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Himanshu Kumar
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Himanshu

Himanshu Kumar

Term & Life Insurance

Himanshu is a content marketer with 2 years of experience in the life insurance sector. His motto is to make life insurance topics simple and easy to understand yet one level deeper for our readers.

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Reviewed By:
Naval Goel

Naval Goel

Insurance & Business

Naval Goel, the founder of PolicyX is a well-recognised name in the Indian insurance and finance industry. His global overview has revolutionised the way insurance is perceived and bought by commoners in India.

What is Zero Cost Term Insurance?

Zero-cost term insurance is a new kind of term insurance plan that allows policyholders to exit their policy at a particular time during the policy tenure and get all their premiums back. A zero-cost term plan promises policyholders the return of their premiums on a fixed date. In layman's terms, you can purchase term insurance at the standard market premium rates, pay the premiums for a set number of years, exit the policy at the pre-defined time, and get all the paid premiums back.

A zero-cost term insurance policy offers premium payments back after the GST deductions, which may depend on tax laws and the insurer. When opting for a zero-cost term insurance benefit, customers cannot opt for the return of the premium option. You can opt for only one of the two benefits when purchasing a plan.

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Term Insurance Plans: Get Zero Cost Insurance

Term Insurance Plans: Get Zero Cost Insurance

How Does Zero Cost Term Insurance Work?

Let’s understand how the zero-cost term insurance plan works with an example.

Rakesh, a 30-year-old living with his wife and 2-year-old son, has taken a housing loan of Rs 50 lakhs. To ensure his family is financially stable in case of his demise, he bought a zero-cost term insurance policy with a sum assured of Rs 1 crore and a policy term of 45 years. Let’s understand how the plan works for him with a premium illustration.

Policyholder’s Age Sum Assured Policy Tenure Annual Premiums Total Premiums Paid (till age 60)
30 years Rs 1 crore 45 years Rs 13,800 Rs 4,14,000

Key Takeaways

  • The family will receive a sum assured of Rs 1 crore in case he passes away.
  • After 30 years, Rakesh’s daughter starts earning and is financially independent. Rakesh got good returns from his investment and paid off his housing loan. He realized that he no longer needed the term cover. Rakesh now opts to exit the policy. He will receive the total premiums of Rs 4,14,000.

Top Zero Cost Term Insurance Plans in India in 2025

Insurance Providers Name of Plans Entry Age Sum Assured Unique Features Check Plans
Axis Max Life Insurance Axis Max Life Smart Secure Plus 18 to 65 years Rs 50,000 to 1 Crore Return of premiums, Premium breaks, Special exit value
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Bajaj Allianz E-Touch 18 to 65 years Rs 50 Lakh to No Limit Premium holiday option, Get your premiums back, Flexible premium pay
HDFC Life Insurance HDFC Click 2 Protect Super 18 to 84 years Rs 5,000 to no limit Return of premium, Waiver of premium, Spouse cover
ICICI Prudential life insurance ICICI Prudential iProtect Smart 18 to 65 years N/A Lower premiums for females, Whole life coverage, Affordable premiums
Canara HSBC Life Insurance Canara HSBC iSelect Smart 360 18 to 65 years Rs 5 Lakhs to 2 Crore 3 Plan Options, Child Care Benefits, Spouse Cover
Tired of Pushy Sales? Get Insurance, Your Way Tired of Pushy Sales? Get Insurance, Your Way

Benefits of Zero Cost Term Insurance

Zero-cost term insurance offers a range of benefits to the policyholders that are mentioned below:

  • Exit Before Full Term

    As compared to the return of premium plans, where an individual has to pay premiums till the end of the policy term, a zero-cost plan allows users to exit the policy when they feel they have fulfilled their responsibilities and have no liabilities left.
  • Best for Salaried Individuals

    People working in the public sector can be assured of the security of their family members as the public sector provides for pension, and medical care in case of retirement or death. However, if you are a salaried individual in the private sector it is best to invest in a zero-cost term insurance policy as you can get your premiums back after a particular policy term.
  • Better Financial Planning

    When opting for a zero-cost term benefit, customers have the liberty to choose to avail of their smart exit option when liabilities such as loans, and children’s education are fulfilled leading to better financial planning for a family.
  • Additional Riders to Choose From

    A policyholder has the option to choose additional riders with their zero-term insurance plan to enhance the coverage. There are various riders available, including accidental death benefit rider, terminal illness rider, waiver of premium rider, critical illness rider, etc.
  • Flexible Policy Tenure

    A zero-cost term insurance provides flexibility to choose the policy tenure of your choice. You can choose coverage for 10, 20, 30 years, or even more.
  • Tax Benefit

    A zero cost term insurance policy offers tax benefits to the insurance holders under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Moreover, the death paid to the nominee is also eligible for tax benefits under Section 10 (10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Why Should You Consider Purchasing a No-Cost Term Insurance Plan?

Here are the reasons why you should consider purchasing a no-cost term insurance plan:

  • Affordable Premiums

    The premiums for zero-cost term insurance plans are comparatively less than a term insurance with return of premium plan (TROP). The premium rates of zero-cost term insurance policies do not create financial pressure on your budget.
  • Peace of Mind

    Usually, customers avoid purchasing a term insurance plan because of the common notion that a pure protection plan will not provide any monetary benefit and all the premiums paid to the insurance provider are a waste if the insured individual survives its policy tenure. However, with a zero-cost term insurance plan the customer has the power to exit the policy after continuing the policy for a given number of years as policy tenure.
  • Return of Premiums

    With zero-cost term plans, you can get a return on the premiums paid, excluding the GST, after a certain period, depending on the insurer chosen by you. It does not create a financial burden.

How Is A Zero Cost Term Plan Different From a Pure Term Plan?

A zero-cost term insurance plan has a unique feature wherein insurance holders can exit their term insurance plan and get the return of their premiums. Zero-cost term plan also offers multiple rider options that insurance holders can select. The zero-cost term insurance policy usually has a long policy term of 35-40 years. There are various term insurance companies that are selling zero-cost term insurance such as Axis Max Life Insurance, Bajaj Life Insurance, HDFC Life Insurance, and ICICI Life Insurance.

A pure term insurance plan offers financial security to your family in your absence in exchange for certain premiums. If the policyholder dies during the policy term, their nominee will receive the chosen sum assured to live a comfortable lifestyle. The premiums are comparatively lower and not returned under any circumstances.

Factors To Consider Before Purchasing Zero Cost Term Insurance

There are a few factors that must be considered before purchasing a zero-cost term insurance plan to realize its full potential and benefits.

  1. Understand the Terms and Conditions

    It is important to understand the mechanics of a zero-cost term insurance plan and read its terms and conditions before making the purchase decision. The plan is designed to safeguard your family against any unfortunate incident and also give you the liberty to exit the policy after a certain policy tenure. As we know, everything has a cost, and nothing comes for free. That’s why it’s important to read and understand the terms and conditions of a zero-cost term insurance plan to ensure there are no hidden charges involved. However, every insurance provider has different terms and conditions that are essential to understand to plan your finances better.

  2. Sum Assured

    Zero-cost term insurance plans may provide you with a limited coverage amount which is why it is essential to consider if the policy is offering an adequate sum assured based on your financial obligations, and liabilities such as education loans, home loans, etc.

  3. Consider Policy Term

    The zero-cost term insurance plans allow you to exit the policy after a certain duration. Make sure to choose the policy term that aligns with your future financial goals and outstanding liabilities.

  4. Optional Riders

    Zero-cost term insurance plans offer a range of benefits to the policyholders, and one such benefit is the option to choose additional riders. Riders enhance the coverage of your term insurance plan. Choose riders that best align with your financial goals.

How To Purchase Zero Cost Term Insurance From PolicyX.com

Below are the steps you should follow to purchase a zero-cost term insurance plan

  • Visit PolicyX.com. Click on 'Term Insurance.'
  • Choose your age and gender from the top right corner of the page.
  • Click on 'View Plans' and select your city and annual income. Then, enter your name and mobile number.
  • Click on 'Get Free Quotes.' Enter your date of birth, educational qualification, and smoking habits.
  • Choose a zero-cost term insurance plan that best aligns with your needs.
  • Pay the premiums for the plan, and you will shortly get the payment receipt on your email address and mobile number.

Documents Required to Purchase Zero-Cost Term Insurance

Given below is the list of documents required to purchase a zero-cost term insurance plan.

  • ID proof- Aadhaar card/PAN card/Passport.
  • Age Proof- Aadhaar card/PAN card/Passport.
  • Address proof- Aadhaar card/PAN card/Passport.
  • Income proof- 3-month salary slips/ Bank account statement.

Why Buy a Zero-Cost Term Insurance Plan From PolicyX.com?

Here are the reasons for buying a zero-cost term insurance plan from PolicyX.com:

  1. Compare and Choose the Best

    PolicyX helps you compare a wide range of plans based on their features and choose the one that best fits your requirements.

  2. Hassle-Free Purchase Process

    Buying term plans from PolicyX.com is a hassle-free process as it lets you compare various term plans within 30 seconds.

  3. Customer’s Choice

    PolicyX is a leading insurance aggregator that is trusted and loved by customers for 11 years now due to its best services and quick claim support.

  4. Good Customer Service

    You can contact PolicyX through email or IVR number and one of their insurance experts will connect with you shortly to address all your concerns.

  5. Claim Settlement Support

    PolicyX stands with you even in the hardest of times and provides you with dedicated claim settlement support when required.

Best Zero Cost Term Insurance Plans

We have listed below some insurance providers offering zero-cost term insurance to insurance holders with various features and benefits

Offers financial security and a support system to the policyholder in an emergency. Provides a 5% increment in SA after every anniversary of the policy.

Unique Features

  • Life Stage Option
  • Multiple Coverage Options
  • Increasing Death Benefit

Smart Secure Plus Plan (Pros)

  • Terminal Illness Benefit
  • Smart Exit Benefit
  • Acceleration Death Benefit

Smart Secure Plus Plan (Cons)

  • 1 Year WP for Suicide
  • No Policy Loans
  • No Pre-existing Conditions

Smart Secure Plus Plan (Other Benefits)

  • Death Benefit in Instalments
  • RP, WOP & 3 Riders
  • Additional Cover for Spouse

Smart Secure Plus Plan (Eligibility Criteria)

  • Entry Age - 18 Years
  • Max Entry Age - 84 years
  • Minimum Sum Assured - Adaptable
  • Maximum Maturity Age - 85 years
  • Premium Payment Term - RP/SP/LP

The plan provides pure term and health coverage, providing whole life cover and accidental total permanent disability.

Unique Features

  • Waiver of Premium(WOP)
  • Accelerated Critical Illness(ACI)
  • 4 variants

eTouch Online Term (Pros)

  • Shield
  • Shied Plus
  • Shield Supreme

eTouch Online Term (Cons)

  • No Loans Allowed
  • No Surrender Benefit
  • No Maturity Benefit

eTouch Online Term (Other Benefits)

  • Max Sum Assured 2 Cr
  • Sheild Super
  • High Sum Assured Rebate (HSAR)

eTouch Online Term (Eligibility Criteria)

  • Entry Age -18 Years
  • Max Entry Age- 65 Years
  • Minimum Sum Assured - 50 L
  • Maximum Maturity Age - 75 Yrs
  • Premium Payment Term - 10 to 40 Yrs

A term plan that offers all-around protection to the policyholder as it protects against 36 critical illnesses, accidental death benefits, etc.

Unique Features

  • Life Stage Option
  • Multiple Coverage Options
  • Increasing Death Benefit

HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Super (Pros)

  • Terminal Illness Benefit
  • Smart Exit Benefit
  • Acceleration Death Benefit

HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Super (Cons)

  • 1 Year WP for Suicide
  • No Policy Loans
  • No Pre-existing Conditions

HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Super (Other Benefits)

  • Death Benefit in Instalments
  • RP, WOP & 3 Riders
  • Additional Cover for Spouse

HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Super (Eligibility Criteria)

  • Entry Age -18 Years
  • Max Entry Age - 84 years
  • Minimum Sum Assured - INR 5,000
  • Maximum Maturity Age - 85 years
  • Premium Payment Term - RP/SP/LP

This plan offers an optional accidental death benefit of up to 2 crores, extended coverage until age 99, and includes coverage for Covid-19 claims.

Unique Features

  • Unlimited Maximum Sum Assured
  • Smart Exit Benefit
  • Waiver of Premium Benefit

iProtect Smart Term Plan (Pros)

  • Major Organ Benefit
  • Accelerated Critical Illness Benefit
  • Choose your Policy Term

iProtect Smart Term Plan (Cons)

  • No Loans Allowed
  • Modal Loadings
  • No Maturity Benefit

iProtect Smart Term Plan (Other Benefits)

  • Brain and Nervous System Benefit
  • Heart and Artery Benefit
  • Terminal Illness and Disability Enhanced Protection

iProtect Smart Term Plan (Eligibility Criteria)

  • Entry Age -18 Years
  • Max Entry Age- 65 Years
  • Minimum Sum Assured - NA
  • Maximum Maturity Age - 75 Years
  • Premium Payment Term - RP/SP/LP

A Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Individual, Pure Risk plan that offers 3 plan options with steady income benefits.

Unique Features

  • Life cover till 99 years
  • Child Care Benefit option
  • Income Benefit after 60 years

iSelect Smart360 Term Plan (Pros)

  • 3 Plan Options & Spouse Cover
  • Accidental Death Benefit
  • Accidental Total & Permanent Disability

iSelect Smart360 Term Plan (Cons)

  • No Policy Loan Allowed
  • No Maturity Benefit
  • No Benefit On Revival

iSelect Smart360 Term Plan (Other Benefits)

  • Critical & Terminal Illness
  • Option To Block Your Premium
  • 5% Loyalty Discount

iSelect Smart360 Term Plan (Eligibility Criteria)

  • Entry Age -18 Years
  • Max Entry Age- 65 Years
  • Minimum Sum Assured - 25 L
  • Maximum Maturity Age - 81 Yrs
  • Premium Payment Term - RP/SP/LP(5&25 Years)

Conclusion

Zero-cost term insurance is an ideal plan for individuals who want to offer coverage to their loved ones but also require the flexibility to exit the policy in case they do not require it anymore. It is a right financial tool for salaried individuals as they can receive their premiums back and also exit the policy after fulfilling their financial goals. However, individuals must keep in mind that zero-cost term insurance plans do not allow policyholders to exit the policy whenever they want. You have to pay premiums for a particular policy period before availing the smart exit option offered by these plans.

If you are still confused about which zero-cost term plan is best, then you can contact us at PolicyX.com or call us at 1800-420-0269.

Zero Cost Term Insurance: FAQ's

1. Can customers exit zero-cost term insurance at any given point?

No, zero-cost term insurance plans do not allow customers to exit the policy at any given point in the policy period. You can avail special exit feature only after a certain tenure. in the policy document. Individuals can exit the policy on the basis of terms and conditions laid down by the insurance providers which varies from insurer to insurer.

2. Which insurance provider offers zero-cost term insurance?

Multiple insurance providers offer zero-cost term insurance plans, such as Bajaj Allianz, HDFC Life Insurance, ICICI Prudential, Axis Max Life Insurance, and more.

3. Are zero-cost term insurance plans the same as return of-premium plans?

No, the major difference lies in the fact that in a return of premium plan, the insured individual will receive all the premiums once the policy term concludes and not before that. Whereas in a zero-cost term insurance policy, you can forego the policy after a specific policy term period depending on the policy and insurance provider selected. Thereturn of premium plan premiums is generally more expensive than zero-cost term plans wherein you don’t have to pay extra to avail of a zero-cost term insurance plan.

4. Do all insurance providers offer a zero-cost term insurance policy?

No, not all insurance providers have designed a zero-cost term insurance plan. However, a large number of insurance companies have started offering this particular variant of plan.

5. Are tax benefits available under a zero-cost term insurance plan?

Yes, tax benefits are applicable on premiums paid towards the zero-cost term insurance plans under Section 80 (C) and Section 10 (10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

6. What is the difference between pure-term plans and zero-cost-term plans?

Pure-term plans offer financial protection to your loved ones in case of your demise during the policy tenure with no returns of premiums.

While zero-cost term plans offer a return on premiums after a certain period, depending on the insurer and the policy.

7. Is zero-cost term insurance good?

Yes, zero-cost term insurance is good if you want less financial burden.

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