What are the two types of life insurance companies?

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Reviewed by Tony Steuer  

What are the two types of life insurance companies?
Tony Steuer
Life Insurance

Tony Steuer is a financial wellness advocate, podcaster and speaker, and the author of "Questions and Answers on Life Insurance." His advice has been featured in media outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Fast Company, Forbes and CNBC. He has a bachelor of science degree in finance from California State University and holds the following designations: Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Life and Disability Insurance Analyst (LA) and Certified Personal and Family Finance Educator (CPFFE).


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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What are the main types of life insurance policies in India?

A. Following are the different types of life insurance policies that are available in India:

  • Term Insurance
  • Term insurance with return of premium
  • Unit Linked Insurance Plans
  • Endowment plans
  • Moneyback policy
  • Whole life insurance
  • Group life insurance
  • Child Insurance Plans
  • Retirement Plans

Q. What are the benefits that different types of life insurance policies offer?

A. Following are the primary benefits of life insurance plans in India:

  • Financial Security
  • Life Coverage
  • Long Term Savings
  • Investment Options
  • Tax Benefits under Section 80C & 10 (10D) of income tax act 1961. As per prevailing tax laws subject to change

Q. What are the life insurance tax benefits?

A. You can avail various tax benefits with several life insurance policies in India. Under Income Tax Act, 1961, you can avail deductions under Section 80C up to Rs.1.5 lakh on the life insurance premium paid. Also, nominee can claim tax deduction under Section 10 (10D) on the insurance payouts received.

Q. What are the different types of Insurance in India?

1. General Insurance

Following are the various types of general insurance in India:

  • Health Insurance
  • Motor Insurance
  • Home Insurance
  • Fire Insurance
  • Travel Insurance

2. Life Insurance

Following are the various types of life insurance policies available in India:

  • Term insurance
  • Term insurance with return of premium
  • Unit Linked Insurance Plans
  • Endowment plans
  • Moneyback policy
  • Whole life insurance
  • Group life insurance
  • Child Insurance Plans
  • Retirement Plans

Q. What Is A Whole Life Insurance?

A whole life insurance is a type of insurance plan that provides an extended life coverage until the death of the policyholder. In most cases, a whole life insurance policy stays in force all throughout the policyholder’s life, given they regularly pay the premiums.

Under a whole life insurance policy, the sum assured or the life cover gets decided during the time of policy purchase, and the same is paid to the policy nominee at the time of claim – when the life assured (policyholder) dies.

Usually, for most whole life insurance policies, the standard maturity age is 100 years, and in case the policyholder passes away before completing 100 years, then the sum assured is paid out to the nominee. However, in case the policyholder outlives the age of 100 years, then the insurance provider pays out the matured endowment coverage to the policyholder.

Q. Is it complicated to calculate premium for term insurance online?

No, using an online insurance calculator to calculate premium for term insurance is very easy. When you calculate premium for term insurance online, you need follow a few, simple steps, that require your input, such as:

1. Personal Details (Name, Gender, Date Of Birth, Annual Income, etc,.)

2. Critical Insurance Values (Sum Assured, Policy Tenure, Premium Payment Duration, etc,.)

3. Choose Add-On Rider options (Accidental cover, Critical illness, future waiver of premium, premium break, etc,.)

By entering these information, you can effortlessly calculate premium for term insurance, and compare plan to buy the best one.

Q. Is whole life insurance expensive than term plan?

Usually, whole life insurances have higher premiums when compared to term insurances. However, unlike term insurance, where the premiums increase at the time of renewal, with whole life insurance, the premiums stay the same for your whole life. 

Q. Can I purchase two different types of life policies at same time?

Yes, you can absolutely buy different types of life insurance policies. Typically, many individuals invest in multiple life insurance types to create a well-rounded investment and financial portfolio.

Q. How much does life insurance cost?

Different types of life insurance policies have different premium rates, as it takes into consideration a lot many factors such as age, annual income, existing medical conditions, liabilities and more. However, amongst the many life insurance policies in India, one of the most affordable option is term insurance, given you buy the policy as early in your life as possible.

Q- Are riders a type of life insurance policy?

No. Riders are optional add-ons that you can avail in order to enhance your existing life insurance cover and they cannot be purchased independently. Some examples of riders in life insurance policies include accidental death, critical illness, future waiver of premium, premium break, etc. Opting for riders can increase the premium payable for the policy but these add-ons can provide you additional protection against various risks.

Q- Will my existing life insurance policy premium increase due to COVID-19?

No. Even though there are news reports that life insurance premiums are increasing as a result of COVID-19, this change will impact individuals who are buying new life insurance policies. If you have an existing policy your life insurance premium will not increase currently.

Source:

[1] http://www.policyholder.gov.in/What_Life_Insurance_to_Buy.aspx

https://www.sbilife.co.in/en/knowledge-centre/insurance-basics-financial-advice/what-is-rider-in-insurance

https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/premiums-on-new-life-insurance-premiums-for-both-term-plans-and-endowment-are-rising/articleshow/88889744.cms

What are the 2 different types of life insurance?

There are two primary categories of life insurance: term and permanent. Term life insurance lasts for a set timeframe (usually 10 to 30 years), making it a more affordable option, while permanent life insurance lasts your entire lifetime.

What are the 3 main types of life insurance?

The three main types are whole, universal life insurance, and term life insurance.

What is the most basic type of life insurance?

The most common type of life insurance is term life insurance. Term life insurance is the simplest and most affordable type of life insurance. It provides coverage for a specific period of time, or “term.” If you die during the policy term, your beneficiaries will receive a death benefit.

What are the two most important types of insurance?

Most experts agree that life, health, long-term disability, and auto insurance are the four types of insurance you must have.