A money back policy is a unique and attractive option that combines the benefits of insurance coverage with periodic returns. This type of policy is particularly popular among those who seek both protection and liquidity during the policy term. For Indian audiences, understanding the concept and benefits of a money back policy can help in making informed financial decisions that ensure both security and financial growth.
What is a money back policy and give an example?
A money back policy is a type of life insurance plan that provides regular payouts during the policy term along with a lump sum amount at maturity. Unlike traditional life insurance policies where the benefits are paid only upon the policyholder's death or at the end of the policy term, money back plans offer periodic payouts, known as survival benefits, throughout the policy term. These payouts are a percentage of the sum assured and are typically paid at regular intervals.
Example of a money back policy
For example, consider a money back plan with a policy term of 20 years and a sum assured of Rs. 10 lakh. The policy might be structured to pay 20% of the sum assured at the end of every five years (i.e., Rs. 2 lakh at the end of 5th, 10th, and 15th years). The remaining sum assured (i.e., Rs. 4 lakh) along with any accrued bonuses is paid at the end of the 20-year term. In case of the policyholder's demise during the policy term, the full sum assured along with bonuses is paid to the nominee, irrespective of the survival benefits already paid.
How a money back policy functions
A money back policy is a type of life insurance that provides periodic payouts at regular intervals, instead of a lump sum at the end of the term. These payments serve as financial support during the policy tenure, ensuring liquidity while maintaining life coverage. A money back plan is ideal for individuals seeking a combination of savings, regular income, and insurance protection.
Why do you need a money back policy?
Following are the reasons why one may opt for a money back policy:
Regular income
A money back policy ensures periodic payouts at predefined intervals, providing a steady stream of income. This can be useful for meeting recurring expenses like children's education, loan repayments, or daily household costs. Additionally, the payouts can be reinvested to generate further returns, making a money back plan a reliable source of financial stability.
Financial security
A money back policy not only offers periodic payouts but also provides life cover. In case of the policyholder’s unfortunate demise, the family receives the full sum assured, regardless of the payments already made. This ensures that your loved ones remain financially secure, making a money back plan a dependable safety net for your family's future.
Dual benefits
A money back policy is a unique combination of insurance and investment. It provides life coverage while also offering periodic returns, ensuring that your money continues to work for you. Unlike traditional insurance plans, a money back plan allows policyholders to enjoy both protection and liquidity, making it a versatile choice for financial planning.
Risk management
One of the key advantages of a money back policy is its ability to manage financial risks. By offering periodic payouts, it prevents financial strain during critical life stages, such as marriage, home purchase, or higher education. A money back plan ensures liquidity, reducing dependency on loans or emergency funds while keeping your long-term financial goals on track.
What are the key features of a money back policy?
Following are the key features of a money back policy:
Survival benefits:
Periodic payouts are made during the policy term, which are a percentage of the sum assured.
Death cover:
In case of the policyholder's death, the full sum assured along with bonuses is paid to the nominee, ensuring financial security.
Maturity benefit:
At the end of the policy term, the remaining sum assured, and accrued bonuses are paid out.
Bonuses:
Many money back policies are participating plans, which means they are eligible to receive bonuses declared by the insurance company.
Flexible premium payment:
Premiums can be paid annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly, providing flexibility to policyholders.
Guaranteed returns
A money back policy provides assured returns in the form of survival benefits, maturity benefits, and death cover. Unlike market-linked investment options, the payouts in a money back plan are predetermined, ensuring financial stability. This feature makes it a secure choice for individuals looking for a risk-free way to save and earn periodic returns while maintaining insurance coverage.
Regular pay-outs
One of the standout features of a money back policy is the regular pay-outs during the policy term. These payments are a percentage of the sum assured and are made at fixed intervals. This feature ensures liquidity, allowing policyholders to manage recurring expenses such as children's education, home loans, or other financial commitments while still enjoying the security of life insurance.
Guaranteed surrender value
A money back plan offers a guaranteed surrender value if the policyholder decides to discontinue the policy after a certain period. This ensures that even if financial circumstances change, the policyholder does not lose all invested money. The surrender value is a predetermined percentage of the premiums paid, making it a safer option compared to policies with no surrender benefits.
Add-on riders
To enhance coverage, a money back policy allows policyholders to include optional riders. These riders may include critical illness cover, accidental death covers, waiver of premium, and disability benefits. Adding these riders increases the overall protection offered by the money back plan, ensuring comprehensive financial security in case of unforeseen events.
Tax savings
A money back policy offers tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, allowing policyholders to claim deductions on the premiums paid. Additionally, the survival and maturity benefits received under the policy may also be tax-free under Section 10(10D), subject to applicable conditions. This makes a money back plan an efficient tax-saving investment while securing financial goals.
Income during the policy term
Unlike traditional life insurance plans that offer benefits only after maturity, a money back policy provides income at regular intervals. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who require financial support at different life stages. The structured pay-outs of a money back plan make it ideal for those seeking a balance between investment, liquidity, and life cover.
Key benefits of a money back policy
Following are the key benefits of a money back policy:
Guaranteed returns:
Money back policies offer guaranteed returns in the form of survival benefits, ensuring periodic liquidity.
Insurance coverage:
These plans provide life insurance coverage, protecting the financial future of your family in case of your untimely demise.
Tax benefits:
Premiums paid towards money back policies are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. The maturity benefits are also tax-free under Section 10(10D).
Financial planning:
Money back policies aid in systematic financial planning by providing periodic payouts that can be aligned with major life events such as children's education, marriage, or purchasing a house.
Wealth accumulation:
These policies help in accumulating wealth over time with the combination of guaranteed returns and bonuses.
Additional bonus benefits:
A money back policy often includes bonuses declared by the insurer, such as reversionary and terminal bonuses. These bonuses are added to the sum assured and paid along with the final maturity amount or death cover. This feature enhances the overall returns of a money back plan, ensuring higher payouts and making it an attractive savings and investment option.
Provides financial security:
A money back policy ensures financial protection by combining life insurance coverage with periodic payouts. If the policyholder passes away during the term, the nominee receives the full sum assured along with accrued bonuses. This ensures that loved ones remain financially secure, making a money back plan a reliable choice for individuals looking to safeguard their family's future.
Savings for a specific goal:
A money back plan is ideal for individuals who have specific financial goals such as funding higher education, planning a wedding, or purchasing a home. The periodic pay-outs help in disciplined savings, ensuring that funds are available when required. By aligning payouts with key life milestones, a money back policy offers structured financial assistance.
Offers sum assured:
Unlike traditional investment plans, a money back policy ensures that the sum assured is paid in full, either in instalments during the policy term or as a lump sum at maturity. In the case of an untimely demise, the nominee receives the complete sum assured, regardless of the periodic benefits already disbursed, making a money back plan highly beneficial.
Comes with a low-profile risk instrument:
A money back policy is a safe investment option as it offers guaranteed returns and is not linked to market fluctuations. Unlike equity or mutual fund investments, a money back plan carries minimal risk while providing steady returns, making it suitable for risk-averse investors seeking financial security along with periodic liquidity.
How to choose a money back policy?
Selecting the right money back policy requires evaluating factors such as the sum assured, policy term, survival benefits, and premium affordability. Look for a money back plan that aligns with your financial goals, whether it’s securing your family’s future, meeting recurring expenses, or wealth accumulation. Additionally, check for bonus eligibility, rider options, and tax benefits to maximise your returns and protection.
Comparison between fixed deposit and guaranteed money back plans
A money back policy is ideal for individuals looking for both insurance and investment benefits, while a fixed deposit is better suited for those who prefer stable but non-insured savings. Choosing between the two depends on your financial goals and risk appetite.
Factor |
Fixed deposit |
Guaranteed money back plan |
Returns |
Offers fixed interest rates but does not provide insurance coverage. |
Provides periodic payouts along with life insurance benefits. |
Risk factor |
Low-risk investment with stable returns. |
Low-risk option with guaranteed pay-outs and added protection. |
Liquidity |
Limited liquidity: premature withdrawals may attract penalties. |
Periodic payouts ensure better liquidity and financial planning. |
Insurance cover |
No insurance benefits included. |
Combines investment with life cover for financial security. |
Tax benefits |
Interest earned is taxable under income tax laws. |
Premiums qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C, and maturity benefits may be tax-free under Section 10(10D). |
Eligibility criteria to apply for a money back policy
Following are the eligibility criteria to get a money back policy:
Age:
Most money back policies are available for individuals aged between 18 and 55 years. However, the exact age limits may vary depending on the insurer and the specific money back plan chosen. Younger applicants generally get lower premium rates, while older applicants may have higher premiums. Some policies also offer coverage beyond 55 years, extending benefits till retirement, ensuring financial security at various life stages.
Income:
There is usually no strict income requirement to apply for a money back policy. However, insurers assess whether the applicant can afford to pay the premiums regularly. A stable source of income is essential to keep the money back plan active and receive uninterrupted benefits. Higher-income individuals may opt for policies with larger sum assured amounts, while lower-income applicants can choose affordable plans that still offer financial security.
Medical examination:
Depending on the sum assured, policy term, and the applicant’s age, a medical examination may be required when applying for a money back policy. Insurers use medical tests to assess health conditions and determine premium rates. Applicants with pre-existing illnesses or high-risk factors may have higher premiums or policy restrictions. Some money back plans offer no-medical-exam options, but these may have lower sum assured limits.
Occupation:
A money back policy is generally available to individuals across various occupations, including salaried employees, business owners, self-employed professionals, and freelancers. However, people in high-risk jobs, such as those in hazardous industries or armed forces, may face stricter terms or higher premiums. Since a money back plan provides both insurance and investment benefits, it is an accessible financial tool for people across different career paths.
Documents required to apply for a money back policy
Following are the documents required to apply for a money back policy:
Identity proof:
Valid documents include Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or voter ID card to verify the applicant's identity.
Address proof:
Documents such as utility bills, ration card, passport, or Aadhaar card help confirm the applicant's residential address.
Income proof:
Salary slips, bank statements, or income tax returns ensure the applicant’s ability to pay premiums for the money back plan.
Age proof:
Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or passport is required to verify the applicant’s eligibility based on age criteria.
Medical reports:
If required by the insurer, recent medical examination reports help assess the applicant’s health condition and risk factors.
Is there a child money back policy and what is it?
Yes, there are child money back policies specifically designed to secure the financial future of children. These policies provide periodic payouts at key milestones in a child's life, such as education, marriage, or starting a career. Child life insurance and child money back policies ensure that funds are available when they are needed the most, helping parents plan for their child's future without financial stress.
For example, a child money back plan with a policy term of 20 years might offer payouts at the end of the 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th years. These payouts can be aligned with significant educational milestones or other important events in the child's life. In case of the parent's death during the policy term, the policy continues, and the benefits are paid as planned, ensuring the child's financial security.
Conclusion
A money back policy is an excellent financial instrument for those looking to combine insurance protection with regular returns. With its unique structure of periodic payouts, life cover, and maturity benefits, it caters to the diverse financial needs of policyholders. Whether you are planning for major life events, seeking a secure investment, or ensuring financial protection for your family, a money back plan can be an ideal choice.
When choosing a money back policy, it is essential to compare various plans and select the one that best suits your financial goals and needs. Consider factors such as the sum assured, policy term, premium amount, and additional benefits before making a decision. With the right money back policy, you can achieve financial stability and peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are well-protected, and your financial future is secure.
