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What is the Maturity Date Meaning in Life Insurance?

The maturity date is when a life insurance policy ends, and the insured receives the sum assured if they survive the term.

Written by : Knowledge Centre Team

2025-12-12

849 Views

4 minutes read

Most of the insurance policies have a specific tenure. The date at which your life insurance policy matures, i.e., comes to an end, is known as the maturity date of the policy. On the life insurance policy maturity date, the policy term ends. If your plan includes a provision that you are liable to receive all the maturity benefit (common in savings-oriented plans like endowment/ULIP, or in return-of-premium term plans), the insurer pays the maturity proceeds as per the policy terms.

For example, if you have taken a savings plan for 10 years in 2020, then, after the 10th year, that is 2030, your policy will cease to exist, and you will get the maturity benefit. 

Check out this blog to understand what a maturity date in insurance is, what happens when a life insurance policy matures, and how you can make the best financial decisions to make the most out of your investment.

Key Takeaways
 

  • If the policyholder survives the policy term, they receive the life insurance maturity amount, which usually includes the sum assured and any applicable bonuses (for policies that offer maturity benefits, such as endowment/ULIPs).

  • Certain life insurance policies, like endowment plans, provide additional bonuses that accumulate over time , increasing the maturity benefit.

  • Under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, life insurance maturity proceeds may be tax-free if specific conditions are met.

  • Pure term insurance policies do not offer maturity benefits unless they include a return of premium feature.

  • Endowment plans, money-back policies, ULIPs, and guaranteed income plans all provide life insurance maturity benefits, making them viable investment options.

 

Types of Life Insurance Policies With Maturity Benefits

When selecting a life insurance policy, it’s essential to consider maturity benefit insurance plans. Unlike term insurance, which provides a payout only in case of the policyholder’s demise, these policies ensure that you receive a lump sum upon surviving the life insurance maturity date. Here are some popular options:

  • Endowment Plans: These plans combine insurance with savings. If the policyholder survives until the life insurance maturity date, they receive a maturity benefit as per policy terms, which may include the sum assured and, where applicable, bonuses. This makes it a great option for those seeking financial security along with disciplined savings.
  • Money-Back Policies: These plans provide periodic payouts during the policy term and a lump sum at maturity. This structure ensures liquidity while also securing financial protection for the policyholder’s family.
  • Whole Life Insurance With Maturity Benefits: Although whole life insurance generally provides a payout upon the policyholder’s demise, some policies offer a maturity benefit if the insured person reaches a specific age, ensuring lifelong coverage along with returns.
  • Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs): ULIPs offer investment opportunities along with life cover. The policyholder gets market-linked returns along with the insured sum upon life insurance maturity, making it ideal for long-term wealth creation.
  • Guaranteed Income Plans: These plans provide a steady stream of income post-maturity, making them suitable for retirement planning or long-term financial security.

How to Claim the Maturity Amount? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Claiming the life insurance maturity amount is a straightforward process, provided you follow the right steps. Once your policy reaches its life insurance maturity date, the insurer pays out the maturity benefit as per the policy terms. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you claim the amount hassle-free:

Step 1: Check the Maturity Date of Your Policy:

The first step is to verify your life insurance maturity date. You can find this in your policy document or check with your insurer. Insurance companies usually notify policyholders in advance about the upcoming maturity.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents:

To claim the maturity amount, you need to submit certain documents, including:

  • Original policy document

  • Identity proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, etc.)

  • Bank account details for direct transfer

  • Duly filled discharge form provided by the insurer

Step 3: Submit the Discharge Form:

Your insurer will send a discharge form before the life insurance maturity date. Fill in the required details, sign and submit it along with the necessary documents to the insurer.

Step 4: Verification by the Insurer:

Once you submit the documents, the insurance company will verify them. This process ensures that all details match their records and that there are no discrepancies.

Step 5: Receive the Maturity Payout:

After successful verification, the insurer will transfer the life insurance maturity amount directly to your bank account. The payout usually happens within a few working days of the policy maturity date.

Types of Maturity Dates

When investing in financial instruments such as life insurance policies, a crucial consideration is the policy's maturity date. The maturity date is the date on which the policyholder receives the guaranteed payout, provided they have survived the policy term. The maturity period can vary based on the type of insurance or investment plan. Below are the different types of maturity dates:

  • Short-term Maturity: Short-term maturity policies typically range from 1 to 5 years. These policies are ideal for individuals seeking quick returns or short-term financial goals. In the case of life insurance maturity, short-term policies usually offer lower returns but provide financial security for immediate needs.
  • Medium-term Maturity: Medium-term maturity spans from 5 to 15 years. These policies are designed for individuals planning for future milestones like funding higher education, purchasing a vehicle, or planning a vacation. A life insurance maturity date in this category ensures a balance between affordability and returns, making it a preferred choice for those looking at mid-range financial planning.
  • Long-term Maturity: Long-term maturity policies extend beyond 15 years, often aligning with major life goals like retirement or a child’s education. The life insurance maturity date for such policies ensures that the policyholder receives a lump sum or periodic payouts after years of disciplined investment. These plans often come with bonus additions and higher returns, making them an excellent tool for wealth creation over time.
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Did You Know?

Maturity benefits/survival benefits/annuity payouts/income benefits should be provided on the due date.


Source: ET

 

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Why is the Maturity Date Important?

The life insurance maturity date  is crucial because it determines when a policyholder receives policy benefits (for policies that offer maturity benefits). It is the pre-decided date when a life insurance policy reaches the end of its term, and the insurer disburses the maturity amount if the policyholder survives the tenure.

Understanding the importance of the maturity date is essential for ensuring optimal financial benefits:

  • Financial Planning: A well-planned life insurance maturity date aligns with major financial milestones, such as retirement or a child’s higher education. Policyholders can use the maturity proceeds to meet planned expenses, supplement post-retirement income, or reinvest in other financial instruments for continued wealth growth. By factoring in the maturity date, individuals can make informed financial decisions and ensure long-term stability.
  • Policy Management: Tracking the life insurance maturity date is critical for policy management. Missing out on the maturity payout due to negligence or lack of awareness can lead to unnecessary delays. Regularly reviewing policy details, updating nominee information, and ensuring timely premium payments help policyholders maximise their benefits. Additionally, some policies offer options to extend coverage or convert them into annuities, allowing better flexibility in managing funds.
  • Value Realisation: The maturity date of life insurance signifies the point at which the policyholder reaps the financial benefits of their long-term investment (in savings/investment-linked life insurance plans). Whether it is a lumpsum payout, bonus, or survival benefits, the maturity proceeds ensure that the policyholder receives the maximum value from their life insurance plan. Understanding the payout structure, tax implications, and reinvestment opportunities allows individuals to optimise their returns and secure their financial future.

Maturity Date Vs. Surrender Value: Key Differences

When purchasing a life insurance policy, it is essential to understand the terms of the life insurance maturity date and surrender value. These terms determine the benefits you receive from your policy and can impact your financial planning. While both are associated with policy payouts, they differ in how and when the amount is received.
 

FeatureLife Insurance Maturity DateSurrender Value

Definition

The date when the policy term ends, and benefits (if any) are paid

The amount received if the policy is terminated before maturity

When is it paid?

At the end of the policy term

Anytime after the policy acquires a surrender value

Amount received

Sum assured + Bonuses (if applicable)

A portion of premiums paid (varies based on policy term)

Impact on benefits

Full benefits are received

Benefits are reduced due to early termination

Applicability

Endowment, money-back, and some whole-life policies

Available after the policy has acquired a surrender value (pure term plans typically don’t have a surrender value)

Tax Implications of Maturity Payouts in India

When your life insurance maturity date arrives, you may receive a lump sum payout from your insurer. However, it's essential to understand the tax treatment of such proceeds. The taxation of life insurance maturity benefits depends on several factors, primarily the premium amount and policy terms.

Section 10(10D): Tax-Free Maturity Benefits

Under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, the maturity proceeds of a life insurance policy are generally tax-free if:

  • The annual premium paid does not exceed 10% of the sum assured (for policies issued after April 1, 2012).

  • The annual premium paid does not exceed 20% of the sum assured (for policies issued between April 1, 2003 and April 1, 2012).

  • The policy is not a Keyman Insurance Policy (a policy taken by a company on the life of its employee).

  • For ULIPs issued on or after February 1, 2021: the Section 10(10D) exemption does not apply if the aggregate annual premium for ULIPs exceeds ₹2.5 lakh (subject to prescribed conditions).​

  • For non-ULIP life insurance policies issued on or after April 1, 2023: the Section 10(10D) exemption does not apply if the aggregate annual premium exceeds ₹5 lakh (subject to prescribed conditions/rules).

 

When are Maturity Payouts Taxable?

If the premium paid exceeds the prescribed limit (10% or 20% of the sum assured), the life insurance maturity proceeds become taxable. In such cases:

  • The payout is added to your total income and taxed as per your income tax slab.

  • A TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) of 5% is applicable on the income component under Section 194DA if the payout exceeds ₹1 lakh.

Conclusion

The maturity date in a life insurance policy marks the end of the policy term, ensuring the policyholder receives the financial benefits. Whether you have an endowment plan, a ULIP, or a money-back policy, understanding the maturity terms helps in better financial planning. Make sure to review your policy documents and consult a financial advisor if needed to make the most of your maturity proceeds.

Glossary

  1. Maturity Benefit: The lump sum paid to the policyholder when the policy matures, including the sum assured and bonuses.
  2. Maturity Date: The date when a life insurance policy completes its term, triggering the payout.
  3. Surrender Value: The amount paid if a policy is terminated before maturity, usually a percentage of premiums.
  4. Section 10(10D): A tax provision allowing tax-free maturity proceeds if specific conditions are met.
  5. TDS: The tax withheld by the payer at source and deposited with the government on your behalf.
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FAQs

At the life insurance policy's maturity date, the policy ends its term and may become inactive; any maturity benefit (if the plan offers one) becomes payable to the policyholder.

A life insurance policy’s maturity date is the end of the contract, calculated by adding the policy term (10, 20, 30 years) to the start or issuance date. It marks the point at which, if applicable, maturity benefits are paid to the policyholder upon survival. In insurance, the maturity date refers to the exact payout milestone. Example: A 20-year policy starting 1 July 2024 matures on 30 June 2044, when the insurer pays the sum assured, including any bonuses or cash value.

When your policy reaches its maturity date, you typically submit the insurer’s maturity/discharge paperwork (if required) and then receive the maturity payout as per policy terms (often via bank transfer).

Policy maturity is the event/date when the policy term ends, while the maturity payout is the amount paid (if the plan provides a maturity benefit) on/after that date as per the policy.

“Policy matured” means the policy has completed its term and reached the maturity date; maturity benefits, if applicable under that plan, are due as per policy terms.

A maturity benefit is the amount payable to the policyholder on surviving the policy term in plans that offer maturity benefits (commonly sum assured plus bonuses/additions where applicable, or fund value in ULIPs, as per policy terms).

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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