Top 5 Term Insurance Plans in India 2025:  When it comes to financial security, term insurance remains the most trusted and affordable option for Indian families in 2025. Rising costs of education, housing loans, and medical expenses have made it essential to protect your loved ones with a reliable life cover. The good news is that insurance companies today offer highly flexible plans—some even returning your premiums if you survive the policy.

But with so many insurers claiming to have the “best term plan,” choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’ve done the research for you. Based on claim settlement ratio (CSR), affordability, riders, benefits, and customer reviews, here are the Top 5 Term Insurance Plans in India 2025 you should consider.

1. HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Supreme

• Life Cover: Up to ₹2 Crores

• Max Age Limit: 85 years

• Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR): 99.7%

• Premiums: Starting from ₹1,158/month

Why Choose?
HDFC Life has built trust over decades, and its Click 2 Protect Supreme is one of the most comprehensive plans in India. You can increase life cover at different life stages (marriage, child birth, home loan), ensuring your policy grows with your responsibilities.

Key Features:

• Option to extend your policy at maturity.

• Return of Premium (TROP) benefit available.

• Critical illness and accidental death riders.

• Free health benefits worth up to ₹63,000 annually.

Best For: Working professionals in their 20s–30s who want long-term coverage with room for flexibility.

2. ICICI Prudential iProtect Smart Plus

• Life Cover: Up to ₹20 Crores

• Max Age Limit: 99 years

• CSR: 99.3%

• Premiums: Starting from ₹938/month

Why Choose?
ICICI Pru’s iProtect Smart Plus is known for its high claim settlement ratio and extensive rider options. This plan is especially popular with those who want long-term protection and comprehensive critical illness cover.

Key Features:

• 100% payout on terminal illness.

• Waiver of premium benefit on critical illness.

• Increasing cover option to fight inflation.

• Early exit option after a certain period.

Best For: Families with high financial responsibilities (loans, education expenses) who want maximum protection till late life.

3. Max Life Smart Term Plan Plus

• Life Cover: ₹25 Lakhs – ₹20 Crores

• Max Age Limit: 85 years

• CSR: 99.65%

• Premiums: Starting from ₹910/month

Why Choose?
Max Life consistently ranks among the top insurers in India. Its Smart Term Plan Plus offers 7 plan options, allowing you to customize the coverage as per your lifestyle and family needs.

Key Features:

• Insta-claim payout for quicker settlements.

• Special Exit Value – Get back 2X of premiums paid.

• Whole life coverage option available.

• Flexible payout options: lump sum or monthly income.

Best For: People who want flexible payout structures and value for money.

4. Tata AIA Sampoorna Raksha Promise

• Life Cover: ₹25 Lakhs – No limit

• Max Age Limit: 100 years

• CSR: 99.13%

• Premiums: Starting from ₹1,051/month

Why Choose?
Tata AIA is one of the most trusted insurers with competitive pricing. The Sampoorna Raksha Promise offers joint life options and whole life coverage, making it perfect for married couples.

Key Features:

• Joint life option (cover for spouse under one plan).

• Flexibility to choose whole life coverage.

• Waiver of premium on terminal illness.

• Discounts for female policyholders.

Best For: Married couples and parents looking for comprehensive long-term cover.

5. SBI Life eShield Next

• Life Cover: ₹50 Lakhs – No limit

• Max Age Limit: 100 years

• CSR: 97.05%

• Premiums: Starting from ₹880/month (approx.)

Why Choose?
As India’s largest public sector insurer, SBI Life enjoys unmatched trust. The eShield Next plan comes with multiple payout options and inflation-adjusted cover to safeguard your family’s future.

Key Features:

• Increasing cover option every year.

• In-built critical illness and accidental death riders.

• Three payout options (lump sum, monthly, or hybrid).

• Affordable premiums compared to private players.

Best For: People who want trusted PSU reliability and inflation-linked coverage.

Insurance Company	Plan Name	Max Cover Age	CSR (2023-24)	Premium (Starting)	Special Features
HDFC Life	Click 2 Protect Supreme	85 yrs	99.7%	₹1,158/month	Life stage cover increase, TROP, health benefits
ICICI Prudential	iProtect Smart Plus	99 yrs	99.3%	₹938/month	100% payout on terminal illness, waiver of premium
Max Life	Smart Term Plan Plus	85 yrs	99.65%	₹910/month	7 plan options, Insta-claim, Exit Value 2X
Tata AIA	Sampoorna Raksha Promise	100 yrs	99.13%	₹1,051/month	Joint life, whole life cover, female discounts
SBI Life	eShield Next	100 yrs	97.05%	₹880/month	Inflation cover, PSU-backed trust

 

How to Choose the Best Term Plan for You?

While all five plans are excellent, the best plan for you depends on:

• Your Age: Younger buyers lock in lower premiums.

• Dependents: More dependents = higher cover required.

• Loans/Debts: Home loan, car loan, or education loan should be factored.

• Riders: Critical illness, accidental death, and waiver of premium add extra security.

• Claim Settlement Ratio: Always prefer insurers with 97%+ CSR.

 

How to Apply for SBI Life eShield Next

SBI Life is a trusted name, especially for people who prefer PSU-backed companies. Here’s how you can apply for their eShield Next plan:

Steps:

1. Visit the Website: Go to sbilife.co.in and select “Term Insurance” → “eShield Next.”

2. Calculate Premium: Enter your date of birth, gender, smoking habits, annual income, and desired cover amount. The system will show your premium.

3. Choose Plan Option: SBI eShield Next allows you to choose from three benefit structures — Level Cover, Increasing Cover, or Decreasing Cover.

4. Select Riders: Add extra protection like Accidental Death Benefit, Waiver of Premium, or Critical Illness rider.

5. Fill Online Form: Enter your personal details (address, occupation, nominee details).

6. Upload Documents: Aadhaar, PAN card, salary slip or ITR (to prove income), and sometimes bank statements.

7. Make Payment: Pay the premium using net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.

8. Medical Examination: SBI usually asks for a health test. A representative will schedule it at your nearest center or even at home.

9. Policy Issuance: Once approved, your e-policy will be sent to your email. A physical copy is usually delivered within a week.

How to Apply for Tata AIA Sampoorna Raksha Promise

Tata AIA’s plan is famous for its joint life cover (covering both spouses).

Steps:

1. Visit Tata AIA Website: Open tataaia.com → go to “Life Insurance Plans” → “Term Insurance.”

2. Select Sampoorna Raksha Promise: Use their calculator to estimate premiums for the sum assured you want.

3. Customize Coverage: Choose if you want:

   • Regular term cover (till 60/70 years), or

   • Whole life cover (till 100 years).

4. Add Riders: Pick riders like Accidental Death, Waiver of Premium, or Disability Benefit.

5. Fill Application Form: Provide details about your health, lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol), and nominee information.

6. Submit KYC & Income Proof: Upload Aadhaar, PAN, and income proof (salary slips or Form 16).

7. Pay Premium Online: Securely pay using cards, net banking, or wallets.

8. Medical Test: Tata AIA usually arranges a medical check-up. In metro cities, they even offer home medical visits.

9. Approval & Policy Document: Once everything is cleared, your e-policy document is emailed, and a hard copy is couriered to your address.

How to Apply for Max Life Smart Term Plan Plus

Max Life is a favorite among salaried professionals because of its multiple payout options.

Steps:

1. Visit Official Portal: Open maxlifeinsurance. com.

2. Choose the Plan: Go to Term Insurance → Smart Term Plan Plus.

3. Calculate Premium: Fill in details like age, annual income, smoking habit, and cover amount. The premium calculator will display different options.

4. Pick Benefit Option: Max Life offers 7 payout choices (lump sum, monthly, increasing income, etc.). Choose the one that fits your family’s needs.

5. Add Riders: Critical Illness Rider, Waiver of Premium, Accidental Death cover.

6. Fill Personal & Nominee Details: Make sure nominee information is accurate, as this is crucial during claim settlement.

7. Upload Documents: Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, and income proof.

8. Pay Premium: Complete payment through card, UPI, or net banking.

9. Medical Examination: Usually required. Max Life schedules it at a nearby center or sends a professional to your home.

10. Get Policy: Once approved, the e-policy is shared on email and physical copy via courier.

How to Apply for ICICI Prudential iProtect Smart Plus

ICICI Prudential is known for its long-term coverage up to 99 years and strong claim settlement.

Steps:

1. Visit Website: Go to iciciprulife. com.

2. Choose Term Insurance: Select iProtect Smart Plus.

3. Enter Details: Fill in age, smoking habit, annual income, cover needed.

4. Customize Cover: ICICI allows you to add features like:

   • Increasing cover (for inflation),

   • Whole life option,

   • Family income payout option.

5. Add Riders: Critical Illness cover, Waiver of Premium, Accidental Death benefit.

6. Fill Online Application: Provide personal info, nominee details, and health declarations.

7. Submit Documents: Aadhaar, PAN, income proof (salary slip or ITR), and medical history (if applicable).

8. Make Premium Payment: Multiple payment modes available.

9. Medical Test: ICICI almost always requires a quick health check-up. Appointment is arranged at your convenience.

10. Policy Approval: After verification, your soft copy policy is emailed, and a hard copy is delivered.

Pro Tips for Smooth Application

• Apply early: The younger you are, the lower the premium.

• Be honest: Always declare smoking/drinking habits and medical history truthfully. False information may cause claim rejection later.

• Compare riders: Sometimes riders add huge value at a small cost.

• Keep income proof ready: Insurers ask for salary slips, ITR, or Form 16 to justify high cover amounts.

• Prefer online purchase: It’s cheaper (because of low agent commission) and faster. best loan find

FAQs on Term Insurance 2025

Q1. Which is the best term insurance plan in India in 2025?
HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Supreme, ICICI iProtect Smart Plus, and Max Life Smart Term Plan Plus rank among the best due to their high CSR, flexibility, and value-added riders.

Q2. Can I buy more than one term insurance policy?
Yes, you can hold multiple term policies from different insurers. At claim time, your nominee can claim from all insurers.

Q3. Do term plans offer maturity benefits?
Standard term plans don’t, but Return of Premium (TROP) options refund your premiums if you outlive the policy.

Q4. Is term insurance cheaper if I buy at a young age?
Absolutely! Premiums are lowest when bought early (20s–30s) because risks are lower.

Q5. How much life cover should I choose?
A thumb rule is 10–15 times your annual income plus any outstanding liabilities like home loans or education expenses.