Term Insurance for Housewives in India | Top Plans & Eligibility 2025

When you think of term insurance, the first image that comes to mind is usually a salaried professional protecting their family in case of an untimely demise. But what about housewives? They may not earn a monthly paycheck, but their contribution to a household is irreplaceable. From managing the home to raising children and ensuring everything runs smoothly, the economic value of this work, if outsourced, would be substantial.

And yet, when it comes to term insurance, housewives are often left behind either due to a lack of income proof or misconceptions about whether they can be insured at all. This article clears the air — yes, housewives can get term insurance. And in many cases, they should.

Let’s break it down now.

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Best Term Insurance Plans Available for Housewives (2025)

Several insurers are beginning to recognize the economic value of a homemaker and have created provisions to offer term coverage with more relaxed criteria. Based on this, here are some of the top term insurance plans in India that stand out:

Why Should Housewives Buy Term Insurance in India?

Housewives play a critical role in household stability. If something unfortunate were to happen, the financial impact on the family could be substantial, as tasks such as childcare, home upkeep, and daily logistics would all require replacement support, possibly including paid services.

However, buying term insurance for housewives isn't as straightforward as it is for salaried individuals. Since term insurance is a pure protection plan with no returns, insurers require some form of income verification to justify the coverage amount. This can be tricky when the applicant has no formal income.

Here’s how insurers evaluate eligibility:

• Income-based documents are usually preferred, such as salary slips or income tax returns. However, some insurers now allow alternative documentation, such as proof of joint loans (like a home loan), shared investments (like mutual funds or FDs), or indirect income (such as rental income or interest). Surrogate documents such as Car IDV, SIP amount, bank account average balance, etc can also be used for this purpose.
• In most cases, coverage is extended based on the earning spouse’s income or existing term plan. For example, if the husband earns ₹10 LPA and takes a ₹1 crore term cover, the insurer may allow his wife to take a proportionate cover (say ₹ 50 L) if he has an existing policy with them.

Why are Term Insurance Plans for Housewives Different?

Do term insurance plans cater only to those actively employed? How do housewives fit into this equation?

The distinction arises when selecting term insurance plans for housewives. Without an "official" employment listing, when a housewife applies for a term insurance policy, the underwriting team assesses her spouse's income as an eligibility criterion.

Say,

• Roshni, a 25-year-old homemaker, applies for a term insurance plan.
• The underwriting team realises the applicant is a housewife and hence seeks out the financial details of her spouse.
• They look into the income details of her spouse and calculate the term insurance cover that he is eligible for (let’s say ₹2 crore).
• Now, provided Roshni’s spouse has an existing term insurance plan, she can get a plan for 50% of his coverage, i.e., ₹1 crore.

(However, please remember that most term insurance providers, in general, have a cap of up to ₹1 crore for housewives. So, in this example, Roshni will be eligible for a ₹1 crore cover amount.)

Thus, in the case of housewives, the term insurance cover eligibility largely depends on the income proof and eligibility of the earning spouse. So, when applying for a term insurance policy as a housewife, stay prepared with documents like - income proof of the husband, address/ ID/ Age proofs for both husband and wife, etc.

How do Term Insurance policies for Housewives work?

I. Qualifications

Much like in the case of a standard term insurance policy, a term plan for housewives  has a few eligibility criteria in place that you need to consider -

• Health: 
  Term insurance underwriters consider the medical history of the applicant (in this case, the housewife). When applying for a term plan, be ready to disclose any history of surgeries, hospitalizations, or lifestyle ailments such as blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, thyroid, cholesterol, etc. Insurers also prefer that you get a compulsory medical test organised by the insurer, CBC, Lipid profile, HBA1C, etc. Expect a potential increase (loading charge) in your premium based on this information. Apart from this, in general, insurers also ask female applicants if they are expecting a child in the near future.
• Education: 
  Term insurance providers generally believe that the higher an applicant's educational qualification, the greater their income potential and, consequently, their ability to make premium payments. 
  
  In the case of standard-term insurance policies for both salaried and non-salaried applicants, insurers extend plans to individuals with a minimum qualification of Class 10th and above. However, for housewives, the minimum educational qualification required is a graduate degree. In some cases, a 12th pass is accepted with certain restrictions on the cover amount and higher income requirements.
• Lifestyle and habits: 
  Term insurance underwriters scrutinize the lifestyle habits, such as smoking and drinking, and hobbies of the applicant, including adventure sports, to analyze the risk factors.
• Age:
  Most plans for housewives are restricted to individuals between 18 and 50 years old. Whereas, some issue the policy till 60 years.
• Husband’s Income: 
  The insurance underwriting team looks into the spouse’s income to determine if they should extend a policy at all. This is used as a surrogate income source for the wife. The rest of the underwriting happens only based on the wife’s profile.

II. General Eligibility Factor

Housewives can only avail of term insurance policies if their husbands hold a term insurance plan with the same or a different insurer. The coverage for the housewives, under such circumstances, is largely determined by the husband’s eligible cover amount.

In general, insurers go for 50%-100% of the husband’s cover, or have eligibility criteria based on the husband’s income or the spouse’s qualifications.

III. Cover Calculation Considerations

When calculating the cover amount of the term insurance plan, we recommend that you look into the following factors -

• Dependents (include your children specifically)
• Your existing financial liabilities
• The inflation rate
• The educational expenses of your children
• Any future life stage requirements for your family.

Since most insurers offer up to ₹1 crore cover, we recommend opting for the entire amount in a single go and locking in the coverage and premiums.

Challenges Housewives Face in Getting Term Insurance

One of the biggest hurdles homemakers face when applying for term insurance is the lack of formal income documentation. Most insurers ask for documents like salary slips, income tax returns (ITRs), or bank statements to verify the applicant’s income. Since housewives typically do not earn a salary or file tax returns, they often fall outside the standard eligibility criteria for term insurance. This results in their applications getting outright rejected, regardless of their family’s financial standing or their own contribution to household responsibilities.

Another challenge is the way insurers assess risk. In the absence of an income, insurers struggle to evaluate the financial impact of a homemaker’s death. This raises concerns about a ‘moral hazard’ — essentially, the risk that a policy could be taken out and misused. For example, someone might purchase a policy on a homemaker solely for the claim payout, rather than to truly protect against income loss. To avoid such scenarios, insurers often err on the side of caution and either reject applications or impose stricter checks and balances when it comes to offering coverage to non-earning spouses.

Even when insurers do offer coverage to homemakers, it is usually limited. Most insurers cap the sum assured at ₹50 to 1cr lakh, regardless of the financial stability or net worth of the household. This limitation arises from the insurer's view that a homemaker’s financial liability, though significant in practical terms, doesn’t have a direct, quantifiable impact like a salaried person's income. As a result, homemakers often find themselves underinsured, with policies that may not fully cover the value they bring to the household.

That said, many insurers are beginning to recognize the essential role homemakers play and are actively working on more inclusive and flexible eligibility norms. For instance, coverage amounts that were previously capped at ₹25–₹50 lakh are now being extended up to ₹1 crore. In some cases, even NRI homemakers are eligible for coverage as high as ₹2 crore. To assess eligibility, insurers are also exploring newer underwriting methods, such as analyzing digital spending patterns, CIBIL scores, and financial data through Account Aggregator frameworks, to gauge the household’s economic footprint. These innovations mark a shift toward more nuanced risk assessment, offering homemakers a better chance at securing meaningful term insurance that genuinely reflects their contribution to the family.

While these challenges are real, they are not insurmountable. Some insurers do recognize the importance of providing term insurance to homemakers and offer flexible eligibility norms, such as considering the working spouse’s income or offering plans tailored explicitly for non-working individuals. By choosing the right insurer and understanding the documentation and cover limits involved, homemakers can still find meaningful protection for themselves and their families.

How to Improve Term Insurance Eligibility as a Housewife

1) Show Joint Assets or Financial Dependency

Even if you don’t have a regular income, you can still demonstrate financial value through joint assets or liabilities. For instance, if you are a co-applicant on a home loan, it indicates that your presence is financially tied to ongoing obligations. Similarly, if you co-own property, mutual fund investments, or other assets with your spouse, this can be used to establish economic interdependence. By highlighting these shared financial responsibilities, you make a stronger case for why term insurance is necessary, even without formal employment. Insurers are more likely to consider your application if there is tangible proof of your financial contribution or exposure to liabilities.

2) Provide Alternate Income Proof

If you're not earning a monthly salary, you can still show financial stability through other means. Insurers may accept alternate proofs like bank statements reflecting steady interest income from fixed deposits, rent receipts if you own rental property, or SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) summaries that show regular investment activity. These documents help establish a pattern of income or asset accumulation, even if it’s not traditional employment. Presenting such data can assure insurers that you manage money responsibly and have a valid reason to seek life cover, thereby improving your chances of eligibility.

3) Apply Through Spouse’s Policy

Several insurers offer an easier route for homemakers to get term coverage by linking it to their spouse’s policy. Suppose your partner already holds a term plan with the same insurance company. In that case, you may be able to apply under the same umbrella, either through a spousal rider or a parallel term plan with simplified underwriting. This not only streamlines the process but also improves the chances of acceptance. The insurer already has a financial profile for the earning member and may be more willing to issue a smaller policy for the non-working spouse without requiring extensive documentation.

4) Opt for Riders and Family Plans

Another way to improve eligibility is to consider policies that come with built-in spousal coverage or offer riders for dependent spouses. Some family floater life plans or term insurance plans with optional riders allow for limited coverage without rigorous underwriting. These options may not offer high sums assured but are easier to qualify for and still provide some degree of financial protection. Riders like waiver of premium or accidental death benefits can also be added to supplement your base plan and improve your overall coverage, even if you're applying with limited documentation.

Joint Life vs Spouse Add-ons in Term Insurance

When standalone term plans aren’t possible, joint life policies are a great alternative. These work by covering both spouses under a single policy. Let’s take a look at them now:

Joint Life Policy

If you’re a housewife trying to get health insurance, your eligibility is usually not an issue. Insurers allow dependent coverage under family floater plans, meaning you can be included even if you don’t earn. However, if you’re applying independently, providing proof of financial stability can help. Documents like bank statements showing regular interest income, rent receipts from property you own, or SIP summaries can demonstrate your ability to pay premiums. Also, showing shared financial responsibilities—like co-owning a house or being a co-applicant on a loan—can strengthen your case. These indicators reflect that you have ongoing liabilities or assets to protect, which insurers often take into account during underwriting.

Spouse Add-on Rider

For term insurance, things are more complicated. Since homemakers don’t have formal income proof, like payslips or ITRs, insurers often reject applications or offer only limited coverage, typically ₹25 to ₹50 lakhs. To improve your eligibility, consider applying through your spouse’s existing policy with the same insurer. Some insurers allow dependent term coverage under such circumstances, easing documentation requirements. You can also opt for policies that offer spousal riders or life stage benefits with lower underwriting thresholds. These options may not offer high cover amounts, but they’re easier to qualify for and still provide meaningful protection for your family.

Note: Only HDFC Life offers a proper spouse cover rider. The other insurers listed above allow housewives to take term insurance directly, subject to eligibility.

Documents Required to Purchase Term Insurance

Though documentation varies by insurer, here’s what is generally needed:

1) Identity and age proof:

To apply for term insurance as a housewife, you’ll first need to provide valid documents confirming your identity and age. This typically includes Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Voter ID. These documents serve as primary verification of who you are and ensure that the policy is issued to the correct individual. Most insurers will not proceed with the application without this set of documents, so it’s essential to have at least two of them ready—one for age proof and one for identity.

2) Address proof:

Your residential address also needs to be verified. For this, you can submit documents such as utility bills (e.g., electricity or water bills) or your Aadhaar card. These help insurers establish your place of residence and are especially important for any future communication, including claims processing or policy renewals. Make sure the address matches the one you mentioned in the proposal form to avoid unnecessary delays during underwriting. If your current and permanent addresses are different, you need to mention both.

3) Marriage certificate:

If you're applying for a joint term plan or seeking spouse coverage, a marriage certificate might be required. This proves the relationship between you and your spouse and is necessary for insurers offering dependent or spousal coverage under the same plan. Without this document, the insurer may not be able to process your application under joint life or spousal rider options.

4) Alternate income proof:

Since housewives typically lack formal income documentation like salary slips or ITRs, you’ll need to provide alternative proofs of financial stability. This can include eCAS (consolidated account statements), SIP investment statements, rent receipts if you own property, or even consistent bank account statements showing regular income from interest. These documents help show that you can afford to pay premiums and have a financial profile suitable for term insurance.

5) Spouse’s documents:

If you’re applying under a joint life plan or claiming eligibility through your spouse’s policy, you may also need to submit your spouse’s documents. This includes their ID proof, income documents, and existing term policy details. Insurers use these to assess the family’s overall financial situation and determine the appropriate cover amount. Submitting these early can help fast-track the underwriting process and reduce back-and-forth queries.

Why should Housewives opt for a Term Insurance Plan?

1) Financial protection

In our view, this isn't even a question. Why deny housewives the opportunity to enhance their family's financial security in the event of their passing simply because they aren't earning members? Despite being unemployed, they are a critical factor in providing the necessary emotional and physical support that ensures the steady and uninterrupted earnings of other family members.

2) Tax benefits

With a term insurance policy in place, housewives, and therefore their spouses (who pay the premium), can enjoy the tax benefits under Section 80C (old regime) of the Income Tax Act.

3) Child-centric support

Given that a housewife is typically more attentive to a child's educational and other life-stage needs, a term insurance plan can offer specific assistance in the event of her unfortunate demise. The cover amount can be utilized to cover expenses related to a child's higher education, marriage, and other life stages.

4) Debt repayment

The cover amount from the term insurance plans for housewives can be used to repay any debt that the spouse/family has. This action helps prevent financial strain on the surviving family members and ensures smooth financial planning for the future.

5) Estate planning

The term cover received after the death of a housewife can be used to purchase a house/plot that would secure the future of the children and the spouse. This would act as a legacy that has been left behind by a mother/wife.

What are the best riders for Term Insurance Plans for Housewives?

Opting for a well-researched vanilla term insurance policy can be an excellent financial choice, but we recommend enhancing its value by selecting riders that unlock the full potential of the policy. For housewives, unfortunately, not many riders are available. The only one offered by a few insurers is -

Critical Illness Rider  - Consider adding this excellent rider to your long-term insurance policy. It's affordable and provides the benefit of a lump sum or staggered amount payout if you are diagnosed with any of the listed critical illnesses. Moreover, the received amount can be utilized at your discretion, whether for treatments, savings, or any other requirement.

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Conclusion: Is Term Insurance Worth It for Housewives?

There’s no doubt that housewives deserve term insurance. The financial void they’d leave behind is real and often underestimated.

While eligibility can be a bit tricky, several insurers are making it easier to get coverage. Plans like Axis Max Life Smart Term Plan Plus and HDFC Click 2 Protect Super offer excellent flexibility. Others like Tata AIA and Bajaj Allianz provide applicable workarounds with relaxed documentation.

If you’re a homemaker or if your spouse is, don’t let the lack of income prevent you from exploring this critical financial tool. Protecting your family shouldn’t be limited to pay slips or tax returns. With the right insurer, term insurance for housewives is not only possible — it's essential.