20-lakh-term-insurance

20 Lakh Term Insurance

Explore everything you need to know about ₹20 lakh term insurance: coverage, benefits, suitability, and comparisons.

Explore everything you need to know about ₹20 lakh term insurance: coverage, benefits, suitability, and comparisons.

Selecting the right term insurance policy is one of the most important steps in establishing a secure financial future for your family. A ₹20 lakh term insurance policy is generally considered a starting point in terms of coverage amount, but it is very meaningful to those with limited financial obligations or who are starting out on their financial journey. It keeps your family from suffering financial obligations in case you are not around and enables you to customise the protection in line with your requirements.

Whether you are a salaried individual, a one-income family, or want to add a second layer of protection to your current policies, a ₹20 lakh term insurance policy can prove to be a budget-friendly option. Knowing its features, advantages, and comparing it to other plans is important to make the best decision.

Key Takeaways

  • ₹20 lakh term plan offers affordable life cover for young earners or families with limited liabilities

  • Ideal for young professionals, parents, or retirees needing basic financial protection for dependents

  • It can be enhanced with riders or upgraded later as responsibilities and income grow over time

  • Compare plans by payout options, claim ratios, premiums, and riders to find the best fit

  • Start small with ₹20 lakh, then scale coverage as your financial needs and life goals evolve

What is a ₹20 Lakh Term Insurance Plan?

A ₹20 lakh term insurance plan is a life insurance policy that offers your nominee a fixed sum of ₹20 lakhs in case of your untimely demise during the policy term. Unlike traditional life insurance products, term insurance is purely protective in nature and does not have a savings or investment component, which makes it more affordable and straightforward.

This plan is perfect for someone who wants a simple yet sufficient coverage amount for their family's future. Although the premium is modest, the plan provides a financial safety net that will assist in meeting short-term obligations, household expenses, and education for children.

Calculate Term Insurance Premium

A term insurance calculator is a useful online tool that helps you determine how much coverage you need based on your income, lifestyle, and family’s needs.

1
My Income
2
My current Cover
3
Additional Details
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Our Recommendation
My Income
My current Cover
Additional Details
Our Recommendation
Total Life Cover Recommended
50 Lakh
12.5 Lakh
75 Lakh
Zero
1 Crore
Where do you stand
Additional Life Cover
Hi {name}
To secure your family’s financial future and protect their dreams,
you’ll need an additional cover of
rs 10,000
Note: This is a very brief calculation of HLV
Secure Now
Recalculate
Desclaimer-

The above calculation and illustration of figures are indicative only and not on actual basis.

Why Buy a ₹20 Lakh Term Insurance Plan?

A term insurance 20 lakh is suitable for individuals looking to begin their financial protection journey. It is affordable, simple, and can provide peace of mind knowing your family is financially covered.

  • Affordable Entry-Level Coverage: A ₹20 lakh term insurance policy is usually cheaper than higher sum assured plans, and is a great option for young working professionals or for people on a tight budget. You have enough protection without digging deep into your monthly income.
  • Protects Immediate Liabilities: For most, debts like personal loans, education loans, or short-term EMIs prove burdensome for a family in the event of the policyholder's death. This sum assured amount can easily pay off these obligations.
  • Suited for Nuclear Families or Single Dependents: In case you are maintaining only one or two dependents, a ₹20 lakh term plan will more than adequately cover living costs, school fees, and necessary expenses for a decent period of time.
  • Supplements Existing Life Cover: Numerous individuals already possess a group insurance policy from their company. A ₹20 lakh term plan can serve as an additional layer of security, providing greater financial security over and above job-linked benefits.
  • Easy to Upgrade Later: You don't have to be locked into the ₹20 lakh term plan forever. Several term insurance policies provide upgrades or top-ups as your financial commitments increase.
  • Peace of Mind with Minimal Investment: With premiums starting at just a few hundred rupees monthly, this policy provides a cost-effective means of ensuring peace of mind and financial security for your loved ones.
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Did You Know?

Nearly 81% of Indians feel a life cover of less than 10× income is enough, but urban cover averages just 3.1× income.

 

Source: BS 

Young Term Plan - 1.5 Crore

How Does a ₹20 Lakh Term Plan Work?

The operation of a ₹20 lakh term policy is simple: you pay a premium periodically, and on your untimely death within the policy term, your nominee is paid ₹20 lakhs in a lump sum.

  • You select the policy duration (for example: 10, 20, or 30 years) and the sum assured of ₹20 lakhs

  • You pay premiums every month, every quarter, or yearly, as convenient for you

  • If you outlive the policy duration, there is no survival benefit, unless you choose a Return of Premium (ROP) option

  • Optional riders, such as critical illness coverage or accidental death benefit, can be added at an additional cost

  • Tax relief is available under Section 80C and Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act

Who Should Purchase a Term Insurance of ₹20 Lakh?

This coverage amount is suitable for someone with moderate levels of income or lower financial burdens. It can serve as an excellent foundation for financial stability. 

  1. Young Professionals: Singles at the beginning of their careers can use this plan to cover their parents or spouse. The lower premium levels enable it to fit into tight budgets. It also instils a disciplined savings culture early in life and locks in lower premiums at an earlier age. It also enables them to increase their cover as they grow older with expanding responsibilities.

  2. Single Parents: A single parent managing both income and childcare responsibilities can benefit from a term plan that ensures their child’s future is financially protected. It assures that ongoing education and lifestyle costs will be met. Moreover, it acts as a financial shield, allowing the surviving family members to cope emotionally without immediate financial stress.

  3. Small Business Owners: Entrepreneurs with limited annual earnings and small liabilities can suffice with a ₹20 lakh term plan to provide for their family and manage small business borrowings. It can act as an added protection to cover any personal guarantees associated with business borrowings. The plan also adds credibility while availing loans, demonstrating financial sense and planning.

  4. Homemakers with Financial Contribution: While not conventionally considered income-earners, homemakers contributing to families in some manner can buy a life insurance plan cover to make their family's finances capable of paying for essential services after they pass away. Their contribution to household management, if put into financial terms, can carry considerable financial weight. This policy enables the family to pay for substitute childcare or household care.

  5. Retirees with No Significant Debts: Senior citizens with no huge financial liabilities but planning to leave a small corpus for their family or charity can also opt for this plan. It can be used as a low-cost legacy instrument for wealth transfer. It also pays for funeral or end-of-life costs, relieving the family of financial stress at the time of need.

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How to Select the Best ₹20 Lakh Term Insurance Plan?

Selecting the correct term insurance involves assessing several factors to determine whether the plan meets your financial objectives and life stage.

  1. Verify the insurer's claim settlement ratio, as it reflects the probability that your family's claim will be settled.

  2. Opt for a policy term that pays you until retirement or your children's financial independence. The sooner you purchase, the cheaper your premiums.

  3. Select plans that provide various death benefit payout modes: lump sum, monthly income, or a combination. This enables your family to effectively handle funds.

  4. Supplement your plan with riders such as critical illness, accidental death benefit, or waiver of premium. These provide greater protection.

  5. Assess your existing income and make sure the premium is within your means comfortably. Most policies have flexible options to ensure premiums remain affordable.

  6. Choose insurers with good customer service and accessible policy management via the internet or mobile apps.

Premium Illustration Table

The table below shows how different ₹20 lakh coverage plans of Canara HSBC Life Insurance compare with one another in terms of premiums, benefits, and best usage scenarios.

Plan NameCoveragePremiums (Annual, for a 30-year-old male, non-smoker)Key FeaturesBest for
iSelect Smart360 Term Plan₹20 Lakh Multiple payout options, riders, and return of premiumCustomisable, salaried individuals
Promise2Protect Term Plan₹20 Lakh Simple term cover, no-frills protectionFirst-time insurance buyers
Young Term Plan₹20 Lakh Tailored for the under-35 age group, low premiumsYoung professionals, newly married

Comparison with Other Cover Values

The decision between ₹20 lakh and higher cover amounts is based on your future objectives, dependents, and financial commitments.

  • A ₹50 lakh policy is preferable for those with more loans, education expenses of children, or long-term dependents.

  • ₹1 crore or ₹2 crore term policies offer strong protection for those with high EMIs or multiple dependents.

  • While ₹20 lakh is a good starting point, always consider inflation, future costs, and escalating medical costs before deciding the amount.

  • Use of the Term calculator to gain an understanding of the sum assured you might truly require.

Why Choose Canara HSBC Life Insurance?

Canara HSBC Life Insurance offers a wide variety of term plans tailored to various life stages and budgets, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction. We have a strong claim settlement ratio of 99.31%, ensuring your family receives financial support at the most critical moments. Rider options, flexible terms, and return of premium benefits come with plans to add value. Our plans are easily managed with transparent pricing and accessible online services. Joint life coverage options are available along with income benefit modes, adding even more personalisation.

Conclusion

A ₹20 lakh term insurance plan is a smart and affordable first step towards securing your family’s financial well-being. It provides peace of mind and ensures that your loved ones are protected from sudden financial burdens in your absence.

Canara HSBC Life Insurance provides various plan options under this coverage amount, which suit different needs and priorities. With the proper guidance and knowledge, you can select a plan that suits your present life stage while providing you with scope to expand your cover as your financial obligations grow.

Glossary

  1. Waiver of Premium Rider: Waives future premiums if the policyholder becomes critically ill or disabled
  2. Top-Up Option: Allows policyholders to increase their sum assured mid-term as financial needs grow
  3. Joint Life Cover: A single policy that covers two lives, typically spouses, under one term plan
  4. Return of Premium (ROP): These refunds are paid as premiums if the policyholder survives the term
  5. Group Term Plan: A term insurance policy that provides cover to a group of people, usually employees
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Uncertain About Insurance

FAQs

It depends on your lifestyle, debts, and the number of dependents. It’s ideal for basic coverage or single-income households.

Premiums can start as low as ₹500/month for a 30-year-old non-smoker, depending on plan and tenure.

Yes, many plans offer top-up options or allow upgrading your sum assured as your needs grow.

It suits young professionals, single parents, homemakers, or retirees with minimal financial liabilities.

₹20 lakh is basic entry-level cover; higher sums like ₹50L to ₹1Cr suit those with bigger responsibilities or debts.

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