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Neviya LaishramDec 15, 2025
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Insurance companies offer different ways to pay your term insurance premiums. You can pay monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, annually, or even make a one-time lump sum payment, known as a single premium.
In this article, you’ll learn all about single premium term insurance, how it works, its benefits, things to know before buying, and whether it’s the right fit for your financial needs.

Contents
A single premium term life insurance policy involves only one premium payment, made at the time of purchasing the policy. After that, you don’t need to make any more payments. The policy remains active for the entire term, and your family continues to stay protected.
This type of plan works well for individuals who have the ability to pay a lump sum upfront and would rather not worry about remembering monthly or annual premium payments.
Here’s how it works in simple terms:
You pay for your policy just once, right at the beginning.
Once that’s done, your insurer keeps your policy active for the chosen duration let's say 10, 20, 30 years or more.
If you pass away during this period, your nominee will receive the sum assured.
Here are a few reasons people buy single premium plans:
One-Time Payment Convenience: One payment keeps your policy active for years, so you don’t have to worry about remembering multiple due dates. It’s perfect for people who prefer simplicity and don’t want to manage ongoing payments.
Avoid Missed Payment: Since that premium is already paid, your life insurance policy will never lapse due to missed payments.
Tax Benefits: You can also receive tax deduction benefits under Section 80C for the premium you paid, and the death benefit is tax-free under Section 10(10D). However, remember that you can claim the Section 80C benefit only for the year in which the payment is made.
Single premium plans are convenient, but it’s good to understand a few things before you buy one:
Bigger Payment at the Start: You’ll need to pay the full amount in one go. This can feel like a big step, especially if you’re used to smaller monthly or yearly payments.
You Can’t Use the Money Later: Once you’ve paid the single premium, your money is no longer available for personal use or other investments.
Limited Flexibility: After the payment is made, it’s usually non-refundable. You have less flexibility to change the cover amount, add riders, or shorten the policy term later on.
The single premium amount depends on:
Your age at the time of buying the policy
Sum assured or the total coverage you choose
Policy term (for how long you want coverage)
Health and lifestyle factors, such as smoking habits or medical history
Insurers use these factors to decide how much you’ll need to pay as a one-time premium for the full term.
A single premium term insurance plan can be a good option for those who prefer to handle payments upfront. It provides continuous protection without the worry of missing premium deadlines. However, it also comes with a higher initial cost and limited flexibility. Before choosing this option, make sure it fits your budget, life goals, and overall financial comfort.
Yes, many insurers allow you to pay the entire premium at once for a ₹1 crore term plan. Your policy stays active for the full term after that single payment.
The single premium option is available to individuals who can pay the entire premium amount in a single payment. It’s often chosen by salaried individuals or business owners, who prefer to make one payment instead of regular instalments.
It covers all types of natural and accidental deaths, as long as they fall under the policy’s terms and conditions.
The insurer calculates it based on your age, coverage amount, policy term, and health details. Younger and healthier individuals usually pay lower premiums.

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