What is Installment Premium in Health Insurance?

Paying for your health insurance in one big chunk can be tough on the wallet and many people hesitate to buy or renew a policy because of the lump-sum premium payment. But did you know that many insurance providers now give you the option to pay your premium in smaller, more manageable chunks? This is known as the installment premium option.

Paying for your health insurance in one big chunk can be tough on the wallet and many people hesitate to buy or renew a policy because of the lump-sum premium payment. But did you know that...
Paying for your health insurance in one big chunk can be tough on...
Health insurance should help you focus on recovery, not bills.

1 Crore Health Plans starting @₹18/day*.

key-features-0

We pay 100% of your hospital bills

From syringes to surgeries

key-features-1

No limit on hospital room rent

No compromises on recovery

UID: 5908|*T&Cs Apply
background-image-desktop-widget

Installment Premium in Health Insurance

An installment premium in health insurance allows you to pay your premium in parts, which is usually monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly, instead of paying the full amount once a year. This type of setup can ease your financial strain and does not affect your coverage throughout the policy period.

For example, if your annual premium is ₹12,000, you could choose to pay ₹1,000 per month instead of paying ₹12,000 all at once.

How it works

Step 1.svg

Choose your payment frequency

Make a choice of whether you'd like to pay monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly.

Step 2.svg

Read the breakdown carefully

Your insurance provider will show you the amount you have to pay for each installment including any administrative fees or taxes.

Step 3.svg

Set up auto-pay

Most insurance companies will ask you to link your bank account, credit card, or UPI for automatic debit of your installment on the due date.

Step 4.svg

Know your due dates

Your policy will come with a fixed due date for each installment. Mark it or set reminders to avoid missing payments.

Step 5.svg

Use the grace period if needed

In case you miss the due date, insurers give you a grace period of 15 days for monthly payments, and 30 days for quarterly or yearly. You must pay within this time to keep your policy active.

Step 6.svg

Renew or switch payment mode

At the time of policy renewal you can continue with installments or switch to a different payment mode, like annual, if you change your mind about paying in installments.

Why it matters

Choosing an installment premium option isn’t just about breaking up a big payment, it's about making it a lot easier for people to stay covered without putting a strain on their monthly budget. Plus, the IRDAI has laid down clear rules to make sure everything’s transparent and fair when you choose this option, so you know you’re in safe hands. Here are a few more Advantages of Installment Premium:

Budget-friendly

It becomes easier to manage smaller payments over time rather than a lump-sum yearly payment.

More accessible

It makes health insurance more accessible for people with limited or irregular income.

Flexibility

It provides flexibility by letting you choose a payment mode that suits your needs. For example, monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly.

Encourages continuation

It encourages policyholders to continue with their health coverage at the time of policy renewal by lessening their financial burden.

Same coverage

Your benefits and policy terms remain the same regardless of whether you pay the premium annually or in parts.

IRDAI regulation

It is regulated by the IRDAI to ensure that insurance companies clearly disclose everything about this option in the policy document or policy schedule.

Disadvantages of Installment Premium

Slightly higher cost

In some cases, insurers might charge an administrative fee or add interest to installment premiums. This can lead to the total cost being higher than the one-time payment.

Risk of a policy lapse

If you miss even one installment it can result in a lapse or suspension of the policy benefits.

Auto-payment requirement

Many insurance companies require you to set up an auto-debit payment method which may not suit everyone's financial preferences.

Limited payment flexibility

Once you choose the payment frequency, it cannot be changed until policy renewal.

Effect on claims

Sometimes pending installments may delay or even complicate the claim approvals if premiums are not up to date.

Who should consider Installment Premiums?

  • First-time buyers who want to test a policy before committing to a full year’s cost
  • Families or individuals with tight monthly budgets
  • Small business owners or freelancers with irregular income.

Conclusion

Health insurance is a must, but managing its costs can be tricky. That's when an installment premium comes to your rescue. They're here to make it easier to protect your health and your budget. Whether you’re juggling bills or just prefer spreading out payments to manage your finances better, it’s a smart way to keep your policy going.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not usually. You need to choose the installment option at the time of purchase or renewal of the health insurance policy.

No. Your coverage will stay the same irrespective of whether you pay the premium in installments or all at once.

Yes. Missing even one payment can cause your policy to lapse. In case you miss the due date, you can pay during the grace period provided by the insurance company.

Yes. Installment premiums are tax-deductible under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, as long as the total premium is paid through a non-cash mode during the financial year.

Yes. Most insurance companies allow you to switch to annual payments at the time of policy renewal.

Author photo Icon

Written by Roocha Kanade

2.5K Linkedin Followers Author dot Icon

Reviewed by Dr. Harshita Dahiya Author info Icon

Health Insurance content enthusiast who turns complex topics into easy, binge-worthy reads—fueled by SEO, creativity, and way too much chai! Loves juggling multiple projects, cracking impossible deadlines, and sprinkling humor into the mix. When not geeking out over digital trends, you'll find her lurking on Quora and Reddit, planning the next getaway, or passionately decoding all things health and insurance!

Explore Our Comprehensive Health Insurance Options