This guide compares the contenders for the best term insurance plan for ₹1 crore, rated according to Ditto’s clear, transparent framework, which considers insurer reliability using IRDAI-backed data, policy features, and affordability.
Leading the list is the Axis Max Life Smart Term Plan Plus, with an impressive rating of 4.65/5 and backed by a strong claim settlement ratio of 99.62% (FY 2022-25). It also stands out for its well-rounded feature set, including options such as Smart Cover for enhanced early-life protection at affordable premiums. For instance, a 30-year-old earning ₹10 lakh annually in Delhi can secure ₹1 crore in coverage for roughly ₹12,000 to ₹13,000 per year.
This guide is especially useful for salaried professionals, young earners, and anyone seeking high life coverage at a reasonable cost.
A ₹1 crore term insurance plan is often seen as the “gold standard” for India’s middle class, and for good reason. It’s typically enough to cover major financial responsibilities like a home loan, outstanding debts, and even provide a steady income for your family for the next 10-15 years.
But with dozens of insurers offering competitive features and premiums, choosing the right plan isn’t straightforward. Can you simply pick the cheapest option and call it a day? Not quite, since it’s a bit more nuanced than that.
So, how do you separate the truly reliable plans from the rest? Let’s take a closer look at the best options available today. In this guide, we’ll cover the top ₹1 crore term insurance plans in India, compare their features, and help you choose the one that fits your needs.
If you need help in choosing the right term plan for you, book a call or chat on WhatsApp with an IRDAI-certified advisor now!
Best Term Insurance Plan for ₹1 Crore: Top 5 Choices
The Smart Term Plan Plus from Axis Max Life is the most well-rounded ₹1 crore term plan you can buy in India right now. It pairs an industry-leading Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) of 99.62% (FY 22-25) with genuinely useful features.
Axis Max Life
Smart Term Plan Plus
4.7
Overall Rating
Insurer Rating
5.0/5
Customer Service
5.0/5
Coverage
4.1/5
Claim Settlement
5.0/5
Key Features:
Smart Cover Option (Inbuilt): Your cover is 1.5x the base Sum Assured (SA) for the first 15 years. So if you buy ₹1 crore, you're actually covered for ₹1.5 crore when your dependents and liabilities are likely at their peak.
Zero-Cost Exit Option (Inbuilt): If you want to exit the policy during a specific window before maturity, you get base premiums paid back. However, you can exit the policy from the 30th year onward, but not during the last 4 policy years. The minimum policy term needs to be 40 years.
Terminal Illness Benefit (Inbuilt): A portion or the entire SA, up to ₹1 crore, is paid out upon diagnosis of a terminal illness.
Critical Illness Cover: Provides coverage for up to 64 illnesses, with payout 14 days after diagnosis is confirmed. There is a 90-day waiting period for major illnesses and a 180-day waiting period for minor illnesses. The rider is valid for 20 years.
Waiver of Premium: Premiums are waived if you're totally or permanently disabled or diagnosed with a listed critical illness. Your cover stays intact without you having to pay a rupee.
02
HDFC Life
Click2Protect Supreme Plus
HDFC Life is one of the most trusted names in Indian insurance, and the Click2Protect Supreme Plus is their most feature-rich term plan yet. It's a bit pricier than some competitors, but you're paying for a very smooth, well-run insurer with one of the lowest complaint ratios in the industry (1.33 complaints per 10,000 claims, FY 22-25).
HDFC Life
Click2Protect Supreme Plus
4.4
Overall Rating
Insurer Rating
4.5/5
Customer Service
5.0/5
Coverage
4.4/5
Claim Settlement
5.0/5
Key Features:
Life Stage Benefit (Inbuilt): You can increase your cover when you hit major life milestones, such as on marriage (50% of the SA), on having the first two children (25% of SA each), or taking a home loan (50% of SA), without undergoing any additional medical tests.
Zero-Cost Exit Option (Inbuilt): The policyholder can choose this option after 25 policy years, but not in the last 5 years of the policy. The minimum policy term needs to be 31 years. The premiums for the WoP rider are also returned.
Renewability at Maturity (Inbuilt): The policyholder may extend their policy term at maturity, up to a maximum of 5 times (subject to underwriting and specific conditions). They will have to pay additional premiums for exercising this benefit, depending on their age at maturity and the length of the extended policy term.
Critical Illness Cover: Covers 60 illnesses with a 15-day survival period after a 90-day waiting period. The rider's duration is 15 years.
Waiver of Premium (WoP): Waives future premiums if you become permanently disabled, are diagnosed with a listed critical illness, or the accidental death of your husband.
03
ICICI Prudential
iProtect Smart Plus
ICICI Prudential is a joint venture between ICICI Bank and Prudential Corporation Holdings, and iProtect Smart Plus is their upgraded flagship term plan. It's flexible, competitively priced, and particularly good for buyers who want a clean, modern term plan with strong terminal illness coverage.
ICICI Prudential
iProtect Smart Plus
4.3
Overall Rating
Insurer Rating
4.4/5
Customer Service
5.0/5
Coverage
3.8/5
Claim Settlement
5.0/5
Key Features:
Terminal Illness Benefit (Inbuilt): Unlike many plans that pay only a partial amount, iProtect Smart Plus pays out the full SA upon a terminal illness diagnosis. That's a significant difference.
Life Stage Benefit (Inbuilt): Coverage can be increased at major life events, such as marriage (50% of SA), childbirth/adoption of first two children (25% of SA each), and disbursement of home loan (100% of SA).
Zero-Cost Exit/Smart Exit (Inbuilt): Get all premiums back if you exit within the specified window. The policyholder can exit the policy after 25 policy years, but they must be at least 60 years old at the time of exercising this benefit. It cannot be availed in the last 5 policy years.
Whole Life Coverage: You can choose a policy term up to age 85 or even 99 (for whole life insurance).
Critical Illness Cover: Covers up to 60 illnesses, 90-day waiting period, 15-day survival period. The rider duration is 20 years.
04
Bajaj Life
eTouch II
Bajaj Life eTouch II is the most affordable plan on this list. It’s perfect for young, healthy buyers who want solid coverage. Bajaj Life is also a decent insurer with a solvency ratio of 4.37x, the highest in the industry.
Bajaj Life
eTouch II
4.2
Overall Rating
Insurer Rating
4.4/5
Customer Service
5.0/5
Coverage
3.4/5
Claim Settlement
5.0/5
Key Features:
Life Stage Benefit (Inbuilt): Can increase cover post marriage (50% of SA), childbirth/adoption of first two children (25% of SA each), home loan (25% of SA), education loan for children (25% of SA) without medical tests.
Zero-Cost Exit Option (Inbuilt): The policyholder can exit their policy after 25 policy years if they’re at least 60 years old at the time of exercising this benefit. It cannot be availed in the last 5 years of the policy or if the Life Stage Benefit has been used.
Terminal Illness Cover (Inbuilt): The payout up to ₹2 crore.
Waiver of Premium (Inbuilt): On Accidental Total & Permanent Disability and terminal illness.
Care Plus Rider: A comprehensive health, wellness, and fitness rider offering multiple value-added benefits. It includes tele-consultations, Outpatient Department (OPD) consultations, access to gym sessions, a lump-sum payout, and a premium waiver in the event of an accidental total or permanent disability.
Critical Illness Cover: Covers up to 60 illnesses, a 14-day survival period, 90-day waiting period. The rider duration is 20 years.
Accidental Death Benefit: Additional payout if death is due to an accident.
Talk to an expert today and find the right insurance for you.
05
Aditya Birla Sun Life
Super Term Plan
The ABSLI Super Term Plan is the newest entrant on this list, launched in June 2025. It brings a genuinely fresh feature set. Aditya Birla is also a dependable insurer with a CSR of 98.45% and a low complaint volume of 2.33 per 10,000 claims (FY 22-25).
Aditya Birla Sun Life
Super Term Plan
4.0
Overall Rating
Insurer Rating
3.7/5
Customer Service
5.0/5
Coverage
4.3/5
Claim Settlement
5.0/5
Key Features:
Accelerated Critical Illness (ACI) Benefit (Inbuilt): Covers 42 illnesses. The payout is deducted from the base life cover (accelerated). Waiting Period: 90 days.
Terminal Illness Benefit (Inbuilt): 50% of the SA paid on diagnosis (capped at ₹1 crore), with all future premiums waived.
Life Stage Flexibility: Increase cover on marriage (₹50 lakh), 2 childbirths (₹25 lakh per child), or home loan (₹50 lakh).
Early Exit Value: Exit between ages 60-75 after 30 policy years, excluding the last 5 years, and receive the total premiums paid.
What Is a ₹1 Crore Term Insurance Plan?
A term insurance plan is the simplest form of life insurance. You pay a fixed premium every year. If you pass away during the policy term, your nominee receives the SA, in this case, ₹1 crore. If you survive the full term, nothing is paid out (unless you have a Return of Premium variant, which costs 80%-100% more).
Who Should Buy a ₹1 Crore Term Insurance?
Young Salaried Professionals
This is where ₹1 crore term plans deliver the most value. Premiums are lowest, medical requirements are minimal, and you lock in cheap rates for 30-40 years. If your monthly household expenses are in the ₹20,000-₹25,000 range and you don't yet have significant liabilities, ₹1 crore is a solid starting point.
Married Couples with Young Children
Once you have dependents who rely on your income, ₹1 crore becomes essential as a baseline. Whether it covers 10 years of expenses, clears a home loan, or funds school fees, having that cushion matters.
First-Time Buyers Looking for Affordable Coverage
If you've been putting off buying term insurance because you're unsure how much cover you need, a ₹1 crore plan is a low-friction way to start. You can always add cover later via features available in the current plan or a second policy as your income grows.
Self-Employed Individuals with Moderate Income
If your personal expenses are manageable, business cash flows are reasonably stable, and you don't have large business liabilities, ₹1 crore can provide adequate personal protection. That said, if your family's financial security is closely tied to your business, consider going for higher coverage amounts.
Premium Comparison for ₹1 Crore Term Insurance
Profile
Smart Term Plan Plus
Click2Protect Supreme Plus
iProtect Smart Plus
eTouch II
Super Term Plan
25, Male
₹10,160
₹10,327
₹10,376
₹9,667
₹10,600
25, Female
₹8,636
₹8,778
₹8,821
₹9,180
₹9,310
30, Male
₹12,296
₹13,436
₹12,277
₹12,299
₹12,400
30, Female
₹10,452
₹11,421
₹10,435
₹10,063
₹10,388
35, Male
₹16,114
₹16,414
₹15,937
₹15,148
₹15,100
35, Female
₹13,697
₹13,952
₹13,546
₹13,146
₹12,250
For this example, we’ve considered profiles of healthy, salaried, non-smoking individuals living in a tier-1 city like Delhi (pin code: 110010) with an SA of ₹1 crore and coverage until age 65. The premiums are indicative and can vary depending on your age, SA, health conditions, lifestyle choices, and underwriting decisions.
Key Takeaways:
Don't Pick Term Insurance Purely on Price: The difference between the cheapest and most expensive plan (from the list) at age 30 (male) is roughly ₹1,100-₹1,200 per year. That's about ₹100 per month. If a plan from an insurer with strong performance across key operational metrics provides more comprehensive features, that's often worth it.
Premiums Don’t Rise Proportionately with SA: Moving from ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore cover typically raises the annual premium by only 60-80%, not 100%. If you can stretch your budget even slightly, a ₹2 crore cover is significantly better value for money.
Buy As Soon As Possible: Buying term insurance early helps you lock in significantly lower premiums for the entire policy term. Since insurers price risk based on your current age and health, a policy purchased at 25 can cost 30-50% less than the same cover bought at 35, and those savings continue every year for decades.
How to Choose the Best Term Insurance Plan for ₹1 Crore?
Choosing the right ₹1 crore term insurance plan is about ensuring your family gets reliable financial protection when it matters most. Here are the key factors to evaluate before making a decision:
1) Check the Insurer’s Credibility
Don’t rely on the brand name alone. Instead, evaluate key operational metrics such as the Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR), the Amount Settlement Ratio (ASR), the solvency ratio, and complaint volume. Also, it’s important to look at the 3-year average rather than focusing on data from a particular quarter or year. If you need help in picking the right insurance company, you can also refer to our guide on the top term insurance companies in India.
2) Evaluate Policy Features Carefully
Look for a plan that offers flexibility and long-term value, such as an adequate policy term and the ability to increase coverage during major life events. These features ensure the policy adapts to your evolving financial responsibilities.
3) Add Useful Riders for Enhanced Protection
Riders help strengthen your base policy by covering additional risks. Options such as a waiver of premium and critical illness cover can provide financial relief in difficult situations, making your overall coverage more comprehensive. For more details, you can refer to our guide on term insurance riders.
4) Avoid Unnecessary Features
Features like Return of Premium (ROP) or bundled spouse cover often increase premiums without offering proportional benefits. So it’s better to focus on core coverage that truly safeguards your family’s financial future.
How to Buy Term Insurance for ₹1 Crore?
Step 1: Calculate how much cover you actually need. Use Ditto's cover calculator or speak with an advisor. Don't just go with ₹1 crore because it's a round number. Make sure it's actually enough for your situation.
Step 2: Compare plans on features. You can also use the comparison tool on our website. Factor in the insurer’s claim settlement record, rider quality, and premiums.
Step 3: Fill in the proposal form honestly. Disclose everything from your smoking habits, alcohol consumption, past illnesses, existing medical conditions, and other active policies. Non-disclosure is the single biggest reason claims get rejected.
Step 4: Pay the premiums and complete medical requirements as needed. Younger, healthier applicants may often only need a tele-medical check. However, older buyers or those with health conditions may need a physical exam.
Step 5: Keep your policy documents safe. Make sure your nominee knows where the policy is stored, the insurer's claims contact, and what documents they'll need to file a claim.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying ₹1 Crore Term Insurance
1) ₹1 Crore May Not Be Enough Forever
It’s a strong starting point, but as your income, responsibilities, inflation, and family size grow, your life cover should increase accordingly.
2) Don’t Mix Insurance and Investment
Term insurance is meant purely for protection. Plans that promise both insurance and investment returns usually underperform on both fronts.
3) Understand the Exclusions
Term plans don’t cover suicide within the first 12 months. Always read the policy terms carefully. You can also refer to our detailed guide on term insurance exclusions.
4) Know the Tax Benefits
Premiums paid are eligible for deduction under Section 80C of the old regime (up to ₹1.5 lakh per year). Additionally, the death benefit paid to your nominee is completely tax-free under Section 10(10D).
Why Choose Ditto for Term Insurance?
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Conclusion
The best ₹1 crore term insurance plan in India is the one that reliably pays out when it matters, protects what your family truly needs, and comes from an insurer you trust. Based on our analysis, Axis Max Life Smart Term Plan Plus stands out as a leading option. That said, the right plan for you ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and stage of life.
Which is the best term insurance plan for ₹1 crore in India right now?
There’s no universal “best,” but some plans consistently stand out when you compare reliability, features, and price together. Right now, Axis Max Life Smart Term Plan Plus is one of the strongest options, thanks to the insurer’s strong claim settlement track record and the plan’s useful features such as Smart Cover, critical illness add-ons, and a zero-cost exit.
How much does a ₹1 crore term insurance plan cost per year?
There’s no fixed price because premiums depend on your age, gender, health, city, and insurer. But to give you a ballpark: a healthy 30-year-old male non-smoker in a metro might pay around ₹12,000 to ₹13,500 per year for a ₹1 crore cover till age 65. Women typically pay slightly less, around ₹10,000 to ₹11,500. If you’re older, have health conditions, or add riders, the premium goes up. The simplest way to think about it: the earlier and healthier you are, the cheaper your policy.
Is ₹1 crore enough as life cover, or should I buy more?
₹1 crore is a solid starting point for many families, as it can cover expenses for years, pay off loans, and fund big goals like education. But “enough” depends on your life. If your income, responsibilities, or liabilities grow, your cover should too. Also, ₹2 crore coverage doesn’t cost twice as much. It's often just 60-80% more. If your budget allows, stretching your cover slightly now can make a big difference later.
What is the claim settlement ratio, and why does it matter for term insurance?
The Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) tells you how many claims an insurer actually pays versus how many they receive. A higher ratio usually signals better reliability. For example, Axis Max Life reported a CSR of 99.62% for FY 2022-25. But CSR alone isn’t enough. Check the Amount Settlement Ratio (ASR), complaint volume, solvency ratio, and other metrics.
What is the zero-cost exit option in term insurance?
The zero-cost exit option (also called Smart Exit in some plans) allows you to exit your term policy within a specific window before maturity and receive a refund of premiums (often excluding amounts for riders and any applicable taxes). It's a way to recover your money if your insurance needs change later in life. For example, once your liabilities are cleared and your children are financially independent. This feature is available in plans such as Axis Max Life Smart Term Plan Plus and HDFC Life Click2Protect Supreme Plus.
What riders should I add to my ₹1 crore term insurance plan?
Riders are add-ons that strengthen your base policy, but you don’t need all of them. The most useful ones are: critical illness cover (pays a lump sum on diagnosis of serious diseases), waiver of premium (keeps your policy active if you can’t pay due to disability/illness), and accidental total and permanent disability benefit (extra payout in case of accidental total and permanent disability).
What happens if I don't disclose a pre-existing condition while buying term insurance?
If you don’t disclose a pre-existing condition when buying term insurance, your claim can be rejected when your family needs it most. Under Section 45 of the Insurance Act, 1938, insurers may investigate claims, particularly within the first three years. If they find you hid a material fact, like an illness, smoking habit, or ongoing treatment, they can legally deny the payout. Even after three years, claims may be rejected if fraud is proven. Non-disclosure puts your entire coverage at risk, so always provide complete and honest information in your application.
What are the tax benefits of a ₹1 crore term insurance plan?
A ₹1 crore term insurance plan offers two key tax benefits under the Income Tax Act, 1961. First, annual premiums are eligible for deduction under Section 80C, up to ₹1.5 lakh per year (applicable under the old tax regime). Also, the entire ₹1 crore death benefit paid to your nominee is completely tax-free under Section 10(10D). Additionally, as of September 22, 2025, GST on individual life insurance premiums has been reduced to 0%, making these plans more affordable.
At what age should I buy a ₹1 crore term insurance plan?
The earlier, the better. Premiums are directly linked to your age and health at the time of purchase. A 25-year-old male non-smoker can secure ₹1 crore coverage for around ₹9,600-₹10,400 per year, while a 35-year-old pays roughly ₹15,100-₹16,400 per year for the same coverage. Buying early also locks in those low premiums for the entire 30-40 year term. Most insurers allow entry from age 18, and the ideal window is between ages 25 and 35, when premiums are lowest and medical requirements are minimal.
Can I buy term insurance if I have a pre-existing illness like diabetes or hypertension?
You can apply, but the issuance will depend on the overall profile and the company’s underwriting assessment. In some cases, the insurer may revert with counteroffers such as higher premiums, changes to the cover amount, a modified tenure, or the removal of riders. In extreme cases, the proposal may also be declined. If the application is rejected, the premium paid is generally refunded in accordance with the process. It is still strongly advised to disclose your complete and truthful profile, as any non-disclosure or misrepresentation can create issues during claims.