Term Insurance
As the cost of living rises, inflation, and expenses of the future like the purchase of a house, children's education, or caring for parents in old age, it has become imperative to build a strong financial buffer in today's era of quick living. Among all the available tools, term insurance arguably is the simplest component of a strong financial pillar.
But is purchasing a 2 crore term insurance necessary, or even wise, for someone who is starting in their career? Let's dive deep and examine this from an Indian perspective, considering genuine needs, affordability, and long-term value.
Knowing Term Insurance: A Brief Primer
Term insurance is a basic life cover policy which gives a fixed amount assured to your nominee in case of your untimely death within the policy term. It has no investment or savings feature as compared to other regular life insurance policies. It is uncomplicated, affordable, and meant to give high coverage at a low premium.
For example, a young non-smoker aged 25 in good health can enjoy a 2 crore term insurance coverage for as low as â¹800 to â¹1,200 per month, depending on the insurer and policy terms. This is particularly alluring for young professionals who may not have huge liabilities now but expect them later.
Why Young Professionals Should Invest in Term Insurance Early
Let's face it, most young Indians in their early 20s and early 30s don't even bother with life insurance. They're single, they're healthy, and they're just starting in their careers, after all. But this is precisely the stage of life when term insurance is the cheapest and most accessible.
This is the reason that it makes sense to start early:
Is 2 Crore Term Insurance Excessive?
It's a valid question. Most of the young ones might ask themselves: "Do I really need 2 crores of protection at 27 or 30?"
Let's break it down:
Hence, a 2 crore term policy is not excessive, it's visionary.
The Changing Indian Family Situation
In India, the majority of families are reliant on a single earning member. Even in dual-income families, one partner is likely to earn far more. In such a case, the premature death of the primary earner can lead to unbearable financial burden on the family.
This is where term insurance comes into the strong pillar. It ensures that dreams are not left behind with tragic events. For young working professionals who are maintaining their parents, siblings, or aspirations to have children, a good cover like 2 crore is an insurance against life's uncertainty.
Affordability Isn't a Barrier Anymore
One of the most prevalent myths is that maximum cover policies are expensive. The reality is, though, that term insurance, especially for young individuals, is very affordable.
For instance, a 28-year-old male non-smoker can quite easily avail a 1 crore term insurance policy at an annual cost between â¹8,000 to â¹10,000, which translates into about â¹650 to â¹850 per month. Alternatively, a 2 crore term policy might cost you between â¹13,000 and â¹17,000 annually, or approximately â¹1,100 to â¹1,400 every month. That's the price of a couple of cups of coffee per fortnight or two dinners per month. In essence, for a small percentage of your monthly outgo, you can cover your family's entire future.
Apart from this, most insurers also offer convenient premium payment terms, return of premium and other riders like accidental death benefit or critical illness cover, which provide further value to the plan.
Myths Busted
Let us destroy the following myths that hinder young Indians from purchasing high cover term insurance:
Life is fast. Marriage, kids, loans, they can hit you in an instant. Lock in a lower rate when you're young.
Term insurance is not an investment, it's protection. Think of it like a seatbelt: you don't put one on because you're going to crash, but if you do, it will save your life.
Start small only when absolutely required, but know that you will not get the same premium amount when you increase in the future.
How to Choose the Best 2 Crore Term Insurance Policy
If you are certain of the necessity, then heed the following guidelines to choose the best policy:
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. For young Indians, especially those living in metro cities with high expenses and long-term family obligations, a 2 crore term insurance plan is not only worth it, it's smart, strategic, and forward-thinking.
Think about it this way: You insure your vehicle, phone, and even your vacation packages. Is your life, the source of your family's hopes and security, not worth insuring even more? When bought early, term insurance offers high coverage at negligible cost. And when life throws a curveball, this cover becomes a financial lifeline for your loved ones. So if you're a young Indian professional building your future, a 2 crore term insurance policy might just be one of the best investments you'll ever make, not for returns, but for protection.
