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What is Zero Cost Term Insurance?

Zero-cost term insurance is a new kind of term insurance benefit that allows policyholders to exit the term insurance at a particular time and to take their premium amount paid to the insurer back. A zero-cost term plan promises insuranceholders 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, forgo the policy, and have all your premiums returned at the end of the policy tenure.

However, there is an important catch under the zero-cost term insurance benefit: It offers premium payments back after the GST deductions, which may vary according to tax laws and the insurer. When opting for a zero-cost term insurance benefit, customers cannot opt for the return of premium option. You can opt only for 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 us understand the zero-cost term insurance plan with an example.

Rakesh, a 40-year-old living with his wife and 10-year-old daughter has borrowed a housing loan worth Rs 50 Lakhs. To ensure his family’s financial stability in case of his demise, Mr. Rakesh avails zero-cost term insurance policy with a policy term of 30 years. The family will receive a sum assured of Rs 50 Lakhs in case he passes away. After 15 years Mr. Rakesh’s daughter starts earning and is financially independent. After Mr. Rakesh got good investment returns, he paid off his housing loan and realized he no longer needed the term cover. With the help of a zero-cost term insurance plan that he invested in, Mr. Rakesh now opts to exit the policy and receives the premiums he paid towards the policy back.

Top Zero Cost Term Insurance Plan In India For 2024

Insurance Providers Name of Term Plans Entry Age Sum Assured Unique Features Check Plans
Max Life Insurance 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.
  • Tax Benefit

    Zero Cost term insurance policy offers tax benefits to the insurance holders under section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Moreover, the death benefit paid to the nominee is also eligible for tax benefit 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

    When insurance holders opt for a zero-cost term insurance plan they can be assured of affordable premium rates as these plan variants are not as expensive as their Return of Premium Plan counterparts. 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 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 who are selling zero-cost term insurance such as Max Life Insurance, Bajaj Life Insurance, HDFC Life Insurance, and ICICI Life Insurance.

Term Insurance is a simple and pure protection cover wherein the insurance holder pays the premiums to the insurance providers and gets a life cover. If the insured individual dies, the nominated individual gets the term insurance benefit, which is the assured death benefit to continue a comfortable lifestyle.

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 leave the policy after a certain policy tenure. 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 policy 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

    Zero-Cost Term Insurance Plan does provide you the benefit of exiting the policy after a certain policy period. However, before purchasing a zero-cost term insurance policy you must keep in mind that the policy term aligns with your financial goals and liabilities to take full advantage of the potential provided by a zero-cost term insurance.

  4. Optional Riders

    Zero Cost term insurance plan offers a plethora of benefits to the customers and one of them is an additional array of riders. Riders are additional advantages added to your base policy on a nominal premium charge. These riders may cover accidental death benefits, critical illness benefits, and more. Before purchasing a zero-cost term insurance make sure you consider the optional riders available under a zero-cost term insurance plan.

  5. Terms and Conditions

    As lucrative as the name zero-cost term insurance sounds, we know for a fact that nothing is available at zero cost. It is essential to read the terms and conditions of zero-cost term insurance policy thoroughly and make sure there are no hidden charges. Customers must ask these queries to their insurance providers to make a better purchase decision.

How To Purchase Zero Cost Term Insurance from PolicyX.com

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

  • Go to the top of this page of PolicyX.com. Fill out the form 'Free Quotes from Top Companies' and click on 'Continue'.
  • Select your income and city. Click on the 'Proceed' option.
  • Select the zero-cost term plan at the top of the page.
  • Select a plan after estimating your needs.
  • Click on ‘Purchase’.
  • Make the payment.
  • A confirmation email with the soft copy of the policy will be sent to your registered email ID upon successful completion of the process.

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- Aadhar card/PAN card/Passport.
  • Age Proof- Aadhar card/PAN card/Passport.
  • Address proof- Aadhar 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 due to its best services and 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 exceptional 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 an apt 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 you to exit the policy whenever you want, you still have to serve a certain amount of policy period before availing of 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 of the special exit feature only after a certain amount of years mentioned during the purchase of the policy. 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?

There are multiple insurance providers that offer zero-cost term insurance plans, such as Bajaj Allianz, HDFC Life Insurance, ICICI Prudential, 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. Return of premium plan premiums is generally more expensive than zero-cost term plans wherein you don’t have to pay extra in order 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 the Income Tax Act.

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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