Best Term Insurance for Self-Employed / Non-Salaried in India (2026)

Self-employed buyers need insurers flexible on income proof. These plans are the easiest to get for business owners and non-salaried applicants.

Our top pick for this is PNB MetLife Mera Term Plan Plus — Posts one of the highest claim-settlement ratios and offers flexible cover and payout options — a strong, slightly under-the-radar pick.

#NameScoreCover up toClaim Ratio*Premium*/mo (₹1Cr)Standout
6PNB MetLife Mera Term Plan Plus8.2/10Up to ₹10Cr~99.5%~₹560Very high CSR
8Aditya Birla Sun Life DigiShield8.0/10Up to ₹10Cr~98%~₹550Many cover options
9SBI Life eShield Next7.9/10Up to ₹10Cr~97.5%~₹600Trusted SBI brand
10LIC Digi Term7.7/10Up to ₹10Cr~98.6%~₹650Unmatched LIC trust
6

PNB MetLife Mera Term Plan Plus

Posts one of the highest claim-settlement ratios and offers flexible cover and payout options — a strong, slightly under-the-radar pick.

8.2
/ 10
Cover up to
Up to ₹10Cr
Claim Ratio*
~99.5%
Premium*/mo (₹1Cr)
~₹560
Standout
Very high CSR
  • Top-tier claim ratio
  • Flexible payout options
  • Bank-backed insurer
  • Less marketed
  • Mid premium
  • Fewer riders than leaders
8

Aditya Birla Sun Life DigiShield

Offers an unusually wide range of cover and payout configurations plus useful riders — flexible enough to fit varied needs, including non-salaried buyers.

8.0
/ 10
Cover up to
Up to ₹10Cr
Claim Ratio*
~98%
Premium*/mo (₹1Cr)
~₹550
Standout
Many cover options
  • Very flexible configurations
  • Good rider choices
  • Accepts varied profiles
  • Claim ratio behind leaders
  • Choice can overwhelm
  • Mid premium
9

SBI Life eShield Next

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.

7.9
/ 10
Cover up to
Up to ₹10Cr
Claim Ratio*
~97.5%
Premium*/mo (₹1Cr)
~₹600
Standout
Trusted SBI brand
  • Strong brand trust
  • Increasing-cover option
  • Wide servicing network
  • Higher premium
  • Claim ratio behind leaders
  • Fewer online perks
10

LIC Digi Term

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.

7.7
/ 10
Cover up to
Up to ₹10Cr
Claim Ratio*
~98.6%
Premium*/mo (₹1Cr)
~₹650
Standout
Unmatched LIC trust
  • Highest brand trust in India
  • Huge servicing network
  • Solid claim record
  • Pricier than private peers
  • Fewer modern riders
  • Process less digital

Other term plans by need

Premiums indicative for a healthy ~30-year-old non-smoker (₹1Cr, 30-year term); claim ratios indicative. Get a personalised quote before buying. Information only, not insurance advice.