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How to Select the Best TROP Plan? 7-Point Checklist for Smart Buyers

A Term Insurance with Return of Premium (TROP) plan provides life protection and the additional advantage of return of premium if you survive the policy period. With multiple TROP plans available, selecting one can be a hassle. If you are wondering which term insurance is best, this article explores key selection criteria, comparison factors, and evaluation parameters to help you make an informed decision.

What is a TROP Plan?

TROP stands for Term Insurance with Return of Premium. It is a type of term life insurance plan where, if you survive the policy term without making any claim, the insurer returns all the premiums you paid during the policy period. Unlike traditional term plans, TROP plans appeal to individuals seeking financial security for their loved ones and maturity benefits. 

Why Choose a TROP Plan?

Many insurance buyers evaluating the best term insurance plan are drawn towards TROP due to its added maturity benefit. Here's why they fall into a smart-buyer decision framework:

  • Premium Refund: Total premium paid back at the end of the policy term. 
  • Life Cover: Provides life coverage for family protection.
  • Tax Advantages: Premiums are eligible for tax deduction under Section 80C, and maturity proceeds are tax-exempt under Section 10(10D).
  • Peace of Mind: The dual benefits of life cover and premium refunds provide security without the worry of losing your payments.
  • Supports Long-Term Planning: TROP can help you prepare for future expenses like retirement or your child’s higher education, as the refunded premiums can be redirected towards other life goals.
  • Customisable Options: Many ROP plans come with riders like critical illness or accidental death benefit, providing add-on coverage as needed.
  • Financial Discipline: Paying regular premiums helps build a habit of saving while ensuring your family stays protected with life cover.
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These benefits make TROP plans a powerful option, especially for those researching the best term insurance in India with a guaranteed return feature.

7-Point Checklist While Choosing a TROP Plan

Selecting a TROP plan depends on how various factors align with your financial goals. Here's a checklist to help you evaluate and compare term insurance with return of premium effectively:

1. Sum Assured (Coverage Amount)

The guaranteed amount must cover your family's financial needs, including loans, daily expenditures, and future goals. Use a term insurance calculator to estimate the right coverage amount. It is wise to secure a plan with coverage of 10 - 15 times your income per year. If your yearly income is ₹10 lakh, it is wise to aim for a ₹1–1.5 crore coverage.

2. Policy Tenure

Choose a policy term based on your financial liabilities. If you have a housing loan of, say, 20 years, opt for a 20 - 25-year TROP policy. Choosing a term that provides coverage until age 60 - 70 protects you through your earning years and also avoids getting new coverage that will be more expensive as you get older.

3. Premium Affordability

TROP policies are more expensive due to the refund factor. They are costlier than traditional term life insurance, about 1.5 - 3 times. Use online premium calculators to compare costs and ensure the policy fits your budget. If you're looking for a more affordable and flexible pure protection plan, consider exploring the ACKO Life Flexi Term Plan.

4. Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR)

The CSR reflects the claim payment reliability of an insurer; always choose insurers with a CSR above 95% for seamless claims handling.

5. Riders and Add-ons

Riders help you get extra protection with your TROP plan. Standard rider options include:

  • Accidental Death Benefit: An Additional payment in case of accidental death.
  • Critical Illness Cover: Pays a lump sum upon diagnosing of severe illnesses like cancer, heart attack, or stroke.
  • Disability Income Rider: This rider offers regular income support in case of permanent disability. It is especially valuable as it helps cover daily living expenses and more during challenging times. So, carefully compare the rider prices and coverage limits to maximise protection.

6. Flexibility in Premium Payment

Check whether the policy offers flexible payment (monthly, quarterly, yearly) or limited pay terms (e.g., pay for 10 years on a 20-year policy). 

7. Digital Experience of Insurer

A seamless digital platform facilitates easy purchasing, managing, and filing of policies. Seek insurers with user-friendly apps or websites for instant issuance of policies and status of claims, a crucial consideration among technologically savvy purchasers.

Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing a TROP Plan

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when choosing a term insurance plan with return of premium:

Low Coverage

 Choosing a low sum assured may leave your family financially vulnerable and unable to meet essential expenses in your absence.

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Ignoring Riders 

Completely avoiding optional add-on benefits like critical illness and disability cover can reduce the overall protection. 

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Focusing Attention Only on Premiums

Focusing only on premiums can mislead you into selecting plans with limited coverage that may not suit your needs.

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Not Reading Policy Conditions

Ignoring the policy's exclusions, waiting periods, or payout conditions can lead to unpleasant surprises. 

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Conclusion

Choosing the right TROP plan requires a clear, well-informed decision-making process that balances adequate coverage, reasonable pricing, and the insurer’s reliability. It’s important to avoid common pitfalls, such as opting for insufficient coverage or overlooking key policy details that could compromise your plan’s ability to protect your family or deliver promised benefits.

FAQs on How to Choose the Right TROP Plan

  1. Before buying a TROP plan, consider coverage amount, premium affordability, insurer reputation, policy term, and exclusions.

  2. Choose a provider with a CSR above 95%, strong financial backing, efficient customer support, and a smooth digital interface to enable policy management and claim processing.

  3. Term Insurance with Return of Premium (TROP) offers life coverage and returns all the premiums paid if you survive the policy term, thus blending protection with guaranteed, risk-free savings.

  4. To select the best TROP plan, evaluate your coverage needs, compare premiums across insurers, and review policy terms and exclusions. It is also critical to consider any additional riders.

  5. TROP plans are more expensive compared to standard term policies, generally 1.5-3 times. While offering maturity benefits, TROP does not yield interest; it is just a refund of the premiums paid.

  6. TROP would be the best option if you specifically want life cover with the assurance of receiving your premiums back on survival. Traditional term plans are affordable and provide large life coverage; however, there are no maturity benefits

  7. TROP offers coverage for a fixed term and refunds premiums if you survive the period. Whole life plans are intended to maintain coverage throughout the insured's entire life and build cash value, but with much higher premiums.

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Neviya Laishram profile avatar

Written by

Neviya Laishram

Senior Editor

Vaibhav Kumar Kaushik profile avatar

Reviewed by

Vaibhav Kumar Kaushik

Senior Director – Life Insurance Strategy