When most people think of term insurance, they think of basic protection, something that helps financially secure their family in case of an unfortunate event. But what if you could get that protection and get your money back if nothing happens? That’s where a term plan with return of premium (TROP) comes in.
This variant of term insurance offers a sense of financial reassurance. If you outlive the policy, you will receive back the premiums you’ve paid (excluding taxes), and if not, your family will still receive the life cover. It offers a balance that many people, especially those who are cautious with money, find appealing.
The added benefit here is that this kind of plan doesn’t require you to sacrifice peace of mind for savings. You get both. Many premium insurers like Axis Max Life Insurance offer this option, and they’ve built it to suit people who want a smarter return on protection.
What Makes TROP Different from a Regular Term Plan?
At its core, a TROP is still a term insurance policy. It provides life cover for a set duration and pays the death benefit if the insured passes away during that time. However, the significant difference lies in what happens at the end of the policy if the insured survives.
With a standard term plan, nothing comes back. You stay covered for the term, and if you outlive it, there’s no payout. In contrast, a term plan with return of premium offers a maturity benefit. This means you get back all the premiums you paid over the years (excluding GST), almost like a built-in refund mechanism. You pay a slightly higher premium, but you don’t feel like your money went to waste.
The Comparison Between TROP vs. Pure Term Insurance
Here’s how these two plans compare, side by side:
Feature | Pure Term Plan | Term Plan with Return of Premium |
Life Cover | Yes | Yes |
Premium Refund | No | Yes (if policy matures) |
Affordability | Lower premiums | Slightly higher premiums |
Tax Benefits | Yes (Section 80C and 10(10D)) | Yes |
Ideal For | Cost-conscious buyers | Buyers looking for both cover and money-back |
Who Should Consider This Kind of Plan?
A TROP is especially useful if you’re someone who doesn’t like the idea of spending money with no tangible return. For instance, if you’re unmarried and support ageing parents, this kind of plan makes sure they are financially protected either way, through the life cover or the maturity payout.
Even if you’re married with children, it provides an additional layer of security. Managing a household, planning for children’s education, and saving for your future can feel overwhelming, and a term plan that returns your premium offers breathing space.
How the Plan Works in Practice
The structure is straightforward. You pick your sum assured and policy term. You choose your premium payment mode – single pay, regular pay, pay till 60, or limited income. Then, you stay covered for the entire term. If you pass away, your nominee gets the death benefit. If you don’t, you get back all the base premiums paid (excluding GST).
The flexibility in how you pay is a standout feature. Whether you want to pay everything upfront or stagger it across the policy term, there’s an option. That flexibility can be helpful when you’re planning your finances for the long term.
Why Cost Shouldn’t Be Your Only Concern
TROP premiums are higher than standard term plans. But here’s the trade-off – you get something back. If you’re the kind of person who is budgeting down to the last rupee, that matters. Instead of viewing it as an expense, it becomes more like a disciplined savings plan that also gives you protection.
Now, when comparing plans, you’ll see that a basic term plan with a sum assured of ₹50 lakhs may cost around ₹12,000 annually. A TROP for the same coverage may cost around ₹21,000. That’s a noticeable jump, but the premium is not lost. It comes back to you.
Add-on Benefits that Offer More Than Just Protection
Here’s where this gets even more interesting. Many insurers offer riders like critical illness cover, accidental death benefit, or waiver of premium, along with the TROP. These are small additions that can significantly increase your coverage.
So if you’re buying a term plan with return of premium, and you’re also worried about serious illnesses or losing your job, these riders give you a broader safety net. You stay in control even when life throws something unexpected at you.
Understanding the Surrender Value
Life can change, and you may need to exit the policy early. That’s when the surrender value feature kicks in. You’re eligible for this value once you’ve paid premiums for a minimum number of years, usually two for regular or limited pay plans.
Depending on how long you’ve paid and the structure of the policy, you get back either the Guaranteed Surrender Value (GSV) or the Special Surrender Value (SSV), whichever is higher. While this isn’t the main appeal of the plan, it does offer a fallback.
This helps if you’re someone who likes to plan for worst-case scenarios. It’s not an ideal outcome, but it’s a decent safety net.
Why Axis Max Life Insurance Plans Are Worth Considering
Among the many insurance providers in the market, insurers like Axis Max Life Insurance have consistently stood out. Their policies are not just packed with practical features; they also come with numbers that speak volumes. A 99.65% claim paid ratio, a solvency ratio of 172%, and a massive sum assured in force. These stats aren’t just numbers; they show reliability.
More importantly, the buying process is simple. There’s very little paperwork, and you can pay through digital channels. Claim settlement is quick and comes with dedicated assistance. It all adds up to a better, smoother experience.
Conclusion
A term plan with return of premium is built for people who want both cover and a financial closure. It’s not about beating the market or making high returns. It’s about protecting your family and getting your money back if life goes as expected.
Plans like these are meant for people who want to remove guesswork from their financial planning. You’re not left wondering what happens to your money. It comes back to you, just like it should.
That’s why so many people across India are now exploring this variant, primarily through premium insurers like Axis Max Life Insurance. They’re not just buying insurance; they’re buying peace of mind.
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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to change. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.
Standard T&C apply
The tax benefit is subject to change according to the prevailing tax laws.