodies under the Government

  • Nationalised Banks

  • Public Sector Undertakings

  • Government-assisted Educational Institutes

  • Government Universities

  • Employees of listed companies of BSE and NSE

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Application Status

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Plan Name

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PLI Statistics: A Detailed Report
 

Year

Total Number of Policies Obtained in a Financial Year

Sum Assured of all the policies (In ₹, crores)

Total Number of Policies Active at the End of the Financial Year

Overall Sum Insured (In ₹, crores)

Total Income Acquired Through Premiums (In ₹, crores)

Corpus of Funds

2011-2012

482423

13288.15

5006060

76591.33

3681.03

23010.55

2012-2013

454053

14695.59

5219326

88896.46

4557.29

26131.34

2013-2014

433182

16129.39

5406093

102276.08

5352.01

32716.26

2014-2015

324022

14276.91

5242257

109106.93

5963.46

39536.33

2015-2016

198606

9644.97

4930838

109982.09

6657.03

46302.72

2016-2017

213323

11096.67

4680013

113084.81

7233.89

55058.61

Did You Know?

In 1894, PLI was the first modern insurance company to cover female employees in their insurance policies.

Source: India Post

Young Term Plan

6 Types of Insurance Plans under Postal Life Insurance

There are six types of insurance plans offered under Postal Life Insurance Scheme offers:

1. Whole Life Assurance (Suraksha)

Under this scheme, the assured amount with the accumulated bonus is either paid to the insured after they reach the age of 80 or to the nominee or legal heir following the insured’s death -- whichever comes first.

Other details:

  • Applicable age limit: 19-55 years.
  • Assured Minimum Sum: Rs. 20,000
  • Assured Maximum Sum: Rs. 50 Lakhs
  • Loan facility: available after 4 years of completion
  • Policy surrender: after 3 years of completion

Recommended Read - Difference Between Life Insurance and Life Assurance

2. Endowment Assurance (Santosh)

Under this scheme, the assured sum with the accrued bonus is paid to the proponent after reaching the pre-decided age of maturity.

In the event of the death of the insurant, the assured amount with bonus is paid to their nominee or legal heir.

Other details:

  • Applicable age limit: 19-55 years
  • Assured Minimum Amount: ₹ 20,000
  • Assured Maximum amount: ₹ 50 lakhs
  • Loan facility: after 3 years of completion
  • Policy Surrender: after 3 years of completion

Learn how increasing sum assured in a term plan is your weapon against inflation.

3. Convertible Whole Life Assurance (Suvidha)

This policy offers a whole life assurance cover with an option of switching to Endowment Assurance Policy after five years.

Other details:

  • Applicable Age Limit: 19-50 years
  • Assured Minimum Amount: ₹ 20,000
  • Assured Maximum Amount: ₹ 50 lakhs
  • Loan facility: after 4 years of completion
  • Policy Surrender: after 3 years of completion

There are other term insurance plans offered by insurance companies that comes with whole life cover option. If you opt for a whole life cover, you will be insured till you turn 99.

Learn more about whole life cover option.

4. Anticipated Endowment Assurance (Sumangal)

This scheme is suitable for people who require periodical returns. It is essentially a money-back policy with an assured maximum amount of Rs. 50 Lakhs. It offers periodic payment of survival benefits. However, these payments will not be considered in case of unprecedented death of the insurant. In that event, the full assured amount and accrued bonus will be paid to the insurant’s nominee or legal heir.

Other details:

  • Policy term: 15-20 years
  • Applicable age limit for a term policy of 20 years: 19 - 40 years
  • Applicant age limit for term policy of 15 years: 19 - 45 years
  • Periodical survival benefits are available as the following:

For a 15 years Policy - 20% of the assured sum is paid after 6, 9, and 12 years. 40% of the assured sum with bonus is paid on maturity.

For a 20 years Policy - 20% of the assured sum is paid after 8 years, 12 years, and 16 years. 40% of the assured sum with bonus is paid on maturity.

5. Joint Life Assurance (Yugal Suraksha)

This scheme is a joint-life endowment assurance that entails the eligibility of one of the spouses for PLI policies.

Other details:

  • It provides life cover for both spouses to the extent of an assured amount with accrued bonus.
  • Assured Minimum Sum: Rs. 20,000
  • Assured Maximum Sum: Rs. 50 Lakhs
  • Age limit of spouses to be applicable: 21 - 45 years
  • Loan facility: After 3 years of completion
  • In case of the death of a spouse or the main policyholder, death benefits are paid to either of the survivors.

6. Children Policy (Bal Jeevan Bima)

This scheme provides insurance cover to the children of policyholders.

Other details:

  • Maximum number of children of policyholder eligible: 2
  • Age limit for children to be eligible: 5 - 20 years
  • The age of the policyholder or parent should not exceed 45 years.
  • In case of death of the policyholder, no premium has to be paid for the Children Policy.

The PLI has shown appreciable growth in the last decade. Policyholders who are looking for a smart insurance scheme are choosing PLI for its numerous benefits.

Apart from PLI, many insurance schemes yield numerous benefits for shareholders. Canara HSBC Life Insurance has insurance plans specifically tailored for you. Some of them are as follows:

7. iSelect Smart360 Term Plan

This is a highly flexible plan that protects you from the uncertainties of life.

Some of its benefits are as follows:

  • Availability of life cover at affordable prices.
  • Advantage of aligning the plan to suit your needs.
  • Freedom to choose between limited time cover and life cover.
  • Option for adding a spouse to the same insurance policy.

Utmost care must be taken while applying for any insurance scheme. Protecting your loved ones from financial calamities is, after all, your biggest priority.

Having a life insurance policy during these trying times has become an extreme necessity. With COVID-19 spreading like a wildfire in the country, it is wise to be protected financially to secure the future of your loved ones. We often think about our family and how they will manage their lifestyle if something happens to us. So, rather than leaving things to chance and procrastinate – its better if you plan and research about the right life insurance plans that can be beneficial for you.

Postal Life Insurance Benefits & Advantages

There are a number of benefits of the postal life insurance that you can avail yourself of; that is what makes it a preferred choice of the eligible government employees. Here are some key advantages of why opting for PLI can be your perfect financial investment. 

  • Affordable Premiums: These policies have premiums trates that are comparatively lower to any other plan, while keeping the coverage high. 

  • Tax Benefits: Everybody wants to reduce their tax liability, and this can be another way to do so. Its premiums are tax-deductible under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. 

  • Guaranteed Returns: The policies have a guaranteed maturity benefit and several bonuses, offering maximum financial security. 

  • Loan Facility: Another advantage of this scheme is that you can get a loan against it three to four years after it is completed (varies as per your plan).

  • Flexibility with Premium Payment: You can pay via several different modes, including salary deductions, online banking and even at the post offices. 

  • Nomination and Transfer Facility: If you plan to relocate to any other part of the country, the transfer facility is available. Moreover, you can also nominate a person to take charge of your account after your demise. 

  • Policy Revival: In case your policy has lapsed, you can revive it by clearing all the pending premiums and paying all the applicable interest charges. 

 

Benefit

Details

Low Premium Rates

It offers an affordable option for the policyholders to achieve higher coverage at low premium costs. 

Tax Exemptions

Policyholders can enjoy the benefits of tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. 

Bonus and Maturity Benefits 

The returns of the postal life insurance scheme are guaranteed with accrued bonuses that are compounded annually. 

Loan Option

After the completion of three to four of the plans, you can avail yourself of this option.

Easy Payment Options

Several payment choices: Net Banking, at the post office, or via salary deductions. 

Policy Revival

Payment of pending premiums can lead to a revival of the policy after the lapse. (Additional interest may be applicable.)

Transfer Facility

Relocation does not affect the plan and coverage, as you can transfer it across India.

Postal Life Insurance vs. Other Life Insurance Policies

There are so many ways in which postal life insurance is different from other life insurances, from cost-effectiveness and features to the criteria for eligibility. Check out the comparative overview right below:
 

Features

Postal Life Insurance 

Other Life Insurance Policies

Eligibility

Limited to government employees and those working in PSU

Available for all individuals (with some minor limitations depending on the plan and insurer)

Premium Rates

The low premium is because of the government backing

The premium can vary and is usually higher

Sum Assured

There is a cap of ₹50 Lakhs on the maximum limit of the sum assured

The sum assured for other life insurances is usually higher

Can it be transferred?

Yes, the transfer is allowed all across India

Depends on the insurer

Loan facility

You can avail yourself of a loan against this scheme after 3 to 4 years

Loan facilities depend on the terms of the policy

Tax Benefits

Available (Section 80C of the Income Tax)

Available (Section 80C of the Income Tax)

Bonuses and Maturity Benefits

A maturity bonus is assured

Depends on what type of policy you hold

Policy Revival

Possible, certain conditions may affect it

Possible, depending on the terms of the policy

Market-Linked Plans

N/A

Available (ULIPs, etc.)


Key Differences and Similarities -

The choice between PLI and other insurance solely depends on what you are looking for and whether it aligns with your financial planning or not. If you seek security and affordability and are eligible, PLI might work for you. If you are looking for flexibility, start looking for other insurance plans. This might help you understand the concept better. 

  • Not everybody can avail of the PLI, as it is only available to government employees. Meanwhile, other life insurance plans by private insurers are accessible to all. 
  • The premiums for PLIs are lower than other insurance plans, making them a cost-effective option.
  • Loan options and tax benefits are available in both, but PLI may not offer as many diversified investment-linked products as other insurances. 
  • ULIPs and term insurance options are not obtainable with the PLI, which is available in surplus in other plans.

Life 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.

Postal Life Insurance Customer Guidelines

There are some important postal life insurance plan details and guidelines for anyone who invests in a Postal Life Insurance Policy:

  • The policy number will be present on the policy documents. This is needed for future reference or to identify the policy and make any necessary transactions.

  • The policy bond is very important and needs to be stored securely. These documents are required when a policyholder needs to settle their claims. If they misplace or damage their policy bonds, the insurance company will provide them with a replacement copy.

  • PLIs are a policy where the premiums can be deducted from an insured’s pay. With consent from their employer, they can directly pay for their insurance premiums. The premium amount can be deducted from their salary, which will be reflected in the salary slip.

  • A Postal Life Insurance policy can be transferred if an insured receives a job transfer.

  • Premiums for a PLI can be paid by either cash or cheque. Payment facilities include online banking, over-the-counter service at any post office, an Electronic Clearance System, and more.

  • Policyholders must ensure that they provide accurate information concerning address, phone number, and more. This is essential when they make a claim, as the claim cheque will be sent to the address listed in the insurance documents. Policyholders should remember to update their insurance forms about their new address.

  • If a policy has been discontinued and has not been revived during the revival period, the policyholder can request the Chief Postmaster General to revive the policy. This request makes them liable to pay all the pending premiums with an added interest. They will also have to submit a report from a medical examiner certifying that the policyholder is in good health to the insurer.

  • If a policy has been in effect for more than 3 years, insured people can avail themselves of a loan against the policy.

  • Policyholders can contact any PLI officials through a letter or the phone if they have any grievances or issues that need to be resolved. 

Conclusion

Having a life insurance policy during these trying times has become an extreme necessity. It is wise to be protected financially to secure the future of entire families. We often think about our family and how they will manage their lifestyle if something happens to us. So, rather than leaving things to chance and procrastinating – it's better to plan and research the right life insurance plans that can be beneficial for a long time.

Glossary

  1. Nomination Facility: The nomination facility simplifies the claim settlement procedure for any deceased life insurance holders.

  2. Endowment Assurance: This is when a policyholder is assured of the sum until they attain a certain age of maturity.

  3. Whole Life Cover Option: This is a type of life insurance that offers coverage for the policyholder's entire lifetime.

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FAQs

Postal Life Insurance is run and managed by the Post Office. Unlike other insurance providers, PLI usually only offers traditional policies and does not offer term insurance or ULIPs.

 

To be eligible for Postal Life Insurance (PLI) in India, individuals must be employees of Central and State Governments, public sector undertakings, universities, government-aided educational institutions, local bodies, and nationalised banks. Additionally, employees of defence services and paramilitary forces can also avail of PLI.

 

Medical examination is not required for a policy up to ₹5 lakh in PLI for a policyholder younger than 40 years and up to ₹1 lakh in RPLI for a policyholder younger than 35 years.

 

The maximum insurance amount for a PLI policy is ₹50 lakhs.

 

Yes, PLI is a tax-exempt insurance provider. Insurance premiums you pay under PLI policies could be deducted under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

 

The Postal Life Insurance Scheme was introduced on February 1st, 1884.

 

The minimum age limit for entry is 19 years old, and the maximum age for entry is 55 years.

 

Yes, you can pay Postal Life Insurance premiums online through the PLI website.

 

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.

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