Quick Overview

ICAI term insurance schemes are group life insurance plans facilitated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) through its CMP (Committee for Members in Practice) Benefits platform. These schemes are offered in partnership with insurers such as LIC and HDFC Life, with ICAI acting only as a facilitator, not the insurer or guarantor.

For many ICAI members, the real challenge isn’t whether they need term insurance but whether the ICAI scheme is enough for them. Most available information is scattered, technical, or hidden inside official documents, making objective evaluation difficult.

At Ditto, we reviewed the official ICAI details, insurer’s policy documents, and ICAI annual reports. In this blog, we break down what the ICAI term insurance scheme covers, its key limitations, and whether it’s sufficient on its own or needs to be supplemented with an individual term plan. 

Available Insurance Products for ICAI Members

Apart from term insurance, ICAI also offers medical insurance, professional indemnity insurance, motor vehicle insurance, personal accident policy, householder insurance, and office protection shield. 

These services are facilitated through tie-ups with LIC, HDFC Life, and New India Assurance, allowing members to benefit from improved coverage options and preferential pricing.

Who is Eligible for ICAI Term Insurance?

Eligibility is subject to ICAI membership status and insurer underwriting rules.

1) HDFC Group Poorna Suraksha Term Insurance 

    • Entry age: 18 to 60 years
    • Maximum maturity age: 80 years
    • Available only to eligible ICAI members under the group scheme

2) LIC Term Insurance

    • Entry age: 18 to 64 years (as on last birthday)
    • Available to active ICAI members and their spouses
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Features and Benefits of the ICAI Term Insurance Scheme

1) HDFC Group Poorna Suraksha Term Insurance 

    1. The death benefit is payable to the nominee in case of the insured member’s demise. 
    2. An optional accelerated critical illness benefit rider is also available.
    3. Flexible premium payment option where you can choose from single pay, regular pay, or limited pay (5/10/12/15 years).
    4. The sum assured can range from ₹30 lakhs to ₹1 crore or more (depending on underwriting)
    5. The nominee can opt for a lump sum or installment payouts of 5-15 years.

2) LIC Term Insurance

    1. The sum assured is ₹10 lakhs for members and ₹5 lakhs for members’ spouses.
    2. You get life cover under a group term policy
    3. The premiums are highly competitive (due to the group structure).
    4. Insurance is issued for one year at a time with the option to renew at the end of the policy period. 
    5. There is no medical underwriting required (but the applicant should be healthy to be eligible)

What is Covered and Not Covered in ICAI Term Insurance?

CoveredNot Covered
Death due to natural causes (illness, disease, old age, etc.)Death caused by war, invasion, or civil unrest
Death due to an accidentSuicide (within the first 12 months of policy start)
Policy payout to the nominee as a lump sum or a monthly income optionDeath due to intoxication, self-inflicted injuries, or participation in criminal or illegal activities
Rider benefits (if opted for)Death due to hazardous activities (such as adventure sports)
Tax benefits under applicable lawsNon-disclosure or misrepresentation of facts 

Note: This coverage applies only as long as the policy is active, premiums are paid, and the member continues to meet scheme conditions.

ICAI Term Insurance Premium

Premiums are generally lower than individual term plans due to group pricing. However:

    • Rates can change at renewal
    • Premiums are not locked in for life
    • Long-term predictability is limited

1) HDFC’s Premium Chart

The premium is calculated using the member’s age, opted sum assured, and chosen premium payment term

2) LIC Premium Chart 

For Members (₹10 Lakh Cover)

Age BandAnnual Premium
18-30 years₹630
31-35 years₹750
36-40 years₹1,000
41-45 years₹1,320
46-50 years₹2,100
51-55 years₹3,840
56-60 years₹5,640
61-64 years₹6,600

For Spouse (₹5 Lakh Cover)

Age BandAnnual Premium
18-30 years₹315
31-35 years₹380
36-40 years₹500
41-45 years₹660
46-50 years₹1,050
51-55 years₹1,920
56-60 years₹2,820
61-64 years₹3,300

How to Apply for ICAI Term Insurance?

  1. Visit the ICAI CMP Benefits portal
  2. Choose the preferred insurer (LIC or HDFC Life) and fill out the application form
  3. Complete required documentation and medical requirements (if applicable)
  4. Pay the premium directly to the insurer.

ICAI Term Insurance vs Individual Term Insurance

AspectICAI Term InsuranceIndividual Term Insurance
PricingLow (group-based)High but stable
Coverage FlexibilityLimitedHighly customizable
Policy OwnershipGroup-linkedFully personal
Long-Term CertaintyDepends on ICAI tie-upsFully guaranteed
Ideal UseSupplementary coverPrimary life cover

Why Choose Ditto for Term Insurance?

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ICAI Term Insurance
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Conclusion: Is ICAI Term Insurance Enough?

ICAI term insurance is a good starting point and works well as an affordable additional layer of protection or as temporary, supplementary cover for members. However, it should not replace an individual term insurance plan, especially if you have dependents, ongoing loans or liabilities, or long-term income replacement needs.

Disclaimer (as given on the ICAI website): All services are delivered directly by respective providers. ICAI does not endorse or guarantee the quality, reliability, or accuracy of these offerings. Members are advised to exercise independent judgment and due diligence before availing any product or service. ICAI shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from its use.

Full Disclosure: Ditto has no affiliation with the ICAI, and all the information mentioned in the article is for informational purposes only. We would recommend verifying all the details from the institute and the respective insurers directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my ICAI term insurance continue if I stop practicing or resign from ICAI?

For LIC, since it is linked to ICAI membership, your coverage is dependent on your eligibility as per ICAI’s rules. However, for the HDFC GPS scheme, ICAI’s page says that the plan offers continuation of coverage even if the member leaves the group. Checking directly with ICAI is recommended. 

Does ICAI term insurance offer tax benefits?

Yes. Premiums paid are eligible for deduction under Section 80C (under the old regime), and the death benefit is tax-free under Section 10(10D), just like normal term plans.

Can ICAI term insurance be renewed automatically every year?

Renewal is not automatic. You need to renew the policy every year within the specified renewal window. Missing the deadline could result in a lapse of coverage, and reinstatement is not guaranteed.

What happens if LIC changes or withdraws the scheme in the future?

Since this is a group arrangement, ICAI and LIC/HDFC can modify or discontinue the scheme. In such cases, members don’t have guaranteed continuity. This uncertainty is one of the key reasons why relying solely on group term insurance can be risky.

What is the claim process for ICAI term insurance?

In case of death, the nominee must inform ICAI (CMP Benefits Cell), which acts as a facilitator for the group term insurance scheme. ICAI provides the required LIC claim forms and guides the nominee on documentation such as the death certificate, nominee KYC, bank details, and medical or police records, if applicable.

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