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Term Insurance vs Life Insurance: Key Differences

Life insurance is a fundamental component of a well-diversified financial portfolio, offering protection and financial security for your loved ones. Among the various types of life insurance policies, term insurance is a widely chosen option. While both provide a payout to beneficiaries in the event of the policyholder's demise, they differ significantly in aspects such as tenure, cash value, premium costs, and maturity benefits.

  • 39,928 Views | Updated on: Sep 03, 2025

Understanding Term Insurance & Life Insurance

Choosing between term insurance vs life insurance is a significant decision when planning your financial future. Let's explore term plan vs life insurance in more detail.

What is Term Insurance?

Term insurance is a straightforward form of life insurance that provides coverage for a specified term or period. Unlike permanent life insurance policies such as whole life or universal life, which provide coverage for the insured's entire life, term insurance offers coverage for a predetermined duration. If the insured person passes away during the term of the policy, the designated beneficiaries receive a death benefit payout.

Term insurance is known for its affordability and simplicity, making it a popular choice among individuals who want to ensure their family's financial stability without breaking the bank.

What is Life Insurance?

Life insurance is a contract between an individual (the policyholder) and an insurance company. In exchange for regular premium payments, the insurance company promises to provide a financial benefit to the policyholder's beneficiaries upon the policyholder's death. This benefit, known as the death benefit or payout, is typically a tax-free lump sum payment that can be used to cover various expenses, such as funeral costs, mortgage payments, debt repayment, and the financial well-being of dependents.

Difference Between Term Insurance and Life Insurance

Understanding the life insurance vs term insurance comparison is key to selecting the right policy for your financial needs. While both offer financial protection, they differ in terms of tenure, premium structure, and benefits. Recognizing the term insurance and life insurance difference can help you make well-informed choices based on your long-term security and goals.

Feature Term Insurance Life Insurance
Coverage Provides coverage for a specific period Provides coverage for the entire lifetime of the insured
Premiums Generally lower Generally higher
Cash Value Does not accumulate cash value Builds cash value over time, which can be borrowed against or used to pay premiums
Maturity Benefits No maturity benefits May have maturity benefits, such as a payout at the end of the policy term
Death Benefits Paid if death occurs during the term Paid regardless of when death occurs
Policy Duration Fixed term Lifelong coverage
Tax Benefit Death benefits are typically tax-free Death benefits typically tax-free, and cash value growth may be tax-deferred
Loan Benefit Typically not available May allow policy loans against cash value
Surrender Value/ Paid-up Value Typically no surrender value or paid-up value May have surrender value or paid-up value, allowing for partial withdrawal or conversion into a reduced paid-up policy

By considering the factors below, you can determine the best option between term insurance vs life insurance based on your financial goals, affordability, and long-term security needs:

Coverage

  • Term Insurance: A term insurance policy provides coverage for a specific period. If the policyholder survives their term, no benefits are paid to them or their beneficiaries.
  • Life Insurance: A life insurance policy offers lifelong coverage. A death benefit is guaranteed as long as the policyholder continues to pay the premiums.

Premiums

  • Term Insurance: The premiums for term insurance are generally lower, as the coverage is limited to a specific period, and there is no cash value component.
  • Life Insurance: The premiums for life insurance are higher since the policy provides lifelong coverage and includes a savings component.

Cash Value

  • Term Insurance: A term insurance policy does not accumulate any cash value. It only provides a death benefit to the nominees if the insured passes away during the term.
  • Life Insurance: A life insurance policy builds cash value over time. The policyholder can borrow against it or utilize it to pay premiums.

Maturity Benefits

  • Term Insurance: A term insurance policy does not offer maturity benefits. If the policyholder survives the term, the coverage simply ends without any payout.
  • Life Insurance: A life insurance policy may offer maturity benefits if the policyholder reaches a specific age or completes the policy term.

Death Benefits

  • Term Insurance: A term insurance policy pays the death benefit only if the insured passes away during the policy term.
  • Life Insurance: A life insurance policy pays the death benefit regardless of when the policyholder passes away as long as the policy remains active.

Policy Duration

  • Term Insurance: A term insurance policy has a fixed duration of 10, 20, or 30 years. The policyholder needs to renew it after the term expires to maintain coverage.
  • Life Insurance: A life insurance policy provides lifelong coverage without requiring renewal.

Tax Benefit

  • Term Insurance: The death benefits from a term insurance policy are usually tax-free. However, since term insurance does not accumulate cash value, there are no additional tax advantages.
  • Life Insurance: The death benefits from a life insurance policy are tax-free. Additionally, the cash value component grows on a tax-deferred basis, offering potential tax benefits to the policyholder.

Loan Benefit

  • Term Insurance: A term insurance policy does not provide any loan benefits since it does not accumulate cash value.
  • Life Insurance: A life insurance policy allows policyholders to borrow against the accumulated cash value if needed.

Surrender Value/Paid-up Value

  • Term Insurance: A term insurance policy does not have a surrender value or paid-up value. If the policyholder discontinues the policy, it lapses without any payout.
  • Life Insurance: A life insurance policy may have a surrender value or paid-up value. The policyholder can continue the policy with reduced coverage without further premium payments by utilizing the accumulated cash value.

Term Insurance vs. Life Insurance, Which is Better?

Determining whether term insurance vs life insurance is the better option depends on various factors such as your financial goals, coverage needs, and budget. If you prioritize affordability and temporary coverage, term insurance may be the right choice. Life insurance may be more suitable if you value lifelong protection and potential cash value accumulation. It is essential to carefully evaluate your financial situation and consult a financial advisor to determine which type of insurance best aligns with your goals and circumstances.

Final Thoughts

The term insurance vs life insurance debate can go on. There is no right or wrong answer to the question. No matter which type of insurance you choose, ensure that you do your homework well and understand what these insurance policies include and exclude.

Comparing policies online can help you understand what is available and what suits you the best. A life insurance policy is very subjective to your requirements. Hence, study the available insurers carefully and decide by considering your needs.

FAQ on Term Insurance vs Life Insurance


1

Does term insurance offer any benefits beyond death coverage?

While term insurance primarily provides financial protection in case of the policyholder's demise, some insurers offer riders such as accidental death, critical illness insurance, or disability coverage. These additional features can enhance the overall benefits of a term insurance policy.

2

Is life insurance more expensive than term insurance?

Yes, life insurance is generally more expensive than term insurance due to its lifelong coverage and cash value component. However, term insurance remains the more budget-friendly option for pure risk coverage when comparing term insurance vs life insurance.

3

Can I convert my term insurance into a life insurance policy?

Some insurers provide the option to convert a term plan into a life insurance policy without requiring a new medical examination. This feature helps policyholders transition to lifelong coverage when needed.

4

What are the main benefits of term insurance over life insurance?

The key advantage of term insurance is affordability. In the term insurance vs life insurance comparison, term plans offer high coverage at lower premiums, making them ideal for individuals seeking cost-effective financial protection.

5

How long does a term insurance policy last?

A term insurance policy usually lasts for a fixed period, be it for 10, 20, or 30 years. After the term expires, the policyholder may choose to renew or convert it into a permanent life insurance policy.

Amit Raje
Written By :
Amit Raje

Amit Raje is an experienced marketer who has worked in various Fintechs and leading Financial companies in India. With focused experience in Digital, Amit has pioneered multiple digital commerce in India. Now, close to two decades later, he is the vice president and head of the D2C business department. He masters the skill of strategic management, also being certified in it from IIMA. He has challenged his challenges and contributed his efforts in this journey of digital transformation.

Amit Raje
Reviewed By :
Prasad Pimple

Prasad Pimple has a decade-long experience in the Life insurance sector and as EVP, Kotak Life heads Digital Business. He is responsible for developing user friendly product journeys, creating consumer awareness and helping consumers in identifying need for life insurance solutions. He has 20+ years of experience in creating and building business verticals across Insurance, Telecom and Banking sectors

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The information herein is meant only for general reading purposes and the views being expressed only constitute opinions and therefore cannot be considered as guidelines, recommendations or as a professional guide for the readers. The content has been prepared on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other sources believed to be reliable. Recipients of this information are advised to rely on their own analysis, interpretations & investigations. Readers are also advised to seek independent professional advice in order to arrive at an informed investment decision. Further customer is the advised to go through the sales brochure before conducting any sale. Above illustrations are only for understanding, it is not directly or indirectly related to the performance of any product or plans of Kotak Life.

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