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Group Term Life Insurance

Group Term Life Insurance is a type of life insurance policy offered to a group of people, typically employees or members of an organization.

  • 1,276 Views
  • Updated on: Nov 19, 2024
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Imagine waking up each day knowing that your loved ones are financially secure, no matter what life throws your way. Now, picture this sense of security extended across an entire organization—a team of individuals who work together, thrive together, and now are protected together. This is the power of Group Term Life Insurance. Understanding what is group term life insurance, can be a game-changer for employers and employees.

What is a Group Term Insurance Plan?

A Group Term Insurance Plan is a life insurance policy that provides coverage to a group of people under a single master policy. Typically offered by employers to their employees, this plan is designed to offer financial protection to the beneficiaries of the insured members in case of death during the policy term. The coverage amount is generally predetermined based on salary, designation, or flat coverage for all employees. Group Term Insurance is often a part of the overall employee benefits package and is either fully paid for by the employer or requires minimal employee contribution.

How Does a Group Term Life Insurance Plan Work?

A Group Life Insurance Plan pools a group of individuals—usually employees—under one insurance policy. The employer (or the policyholder in other group settings) pays the premiums, either fully or partially, on behalf of the group members. Coverage is typically provided for a specified period, often the duration of employment, and remains active as long as the employee is part of the organization and the premium payments are maintained. The coverage amount can be uniform for all employees or based on factors like salary or role within the organization.

If an insured employee dies during the policy term, the insurer pays the designated beneficiaries a lump sum, which provides financial support to the family. If the employee leaves the organization, coverage usually ceases unless there is a provision to convert the group policy into an individual life insurance policy.

Key Features of Group Term Life Insurance Plans

Key features of group term life insurance plans are unique characteristics that attract employees towards them. Let us take a look:’

Collective Coverage

Group Term Life Insurance covers multiple individuals under a single policy, making it an efficient and cost-effective option for providing life insurance benefits to employees or group members.

Simplified Enrollment

Typically, group plans do not require individual medical examinations, making enrollment easy and accessible to all eligible members.

Employer-provided Benefit

Most Group Term Life Insurance plans are employer-funded, meaning employees may receive coverage at little or no cost to themselves.

Fixed Coverage Amount

The coverage amount is generally predetermined and may be based on the employee’s salary, job position, or a flat sum insured for all members.

Portability Option

Some plans offer the option to convert the group coverage into an individual policy if an employee leaves the organization, ensuring continued protection.

Advantages of Group Term Life Insurance For Employees

Here’s a detailed explanation of the advantages of Group Term Insurance policy, broken down by the key benefits:

Default Insurance Cover

Employees automatically receive life insurance coverage as part of their employment benefits without needing to apply or undergo a complex enrollment process. This provides peace of mind, knowing that their families are financially protected in the event of an untimely death.

Gratuity Funding

Some Group Term Life Insurance plans can be linked with gratuity benefits, allowing employers to fund gratuity liabilities. This integration helps manage the employer’s financial burden while ensuring that employees or their families receive the entitled gratuity benefits.

Tax Benefits

Under a Group Term Life Insurance plan, both employers and employees can enjoy tax benefits. For employees, the death benefit their beneficiaries receive is typically tax-free under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 in India. Employers can claim tax deductions on the premiums paid as a business expense, reducing their overall tax liability.

Customizable to Suit Employee Needs

Employers can tailor the Group Term Life Insurance plan to meet the specific needs of their workforce. This customization can include adjusting coverage amounts based on salary, job role, or tenure and adding optional riders such as accidental death or critical illness coverage to enhance overall protection.

No Medical Check-ups Required

One significant advantage of Group Term Life Insurance is that it typically does not require individual medical examinations for employees. This makes it accessible to all eligible employees, including those with pre-existing health conditions that could otherwise make obtaining individual life insurance difficult or expensive.

Cost-effective Premiums

Group Term Life Insurance is generally more affordable than individual life insurance policies. Since the risk is spread across a large group, insurers can offer lower premiums, making it a cost-effective option for life insurance coverage. This means employees receive substantial coverage at little to no personal cost.’

Why Employers Should Offer Group Term Life Insurance?

Employers should consider offering Group Term Life Insurance as it is a crucial component of an attractive employee benefits package. Here are some benefits of providing Group Term Life Insurance to employees:

Attract and Retain Talent

Offering Group Term Life Insurance makes an organization more attractive to potential employees and helps retain existing talent by providing a comprehensive benefits package that supports long-term financial security.

Demonstrates Care and Responsibility

By providing life insurance, employers show that they care about the well-being of their employees and their families, which fosters a positive work culture and increases employee loyalty.

Cost-Effective Coverage

Group Term Life Insurance is typically less expensive than individual policies, allowing employers to offer valuable coverage to employees at a lower cost.

Enhances Employee Satisfaction

Financial protection through life insurance contributes to higher employee morale and satisfaction, leading to increased productivity and reduced turnover.

Risk Management

Offering life insurance can mitigate the financial impact on the company in the event of an employee’s death, especially if the individual holds a key position.

How Group Term Life Insurance Enhances Employee Satisfaction?

Group Term Life Insurance significantly boosts employee satisfaction by giving them peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are financially protected. This sense of security contributes to a positive work environment and can lead to higher employee morale and productivity. Since insurance is often provided at no cost or a minimal cost to employees, it is a highly valued benefit that employees might not otherwise afford. The convenience of automatic enrollment and the absence of medical check-ups further enhance satisfaction, as employees receive immediate and hassle-free coverage. The ability to customize the plan to suit different needs, such as adding riders for extra protection, also makes employees feel valued and cared for by their employer.

Eligibility Criteria for Group Term Life Insurance

The eligibility criteria for Group Term Life Insurance typically include being an active employee of the organization offering the plan. The criteria may vary depending on the specific policy and the insurer; let’s take a look:

  • Employment Status: Typically includes full-time employees, with some plans extending to part-time or contractual employees.
  • Minimum Service Period: Some policies may require a minimum period of employment before an employee becomes eligible.
  • Automatic Enrollment: Employees are generally enrolled automatically upon meeting the basic eligibility criteria.
  • No Medical Check-ups: Most plans do not require medical examinations, making it accessible to all eligible employees.
  • Extended Coverage: Depending on the insurer’s guidelines, coverage may also be offered to other groups, such as members of associations or unions.

FAQS on Group Term Life Insurance


1

How does Group Term Life Insurance differ from individual life insurance?

Group Term Life Insurance covers a group of people, typically company employees, under a single master policy. In contrast, individual life insurance is purchased by an individual and tailored to their specific needs.



2

Who is eligible for Group Term Life Insurance?

Eligibility for Group Term Life Insurance generally includes all employees of an organization, though specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the company’s policy.



3

What are the key benefits for employees under a Group Term Life Insurance plan?

Key benefits include financial protection for the employee’s family in case of death, low or no premium costs, and easy enrollment without medical underwriting.


4

Can employees opt out of Group Term Life Insurance?

Yes, employees can usually opt-out of Group Term Life Insurance, though this may vary based on the company’s policy.


5

What happens to the coverage if an employee leaves the company?

If an employee leaves the company, their Group Term Life Insurance coverage typically ends, though some plans may offer the option to convert to an individual policy.


6

Are there any tax benefits for employers offering Group Term Life Insurance?

Yes, premiums paid by employers for Group Term Life Insurance are generally tax-deductible as a business expense.

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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