Is Return of Premium Term Insurance a Good Investment? Expert Analysis

In today's rapidly changing financial marketplace, selecting the appropriate insurance policy is paramount to achieving long-term financial stability. Among the various insurance plans available, Return of Premium Term Insurance (TROP) has gained popularity among risk-averse individuals. But is it a good investment? Let's analyse expert opinion to assist you in your decision-making.

In today's rapidly changing financial marketplace, selecting the appropriate insurance policy is paramount to achieving long-term financial stability. Among the various insurance plans available, Return of Premium Term Insurance (TROP) has gained popularity among risk-averse individuals....
In today's rapidly changing financial marketplace, selecting the appropriate insurance policy is paramount...
Term Life Insurance that Welcomes Change

Life Cover Starting @ just ₹18/day*

key-features-0

Change Your Policy Term

As per your life stage and commitments

key-features-1

Hassle-Free Claim Settlement

99.38% Claim settlement ratio*

key-features-2

Smart Income Tax Savings

Save up to ₹54,600* on your taxes

ARN: L0088 | *T&Cs Apply
background-image-desktop-widget

Understanding Return of Premium Term Insurance

A return of premium term plan ensures that the insurer refunds the total premiums paid if the policyholder survives the policy term. This differs from a traditional term plan, where no premiums are returned unless a claim is made during the policy term.
In other words, return of premium life insurance offers a money-back guarantee if the policyholder is alive at the end of the policy duration.

Key Features of Return of Premium Term Insurance

Before concluding whether the return of premium term life insurance is a good option for you, let’s understand its basic features:

Life Coverage

Pays a death benefit to your beneficiary if you pass away during the policy term.

Premium Refund

You will get all the premiums back if you survive the term.

Tax Benefits

In terms of savings, any premiums you paid are eligible for a deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Fixed Premium

Return of premium term insurance charges fixed premiums throughout the policy term.

Opportunity Cost: Is the Refund Worth the Price?

As you know, the premium for a TROP policy is higher than that of a standard term plan. So, opportunity cost is an important factor to consider when evaluating TROP policies. Think about what the extra premium paid for a TROP policy could become if invested somewhere else.
For example, if a basic term plan costs ₹10,000 annually and a TROP version costs ₹25,000, the extra ₹15,000 could instead be invested each year in mutual funds or a PPF. Over the policy term, this investment could grow more than the simple premium refund offered by the TROP plan. 

Comparing TROP with Pure Term and Investment Options

Given below is a comparative analysis of the TROP and Pure Term Plans:

ParameterTROP PlanPure Term Plan
   
PremiumHigherLower
Death BenefitAvailableAvailable
Survival BenefitRefunded PremiumsNot Available
FlexibilityLow (may vary depending on the specific policy and insurer)Generally higher compared to TROP

If you are looking for a pure term plan, you may want to explore the ACKO Life Flexi Term Plan. This unique plan from ACKO delivers a modern, flexible, and customer-centric solution for long-term financial protection. From adaptable sum assured and affordable premiums to a will creation service (which helps you clearly outline the distribution of your assets), it stands out in the market due to its distinctive features and customer-first approach. To learn more, click here: Link

Return of Premium Term Plan: Pros and Cons

The return of premium term plan has its pros and cons. Knowing them can help you decide whether this policy works for your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Guaranteed return of premium

If you survive the policy term, all premiums paid will be refunded.

Dual benefit: Protection + Refund

You get life coverage during the policy term and a full refund of premiums paid

Tax benefits

Tax benefits under Section 80C and Section 10(10D).

Higher premium cost

TROP plans are typically 1.5 -3 times expensive than standard term insurance plans.

Lower effective returns compared to other investments

In the long run, the internal rate of return (IRR) of TROP plans is normally less than that of mutual funds or PPF

May not beat inflation

Premium refunds are not adjusted for inflation. This means the refund amount remains fixed and does not increase over time.

Expert Verdict: Is It Worth It?

So, is the return of premium life insurance a good investment? Think of TROP as a hybrid: part insurance, part low-yield savings. It provides psychological comfort and the assurance of "not losing money," which resonates with many policyholders. For individuals who prioritise guaranteed returns over potentially higher-yielding investments, term insurance return of premium can be an ideal option.

Who Should Avoid It?

While Return of Premium Term Insurance (TROP) offers guaranteed refunds and life cover, it may not be the preferred choice for everyone. Here are the types of individuals who might consider other options:

  • Young investors who are looking for high-growth opportunities.
  • Policyholders with adequate term insurance who wish to look into market-linked investments.

Conclusion

Return of premium term insurance is a great option for those who prefer certainty and risk-free outcomes. While it is not a high-yield investment alternative, it serves as a valuable and effective financial planning tool for certain demographics. If you prioritise guaranteed returns, then return of premium term insurance is a great investment for you.

FAQs on Return of Premium Term Insurance

A return of premium term plan is a life insurance policy that refunds all paid premiums if the policyholder survives the term.

No, TROP is generally not taxable, provided the policy meets the conditions specified under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act. 

Yes, the premium for a term insurance return of a premium plan is generally 1.5-3 times higher.

TROP plans are suitable for risk-averse individuals seeking financial protection plus the return of premiums paid.

A return of premium term insurance is most suited for cautious individuals who seek assured outcomes. It is ideal for those who want life cover with the added benefit of having their premiums refunded.

The refund premium of a TROP policy is typically the total of all premiums paid up to the end of the policy term, minus taxes, rider fees, and other applicable fees. It is only paid if the policyholder survives the entire period.

Author photo Icon

Written by Neviya Laishram

1.7K Linkedin Followers Author dot Icon

Reviewed by Vaibhav Kumar Kaushik Author info Icon

A senior editor with years of expertise, she fine-tunes content that connects, converts, and builds trust. She transforms heavy life insurance concepts into clear, aha-moment reads. Writing is her passion, and thinking ahead is second nature. When not wrangling words, she’s crushing game levels because every challenge is a puzzle waiting to be solved.

Explore Life Insurance Product

Is Return of Premium Term Insurance a Good Investment?