Term insurance is the cheapest, simplest way to protect your family — a large life cover for a small premium, paid out only if the worst happens. We rank India's 10 best term plans on claim-settlement record, cover, premium and features, so you can lock in protection without overpaying. Verified June 2026; premiums depend on your age, health and habits, so always get a personalised quote before buying.
| # | Name | Score | Cover up to | Claim Ratio* | Premium*/mo (₹1Cr) | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HDFC Life Click 2 Protect SuperTop pick | 9.2/10 | Up to ₹20Cr | ~99.5% | ~₹500 | Cheapest + top CSR |
| 2 | Axis Max Life Smart Secure Plus | 9.1/10 | Up to ₹20Cr | ~99.5% | ~₹520 | Highest CSR + riders |
| 3 | ICICI Pru iProtect Smart | 8.8/10 | Up to ₹10Cr+ | ~99% | ~₹580 | Strong critical-illness rider |
| 4 | Tata AIA Sampoorna Raksha Supreme | 8.7/10 | Up to ₹10Cr+ | ~99.4% | ~₹540 | Whole-life option |
| 5 | Bajaj Allianz Smart Protect Goal | 8.4/10 | Up to ₹10Cr | ~99% | ~₹530 | Flexible + return-of-premium |
| 6 | PNB MetLife Mera Term Plan Plus | 8.2/10 | Up to ₹10Cr | ~99.5% | ~₹560 | Very high CSR |
| 7 | Kotak e-Term | 8.1/10 | Up to ₹10Cr | ~99% | ~₹510 | Affordable online plan |
| 8 | Aditya Birla Sun Life DigiShield | 8.0/10 | Up to ₹10Cr | ~98% | ~₹550 | Many cover options |
| 9 | SBI Life eShield Next | 7.9/10 | Up to ₹10Cr | ~97.5% | ~₹600 | Trusted SBI brand |
| 10 | LIC Digi Term | 7.7/10 | Up to ₹10Cr | ~98.6% | ~₹650 | Unmatched LIC trust |
Best overall
Among the cheapest term plans in India paired with a top-tier claim-settlement record — the best all-round value for most healthy buyers wanting straightforward, reliable cover.
Consistently posts one of the highest claim-settlement ratios in India, with a rich set of riders and flexible payout options — a top pick where claim certainty matters most.
A feature-rich plan known for its strong built-in critical-illness cover and flexible payouts — great for buyers who want protection beyond plain life cover.
A flexible plan with a whole-life cover option (up to age 100) and strong riders, backed by a high claim-settlement record — good for long-horizon protection.
A flexible, affordable plan with return-of-premium and multiple cover options — a solid value choice with a dependable insurer.
Posts one of the highest claim-settlement ratios and offers flexible cover and payout options — a strong, slightly under-the-radar pick.
A clean, affordable online term plan from Kotak Life with simple buying and good cover options — a no-frills value pick for digital buyers.
Offers an unusually wide range of cover and payout configurations plus useful riders — flexible enough to fit varied needs, including non-salaried buyers.
A trusted, PSU-backed term plan with level and increasing cover options — appealing to buyers who value the SBI brand and a large servicing network.
LIC's online term plan brings the unmatched trust of India's largest insurer, though premiums tend to run a little higher than the cheapest private plans.
Pick by what matters most to you:
HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Super offers the best all-round value — very low premium with a top-tier claim record. Axis Max Life Smart Secure Plus leads on claim-settlement ratio, and ICICI Pru iProtect Smart stands out for its critical-illness rider. The best plan depends on your age, health and need for riders.
A common rule is 10–15 times your annual income, plus any outstanding loans, minus existing savings. For most earners that means ₹1 crore or more — and term insurance makes such large cover affordable.
Term insurance only has value if the claim is paid to your family. A higher claim-settlement ratio (the leaders here are ~99%+) means a stronger track record of honouring claims. Pair it with full, honest disclosure when you buy.
Online term plans are usually cheaper than offline ones and easy to buy. Disclose your income, health and smoking status truthfully — the biggest cause of rejected claims is non-disclosure. This is information, not insurance advice.
How we rank: we score each plan on claim-settlement record, premium, cover options and riders. Premiums are indicative for a healthy ~30-year-old non-smoker (₹1Cr, 30-year term) and will differ for you; claim ratios are indicative IRDAI-reported figures. Get a personalised quote and read the policy before buying. Information only, not insurance advice.