Why Do You Need Term Insurance Coverage?

Why Do You Need Term Insurance Coverage?

Term insurance is a simple yet powerful financial tool that offers your family complete protection in your absence at the lowest premium possible.

Written by : Knowledge Center Team

2025-12-11

8267 Views

10 minutes read

Planning for the future is always a smart choice, and term insurance is one such financial product that allows you to do so.  We all want to provide our families with the best, and term insurance makes that possible. Term insurance provides your loved ones with financial security in case of any unfortunate events in your life. In this guide, you will explore what term insurance is, how it works, age limits and factors to consider before buying one. 

Key Takeaways 

 

  • Buying a term plan at a young age locks in a lower premium and helps you get instant coverage with fewer health checks.
  • In case of an untimely demise, your family receives the entire sum assured, ensuring a debt-free, stable future.
  • From critical illness to accidental death benefits, term insurance offers customizable riders for enhanced protection.
  • Enjoy tax deductions on premiums under Section 80C and tax-free death benefits under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act.

It is now that people have started realising the necessity of having a life insurance cover. Earlier, getting term insurance coverage was the last thing people had on their minds. The common idea used to be that youth do not need to worry about things like life insurance; these are the things that the elders should take care of, etc. But, it has been seen frequently that the one who cares about their future first, stays happy till the last, as nobody has an idea about what is coming next.

There are various benefits of having term insurance from an early age. Suppose if you buy a term plan at an early age, the premium would be lower than when you buy it when you are aged. Moreover, you would be able to avail coverage from an early age and create financial security and stability for your family without any delay. Since you are buying the plan young, you would also be free from medical complications, and thus the policy would be issued instantly and at low-priced premiums. In the end, you would also be able to lower your tax liability as the premiums that you would pay would be allowed as a tax-free deduction from your salary. Hence, it is clear that you would eventually get profits from all corners.

Get the Best Term Insurance Plan for Your Needs

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 as on

Name of the policy holder

Policy Holder Name

Policy No.

Policy Number

Address of the Policyholder as per records

Address

Unclaimed Amount

Unclaimed Amount
Error

Sorry ! No records Found

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

Request Registered

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

Understanding Term Life Insurance Plan

A Term Life Insurance Plan is nothing but a life insurance policy which provides a person's family with death benefits, particularly through cash if the insured passes away during the term of the plan and thus, saves the family from financial instability and losses, which would have been the case earlier without any insurance. The company calculates the premium for the insurance policy based on several factors, such as:

  • Age of the person

  • Gender of the person

  • Occupation of the person 

  • Residential area 

  • Lifestyle and health, such as alcoholic or non-alcoholic, smoking and other tobacco product consumption 

  • Inclusion of add-on benefits 

  • Family’s medical history 

  • Yearly income of the person

  • Medical test reports and diseases report

The term insurance premium indicates the amount that the insurance company has to bear to ensure the life of the policyholder.

trivia-img

Did You Know?

Many term policies are also “convertible,” as they can be converted into a permanent life insurance policy.

 

Investopedia

 

Young Term Plan - 1 Crore

Benefits of Term Insurance

The top benefits that term insurance coverage provides are as follows:

  • Financial stability for the family: This is the most popularly known reason people take insurance, whether life insurance, property insurance or health insurance and rightfully so. The death of the head of the family or any other bread-earning member can turn the remaining family members' lives into a puzzle. Term life insurance provides the complete sum assured at the time of death and makes the lives of the remaining family members easier and better, though only in financial terms.
  • Protecting the family's future: Every family member has some responsibilities and obligations towards their respective family members, whether their parents, husband/wife or children. Death can effectively stop a person from meeting those obligations and completing his/her duties. With term life insurance plans, one can plan his/her future accordingly. In the event of an individual's death, the insurance company's payment ensures that their children will get a good education and have funds for their marriage and other future needs.

    Similarly, with the right term insurance plan, one's ménage can also have a comfortable life without facing any financial hardships later. Also, suppose one does not have any other assets to pass to their heirs. In that case, they can create an inheritance by buying a life insurance policy and naming them as beneficiaries. This is eventually a great way to set your kids up for a solid financial future and provide for any monetary needs that will arise later.

  • Paying off the debts: Usually enough, almost every individual certainly has some or the other loans. It could be a property loan, home loan, personal loan or an education loan. The proceeds from the insurance pay off an individual's loans and interest and ensure that the burden of these things does not fall upon his/her family.
    Not to mention, having life insurance coverage might bring an individual and their family peace of mind. It eliminates the need to question and worry whether the family will be taken care of when you are no longer with them. Life insurance protects a person's heirs from unknown bad situations and helps them through an otherwise difficult time of loss.

Eligibility and Considerations for Term Plan for Non-Working Spouse

  1. Massive Coverage, Low Premiums: Due to the absence of benefits and other various complexities, the term insurance plans provide high coverage at usually low premiums affordable to most people. Suppose a person buys life insurance plans online. In that case, the premium rates are lower due to the absence of agents and mediators, which are there during the usual and orthodox offline steps.

    For example, suppose a critical illness rider is opted for and the policyholder is diagnosed with one of the specified illnesses. In that case, he will receive a payout for meeting the condition covered under the rider. Like the base policy benefit, the rider benefit must be decided at the inception of the policy, which thereby fixes the minimum or maximum coverage term and benefits of the rider.
  2. Fixed insurance premium: Once the term insurance company accepts an individual's policy against a particular premium, it will never revise or change the premium during the policy term, in any case whatsoever. Therefore, you can rest assured of paying a fixed amount annually without any further increase in future. The taxes are payable on the premium as per the government of India's prevailing tax laws. Life insurance policies also protect the economic-related future of one's dependents.

    Hence, there cannot be any compromise on the quantum of life insurance an individual takes. Through term insurance, a person can also get the opportunity to be adequately insured, and at the same time, pay nominal premiums compared to other life insurance products that they opt for.
  3. Coverage for Terminal Illnesses: The Term insurance plans can give individuals lump-sum payouts in diagnosing terminal illnesses such as AIDS, etc. These prove to be very beneficial for common families who would not have covered up for them otherwise.
  4. Income Tax Benefits: Regarding premium paid, a person's claim for term insurance coverage also avails a deduction of up to Rupees 1,50,000 per annum under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act 1961. Section 80D allows deduction of up to Rupees 25,000 on premiums for term plans with critical illness cover. Also, the death benefits paid to the nominee (in case of unfortunate death) are tax-free under Section 10 (10D) of the Income Tax Act 1961. A few particulars in relation are as follows:-
    • The tax benefit can be availed if the premium is lower than 10 per cent of the assured sum or if the amount is at least 10 times the premium 
    • It can also be availed if the received amount is more than Rupees 1,00,000, the policyholder’s PAN card is updated, and 1% TDS is applied.
  5. Easy and safe to buy: Buying a term plan is certainly one of the easiest things in today's world. Anyone can compare the premiums of various term plans and choose the plan that perfectly suits the individual. For this, a person can visit the respective company's website and buy the term plan in a few easy steps and get insured.

    Not to forget, term plans bought online are cheaper than regular term plans, which are bought through company offices or agents.
  6. Additional Riders: Many insurers also provide additional benefits, known as riders, that can be added to a base term insurance policy for extra protection. Common riders include accidental death cover, critical illness cover, and return of premium options.
  7. A must-have for high-risk jobs: Life insurance companies also consider the occupation of the person claiming to get insured. But, if the person works in a dangerous or high-risk environment, he/she has a greater chance of dying than someone else whose job is to sit at a desk and work all day. High-risk jobs include the army, aviation, construction, police, firefighting, mining, oil and natural gas, and a few others. Due to these factors, a person doing these jobs has to pay a higher premium than ordinary ones. But, one must also opt for an insurance policy while doing such a job, as it is worth it if something goes wrong, though unexpectedly.

Final Thoughts 

Due to the increasing awareness about life insurance, term plans appeal to most of us because of the inherent benefits of life cover at the lowest possible premium, Income Tax benefits and ultimately for the peace of mind regarding the safety of our near and dear ones. Now you must acknowledge that getting a term insurance policy is certainly one of the most important jobs to do.

Glossary

  1. Sum Assured: The guaranteed amount paid to the nominee in case of the policyholder’s demise.
  2. Rider: An additional benefit that enhances a term insurance plan, like critical illness coverage.
  3. Term Insurance: Term insurance is a type of life insurance that offers financial protection for a set period.
  4. Mutual fund: A mutual fund is a pool of money that is invested in stocks, bonds, and other securities.
  5. Financial Dependents: Family members who rely on the policyholder’s income for their financial well-being.
glossary-img
Uncertain About Insurance

FAQs

Absolutely! Medical underwriting is mandatory for all term plans, whether for you or your spouse. In fact, you need it even when you are adding them to your existing policy. 

In order to purchase a term plan for a non-working spouse, you must submit:

  • Your income proof

  • Your identity proof

  • Spouse’s identity proof

  • Marriage certificate

  • Spouse's medical examination report

You can add riders like health insurance, critical illness benefits, and accidental benefits for your spouse in the joint insurance plan. 

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

What Happens if the Nominee Dies in a Term Insurance Plan?
04 Jan '26
1558 Views
7 minute read
If your nominee passes away while you're still insured, their nomination becomes void. Update your nominee to keep your term insurance secure. Find out how!
Read More
Term Insurance
Is a Limited Pay Term Insurance Plan a Good Idea?
03 Jan '26
881 Views
Learn whether limited pay term insurance plans are a good idea, how they work, who should consider them, and when paying premiums early makes sense.
Read More
Term Plan
What Is Zero Cost Term Insurance and How Does It Work?
03 Jan '26
1396 Views
11 minute read
Understand what zero cost term insurance means, how premium refund works, eligibility conditions, benefits, limitations, and whether this option suits long-term protection needs.
Read More
Term Insurance
What Should Be the Duration of a Term Insurance Plan?
02 Jan '26
1411 Views
7 minute read
How long should my term insurance cover be? Read this blog to know the right term insurance period and also know when you should buy it to ensure complete financial protection for your loved ones.
Read More
Term Insurance
How to Select the Perfect Term Insurance Plan in 2026?
31 Dec '25
3944 Views
12 minute read
Looking for the perfect term insurance plan? Learn key factors to consider when choosing the best coverage to protect your family future. Learn about term insurance benefits, premiums, and more!
Read More
Term Insurance
Can I Buy a Term Insurance For a Cancer Patient in India?
31 Dec '25
2832 Views
10 minute read
Term Insurance for Cancer Patients: While it is impossible to procure an insurance policy for an individual who has already been diagnosed with cancer. Read More!
Read More
Term Insurance
How BMI Affects Your Term Insurance Premium?
29 Dec '25
6889 Views
12 minute read
Learn how your BMI impacts term insurance premiums, why insurers assess weight and height, and how maintaining a healthy BMI can help lower costs.
Read More
Term Insurance
Term Insurance Till Age 99 - How Lifetime Coverage Works?
29 Dec '25
1004 Views
10 minute read
Understand term insurance till age 99 and how lifetime coverage works. Learn benefits, eligibility and why long-term protection matters for your family
Read More
Term Insurance
What Is Pure Term Insurance Plan in India?
29 Dec '25
3414 Views
7 minute read
Learn what a pure term insurance plan is, how it differs from savings-linked policies, what it covers, why premiums are lower, and who should choose it for income protection.
Read More
Term Insurance