Renewable vs Convertible Life Insurance Term Plans

2025-05-02

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Securing the best term insurance plan is one of the most practical steps towards financial preparedness. But what if your needs change midway through the policy term? That’s where renewable and convertible term plans come into play. Both options offer flexibility, allowing you to either extend your coverage or switch to a different plan.

In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between renewable and convertible term plans that help you to decide which option is best for you.

Key Takeaways

Renewable term plans offer short-term coverage with easy renewals and no medical re-checks.
Convertible term plans provide flexibility to switch to a permanent policy with savings benefits.
Medical exams are usually not required in either option at the time of renewal or conversion.
Premiums in renewable plans rise with age, while convertible plans often lock premiums early.
Use a term insurance plan calculator to estimate future premiums wisely.

What is a Renewable Term Insurance Plan?

It is a regular and often considered the best term insurance plan that allows you to renew your existing term plan after the policy ends. In this plan, you don’t need to undergo the pre-qualification process. The most beneficial part of this plan is that you can easily maintain your insurance protection even if your loved ones' age increases or there are changes in their health status.

Key Features of Renewable Term Insurance Plan

Renewable term insurance offers amazing features that make it flexible for long-term coverage, such as:

Flexible Tenure- You can customise the policy duration as per your needs. If you consider a short-term or long-term plan, it offers the flexibility to align with your evolving financial needs.
Automatic Renewal- This plan offers automatic renewal once the policy term ends, eliminating the need for new documentation or formalities. It ensures uninterrupted coverage, making the entire process simple, time-saving, and convenient for the policyholder.
Medical Tests Not Required- Unlike other plans, this policy does not require new medical tests during renewal. This feature simplifies the process significantly, especially for older individuals or those with health concerns, ensuring easy and continued coverage.
Increasing Premiums with Age - As you grow older, health risks naturally increase. While the coverage amount stays the same, the premium increases to reflect these changing medical risks and conditions.

What is a Convertible Term Insurance Plan?

It is a term plan that converts your existing plan into an endowment assurance plan. The insurer has to pay the sum insured under two conditions: the policyholder's demise or maturity. You can easily enjoy the benefits of both insurance coverage and savings.

Key Features of Convertible Term Insurance Plan

Convertible Term Insurance offers unique flexibility by allowing future upgrades. Here’s a quick look at its key features.

Maturity Benefit on Conversion- When you convert your basic term plan into a traditional life insurance policy, you become eligible for a maturity benefit. If you survive the policy term, the insurer will pay you a lump sum at maturity, offering you both security and value.
Flexible Conversion Window- Most convertible term plans give you a limited window to make the switch. You can convert to a permanent plan without a medical exam during this period.
Fixed Premiums Even After Conversion- When you choose a convertible term plan, your premium stays fixed from day one. Even if you convert the plan later, your premium won’t increase. This helps in long-term cost control and financial stability.
No Medical Tests- Convertible plans let you switch to permanent life insurance without going through medical checks. No matter your age or health at the time of conversion, you won’t face rejections or extra charges based on medical risk.
Tax Savings - You can claim a tax deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh on premiums under Section 80c and maturity or death, under Section 10(10d). It helps you to save more while staying protected.

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Differences Between Renewable and Convertible Term Plans

Let’s understand the difference between the two term insurance plans with the help of the table.

Feature	Renewable Term Plans	Convertible Plans
Policy Duration	Renewable at the end of the term	Fixed Duration ( 20-30 years)
Medical Check Requirement	Not required at renewal	Not required at conversion
Premiums	Increase with age at each renewal	Usually fixed till conversion
Conversion Option	Not available	Available in whole or endowment plan

When Should You Choose a Renewable Term Plan?

A renewable term insurance plan is ideal for you if:
You need a low-cost, short-term coverage solution.
You're unsure about your long-term insurance requirements at the moment.
You're currently between jobs or undergoing a career transition.
You prefer to delay committing to a long-term or permanent policy.

With the help of a term plan calculator, you can estimate how premiums may increase with each renewal and decide if this aligns with your expected income growth over time.

When Should You Opt for a Convertible Term Plan?

A convertible term plan may be the better choice if:

You anticipate lifetime coverage in the future.
You're starting a family or launching a new business.
You want to lock in lower premiums while you're still young and healthy.
You prefer starting with basic protection, with the flexibility to convert to a more comprehensive plan later.

This option offers a practical way to begin with affordable coverage and upgrade to a permanent plan as your financial responsibilities increase.

Did You Know?

If you're 30 and need ₹50 lakh cover for 30 years, a term plan may cost just ₹13,747 annually.

Source: Economic Times

Wrapping Up

Both renewable and convertible term insurance plans offer distinct advantages. A renewable term plan gives you flexible, short-term coverage without medical hassles, while a convertible plan provides a bridge to long-term financial protection and savings. Use a term insurance calculator to evaluate your needs, premiums, and future goals - then pick the best term insurance plan for your life stage.

Glossary

Renewable Term Plan: A policy that can be extended after expiry without medical tests.
Convertible Term Plan: A term policy that allows a switch to a permanent or endowment plan.
Maturity Benefit: A lump sum payout if you outlive the policy term (in endowment plans).
Premium: The payment made regularly to keep your insurance active.
Section 80c: Income Tax Act provision allowing deduction on insurance premiums.

FAQs

No, renewable plans do not offer the option to convert to a permanent policy.

No, premiums typically increase with age at each renewal.

No, medical tests are generally not required during conversion.

You’ll lose the conversion option, and the policy will continue as a standard term plan.

Yes, both plans offer tax benefits under Sections 80c and 10(10d).

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.