How Does Term Insurance Work?
Let us understand how term life insurance works with the help of a real-life example:
Rahul is a 25-year-old professional in Mumbai who buys a Rs. 2 crore term insurance plan for 20 years and pays a monthly premium3 of Rs.14122.
Here is a step-by-step flow on how it works:
Policy Purchase:
During Policy Term:
Death during the policy term:
Outlives the policy term:
Rahul fills out the proposal form, undergoes a medical exam, and starts paying premiums.
He regularly pays premiums to keep the policy active.
If Rahul passes away during the policy term, his nominee receives the tax-free death benefit of 2 Crore#.
If Rahul survives the policy term, his coverage will end unless he has chosen a return of premium option.
Why Do I Need Term Insurance in Mumbai?
From high living costs to rising health risks, this city's fast-paced lifestyle causes residents to overlook long-term financial planning. Opting for a term insurance plan is the key to securing the future of your family and safeguarding them against uncertainties. Let us consider the factors below to understand why term insurance is not just a financial instrument but a necessity for Mumbai residents.
High Cost of Living in Mumbai
Financial Protection for Your Family
Rising Health Risks and Stress in Mumbai
Coverage Against Hazards in Mumbai
Long-Term Financial Planning
Mumbai, India's financial capital, is renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and abundant career opportunities. However, it also ranks among the most expensive cities to live in India. According to Numbeo, as of May 2025, the average monthly expenses for a single person in Mumbai are approximately Rs. 35,418, excluding rent. For a family of four, this figure rises to around Rs.122,872 per month, excluding rent. These costs include housing, education, healthcare, and daily necessities.
In such a high-cost environment, the sudden loss of income can place significant financial strain on families. Investing in a term life insurance policy can provide a crucial safety net, ensuring that loved ones receive a lump sum to cover expenses in the event of an untimely demise.
For instance, Ravikant, a 25-year-old IT professional in Mumbai, purchases HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Super (Life option) and secures 1 crore term insurance for just ₹706¹ per month. This proactive approach to financial planning is essential in a city where living costs continue to escalate.
In Mumbai's fast-paced environment, term insurance serves as a vital safeguard for families. According to Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation with over 60% of Indian households relying on a single income source, the sudden loss of an earner can severely impact dependents.
Term insurance offers a tax-free lump sum to beneficiaries as per the provisions of Section 10(10D) of Income Tax Act,1961#, helping cover daily expenses, outstanding debts, and future goals like education. This financial cushion ensures that spouses, children, or elderly parents maintain their standard of living and achieve financial independence, even in the policyholder's absence.
Mumbai’s urban lifestyle poses significant health challenges. The city's air quality often falls into the 'poor' category, with AQI levels exceeding 150, indicating unhealthy pollution levels. Prolonged exposure to such pollution increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
According to the 2023 ICMR INDIAB study. India faces a growing diabetes crisis, with over 101 million individuals affected, many unaware of their condition. These health risks underscore the importance of securing financial protection. Investing in a term insurance plan with Critical Illness rider can provide a safety net against unforeseen medical emergencies, ensuring peace of mind in Mumbai's high-stress environment.
Mumbai's bustling traffic poses significant risks, with by Hindustan Times. Nota 4,935 road accidents and 1,108 fatalities reported in 2024 by Mumbai Police 2024 Report. Notably, two-wheeler riders and pedestrians accounted for approximately 70% of these fatalities. Given these alarming statistics, securing a term insurance policy with an Accidental Death Benefit (ADB) rider is crucial.
This rider offers an additional payout to beneficiaries if the policyholder dies due to an accident, supplementing the base sum assured. Such coverage ensures enhanced financial protection for families, particularly in accident-prone urban environments like Mumbai.
With rising pollution, urban stress, and healthcare challenges, life expectancy in India remains uncertain. According to the World Economics Forum, India's life expectancy at birth was 72.2 years in 2024. This makes long-term financial planning essential, not optional. Choosing an affordable term insurance plan offers peace of mind by ensuring your family is financially protected.
It helps manage future expenses like medical bills, children’s education, and long-term liabilities. A well-planned policy with adequate duration ensures financial stability, even during unforeseen life events, securing your loved ones’ future.
When Should I Buy a Term Insurance Plan?
Read the table below to get a detailed idea about when buying a term insurance plan can be helpful.
Age Group |
Why Buy at This Age |
Key Benefits |
20 – 25 Years |
You are just starting your career in Mumbai. |
1. Pay low premiums because of young age and good health |
26 – 30 Years |
At this age, you are financially independent |
1. Payment of affordable premiums |
31 – 35 Years |
Marriage, EMIs and growing a family in Mumbai |
1. Protects spouse and the future of children in a city where education & healthcare are not cheap |
36 – 40 Years |
Multiplying of your responsibilities, ageing parents, and schooling of your kids in Mumbai |
1. Ensure that maintaining the child's education and a safe lifestyle for the family stays uninterrupted |
41 – 45 Years |
Health risks and rising medical expenses, stress and work deadlines |
1. Offers a safety net as health risks grow |
46+ Years |
Pre-retirement planning in Mumbai |
1. Ensures your spouse is financially independent in your absence.
|
How Much Term Insurance Coverage Do You Need in Mumbai?
Due to the very high cost of living in Mumbai, you should carefully calculate your term insurance coverage to avoid any problems in the future.
Before calculating the coverage, let’s see the average costs of living in Mumbai:
● 1 BHK Rent (Central Mumbai): Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 50,000/month.
● Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas): Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 4,500/month.
● Groceries (Family of Four): Rs. 8,000 – Rs. 12,000/month.
● Doctor Consultation (General/Specialist): Rs. 500 – Rs. 1,500/visit.
● Private School Fees: Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 4,00,000/year.
Disclaimer: These are estimated figures and the actual amount may vary as per different factors.
Now, you can use this formula to find your suitable coverage of term insurance Mumbai:
● Required Coverage = (Annual Income × 10) + Outstanding Loans + Future Expenses
Examples:
Young Single Professional:
➔ Annual Income: ₹12 lakh/
➔ Rent: ₹40,000/month = ₹4.8 lakh/year (a living expense — not income, but important to factor in when planning your budget based on your annual income))
➔ Loans: None
➔ Future Expenses: Assume minimal, as unmarried with no dependents
➔ Calculation: (₹12 lakh × 10) + 0 + minimal future expenses = ₹1.2 crore
➔ Recommended Coverage Required - ₹1.2 crore
Married Couple with Children:
➔ Combined Income: ₹30 lakh/year
➔ Loans: ₹1 crore (home loan)
➔ Future Expenses: Assume ₹40 lakh–₹70 lakh for two children’s education and basic family support
➔ Calculation: (₹30 lakh × 10) + ₹1 crore + ₹40–70 lakh = ₹4.4–5 crore
➔ Recommended Coverage Required - ₹4.5 - ₹5 crore
Business Owner with Liabilities:
- Annual Income: ₹40 lakh
- Loans: ₹2 crore
- Future Expenses: Assume ₹60 lakh–₹1 crore for premium school/college and lifestyle
- Calculation: (₹40 lakh × 10) + ₹2 crore + ₹60 lakh–₹1 crore = ₹6.6–7.5 crore
- Recommended Coverage Required: ₹6–7 crore — close enough, but could go slightly higher.
Disclaimer: Please note that these estimates are for illustrative purposes and might change as per your requirement and earnings.
Contact our Term Insurance Mumbai experts at 1800-266-9777 to discuss your needs and get an expert recommendation.
Top Factors Affecting Your Term Insurance Premium in Mumbai
These are the top factors that affect the premium of term insurance Mumbai:
Age
Premiums are significantly lower for younger applicants. For instance, a 25-year-old non-smoker in Mumbai might pay just Rs. 706 per month (for illustrative purposes only) for Rs. 1 crore coverage, whereas a 40-year-old would pay considerably more.
Gender
Women usually enjoy lower premium rates due to their longer average life expectancy compared to men.
Health Condition:
Existing health issues, family medical conditions, and common urban health risks in Mumbai, such as air pollution and high stress levels, can lead to increased premium costs.
Occupation:
If your job involves physical risk, such as in construction, shipping, or chemical industries, you need to pay higher premiums. On the other hand, lower-risk professions such as IT or desk jobs generally pay less.
Lifestyle Habits:
Unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or can make premiums higher. Smokers may need to pay nearly double the premium compared to non-smokers.
Coverage Amount:
Due to Mumbai’s high cost of living and real estate prices, many individuals opt for larger coverage amounts, which naturally raises the premium.
Policy Term:
Choosing a longer policy term increases the total premium paid over time but reduces the every month.
Calculate your term insurance premium
Calculate your term insurance premium in Mumbai with our easy-to-use term insurance premium calculator.
How to Choose the Best Term Insurance Plan in Mumbai?
To choose the best term insurance plan in Mumbai, you need to consider the following pointers:
Evaluate Your and Your Family’s Financial Needs in Mumbai
Understand the Customer Experience
Check the Solvency Ratio and insurer CSR
Consider the Benefits of Term Insurance Plans
Choose Riders for Additional Protection in Mumbai’s Busy Environment
Find Flexible Payout Options for Your Term Insurance Policy
Research Online Availability of Term Insurance
Mumbai, being one of the most expensive cities in India, demands thorough financial planning, especially when buying term insurance. Your policy should be designed to help your family maintain their lifestyle, cover debts, and manage future expenses in your absence.
Begin by assessing current financial commitments and the city’s higher living costs. Consider all crucial aspects before deciding on coverage.
Here’s how to evaluate your financial needs:
● Account for high housing costs: Factor in outstanding loans, such as home loans, which are typically higher in metropolitan areas.
● Include monthly family expenses: Cover essentials like rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.
● Add children’s education costs: Schooling and higher education in Mumbai are significantly more expensive.
● Adjust for inflation: Estimate future costs keeping inflation in mind.
● Follow industry benchmarks: Experts advise a sum assured of 15–20 times your annual income. For example, if your annual income is Rs. 10 lakh, your term insurance coverage should be Rs. 1.5 to 2 crore.
When selecting a term life insurance plan, the customer experience plays a crucial role, especially because these policies span decades. Your choice should reflect the reliability and service quality of the insurer.
● Prioritise insurers with strong claim-settlement records to ensure future peace of mind.
● Speak with trusted friends or family in Mumbai about their personal experiences with insurers to uncover real-life insights.
● Explore online reviews to gauge service quality, responsiveness, and how insurers handle claims.
HDFC Life, with its branches across Mumbai, stands out for offering:
● A blend of digital ease and local, in-person assistance.
● Walk-in support for policy clarifications, documentation help, and personalised guidance.
● A dependable service track record fosters trust and long-term satisfaction with your insurer.
The solvency ratio shows an insurer’s ability to pay claims, and the claim settlement ratio (CSR) reflects the percentage of claims paid out.
You should prioritise insurers with above-average solvency and CSR to ensure hassle-free claims. Our CSR is 99.68%##and the Solvency Ratio is 1.88, which makes us one of the best term insurance companies in Mumbai.
Before purchasing a term insurance, you should also check the benefits of a Term Insurance plan so that you can adapt protection as your needs grow while enjoying financial security.
At HDFC Life, we offer high coverage amounts ideal for Mumbai’s costly lifestyle, with tax benefits under Section 80C#. We cover terminal illness benefits with accelerated payouts and the option to increase coverage at key life stages.
In a city as fast-paced and stressful as Mumbai, adding riders to your term insurance policy is a smart way to enhance your financial security. Riders provide additional coverage for specific risks that are especially relevant in an urban setting, such as accidents, pollution-related illnesses, and stress-induced disabilities.
Though they come at an extra cost, the value they offer in terms of peace of mind is significant.
Here are some key riders to consider:
● Accidental Death Benefit Rider: Critical in Mumbai, where 4,935 road accidents were recorded in 2024, leading to 1,108 fatalities. Pedestrians and two-wheeler riders are the most affected.
● Critical Illness Rider: It covers illnesses that may be worsened by air pollution, providing financial support during medical emergencies.
● Disability Income Benefit Rider: Offers income protection in case of disability, helping maintain financial stability during recovery.
● Premium Waiver Rider: Ensures policy continuity during illness or disability without added financial burden.
While buying a new term insurance, you should also take care of the payout options, such as lump sum, monthly income, or combined payout options.
The lump-sum payout option is for Mumbai residents with high debts. The monthly payout options are best to manage ongoing high living costs or children's education. Otherwise, you can choose a combined option.
Note: This is based on policy terms and conditions. Not all policies offer combined option
For example, a Rs. 1 crore policy can pay Rs. 50 lakhs upfront, with the rest as monthly income for your family.
By choosing online term insurance plans in Mumbai, you can save time. Compared to the offline process, the online process provides you with exclusive discounts and faster processing. With HDFC Life, we help you to compare plans, calculate premiums using term insurance calculators and even submit your documents online.
On our platform, you can simply choose your plan. Here are the steps:
● Fill out the application form.
● Upload the required documents and pay the insurance premium.
● If you want personal support and guidance, you can visit any of our Mumbai branches.
Term Insurance Premium Calculator Mumbai: Estimate Your Costs
It may be difficult for you to understand how much premium is required for your desired coverage. Here, you can take help from a term insurance premium calculator to calculate the premium amount instantly.
In this tool, you just need to enter some basic details such as coverage, age, annual income, policy term, etc. In the section below, you can find out how exactly these factors affect your insurance premium.
Here are some sample premium estimates for male individuals across different demographics in Mumbai:
● 30-year-old IT Professional: Rs. 1,809 every month for a Rs. 1 crore coverage.
● 35-year-old Finance Professional with Family: Rs. 4,161 every month for Rs. 2 crore coverage.
● 40-year-old Business Owner: Rs. 5,521 every month for Rs. 3 crore coverage.
Calculate your term insurance premium in Mumbai with our easy-to-use term insurance premium calculator.
Note: The above example is for Illustrative purpose only. For all these examples, we have kept the premium paying terms for 30 years. This example is only for illustrative purposes and the premium amount may vary for every unique customer’s profile and needs.
Best Term Insurance Plans Available in Mumbai (2025)
Here is a brief comparison of different plans available in term insurance Mumbai from HDFC Life:
Term Insurance Plans |
Customer profile |
Sum assured |
Premium amount9 |
Action |
HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Super (Life option) (UIN:101N145V08) |
For all between 18-65 years |
1 Crore |
Rs.70619 |
|
HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Elite Plus (UIN:101N182V01) |
Salaried segment |
2 Crore |
Rs.115311 |
|
HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Life (UIN – 101N139V07) |
Salaried segment |
1 Crore |
Rs.119121 |
|
HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Ultimate (UIN: 101N179V01) |
Annual income >Rs.10 Lakhs |
2 Crore |
Rs.140015 |
|
HDFC Life Sanchay Legacy (Life option)12 (UIN:101N177V04) |
Mature HNI segment |
1.2 Crore |
Rs.1,00,00018 |
How to Buy Term Insurance Online?
Here is a detailed step-by-step method to follow for purchasing term insurance online:
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
Step 5:
Proceed to select the features of the policy that include the payment method of premiums, riders, policy term, and more.
Step 6:
Pay out the premium amount through debit or credit card, net banking, UPI, and others.
Step 7:
The insurance company further reviews your submitted documents
Step 8:
A copy of your chosen policy is further sent to your chosen email address, and the selected plan will be active
Go to the official website of HDFC Life and navigate through several term insurance plans available
Choose the term insurance plan you wish to
Fill out the application form with detailed information such as age, name, gender, and other details
Gather proof of your age, identity, and address, and click on 'Submit'. The address proofs include Aadhaar card, and a passport. Also PAN card is the Mandatory document.
How to Buy Term Insurance offline in Mumbai?
Check out the detailed steps below for purchasing a term insurance plan offline:
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
Step 5:
The company further reviews your submitted documents
Step 6:
Visit the nearest HDFC Life branch in Mumbai and select the desired sum assured for your term life insurance
The respective officials at the branch will provide you with a detailed guide on the next steps. Normally, the steps are similar to the online method, including submission of your age, identity, address proof, filling out the form, and more.
Choose the features of your chosen policy, such as the term of the policy, the riders, and the method of paying the premium amount.
Pay out the premium amount through debit and credit card, UPI, or in cash
A copy of your chosen policy is then further sent to your registered email address, and your chosen plan will be active
Address
Map
What Are the Documents Required to Buy a Term Insurance in Mumbai?
Here is a table of the documents required to buy your term insurance in Mumbai:
Document Type |
Examples |
Proof of Age |
Birth Certificate, School Certificate, Passport |
Proof of Identity |
Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID |
Income Proof |
Form 16, Salary Slips, Bank Statements, ITR |
Proof of Address |
Passport, Permanent Driving License, Voter’s Identity Card issued by Election Commission of India |
Medical Reports |
Health Check-ups, Medical Examination Reports |
At HDFC Life, we provide online KYC options for busy professionals. In case you need in-person support for document submission, you can visit any of our offline branches in Mumbai.
Note: If any additional document is required in your case, you have to submit them to your insurer. For a smooth documentation process, you should re-check the form, keep all the required documents handy and may need to complete the medical test.
FAQS about Term Insurance in Mumbai
Can you buy term insurance offline?
Yes, you can buy term insurance offline by going to your nearest insurance company branch or approaching any authorised agent. The agent assists you in guiding you through the entire process, helps manage paperwork and provides a detailed explanation of details of policy to choose the right coverage as per your needs.
Which Mumbai branch assists in buying term insurance?
The available 15+ branches in Mumbai offer assistance for purchasing term insurance. Visiting any of your nearby branches is essential for assistance.
What is term insurance?
Term insurance is a life insurance policy that provides financial protection for a specific period. If the policyholder dies during this period, the nominee receives a lump sum amount. Due to high living expenses in Mumbai, you need to secure your family with this for uncertain conditions.
How does term insurance work?
Term insurance solely provides death benefit coverage for a specified period without including any savings or investment components. This makes it different from whole life or endowment plans, where you get a cash value or maturity amount after the term.
What are the tax benefits of term insurance plans?
By purchasing a term insurance, you can enjoy deductions under Section 80C# (capped at Rs. 1.5 lakh in a financial year). For higher-income Mumbai professionals, term insurance can maximise this benefit by aligning premium payments with the limit.
Are term insurance premiums higher in Mumbai compared to other cities?
Premiums generally depend on age, health, pre-existing diseases and lifestyle, not location. However, higher stress or pollution levels in Mumbai could affect your health conditions.
How do I claim term insurance in case of the policyholder’s death?
At HDFC Life, we offer the easiest ways to claim your term insurance via online submission, WhatsApp, and a Branch visit. Keep all the required documents, fill out the claim form and contact us in any of these channels.

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1. The above premium rates are for a non-smoker healthy male, age is 25, Policy Term 20 year & Premium Paying Term is 20 year. inclusive of 5% online discount (applicable only for 1st year premium) and exclusive of taxes & levies as applicable. HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Super (UIN: 101N145V08) is a Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Individual, Pure Risk Premium/ Savings Life Insurance Plan. Life Insurance Coverage is available in this product.
2. The premium price is subject to change based on variations in customer profile, policy term, premium payment term, and selected death benefits.
3. The premium amount is exclusive of taxes & levies.
9. The premium amount is exclusive of taxes & levies.
11. The above premium rates are for a non-smoker healthy male, age is 25, Policy Term 20 year & Premium Paying Term is 15 year. inclusive of 5% online discount (applicable only for 1st year premium) and exclusive of taxes & levies as applicable HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Elite Plus (UIN:101N182V01) is a Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Individual, Pure Risk Premium/ Savings Life Insurance Plan. Life Insurance Coverage is available in this product.
12. HDFC Life Sanchay Legacy (UIN:101N177V04) is a Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Individual, Pure Risk Premium/ Savings Life Insurance Plan. Life Insurance Coverage is available in this product.
15. HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Ultimate(UIN: 101N179V01) A Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Individual, Pure Risk Premium/Savings Life Insurance Plan. The policy must be in force on the date of death, with all premiums fully paid, except for the exclusion clauses mentioned in Part F of the policy document.
18. The above premium rates are for a non-smoker healthy male, age is 40, Policy Term 15 year & Premium Paying Term is 15 year. inclusive of 5% online discount (applicable only for 1st year premium) and exclusive of taxes & levies as applicable. HDFC Life Sanchay Legacy (UIN:101N177V04) is a Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Individual, Pure Risk Premium/ Savings Life Insurance Plan.Life Insurance Coverage is available in this product.
19. The above premium rates are for a non-smoker healthy male, age is 25, Policy Term 20 year & Premium Paying Term is 20 year. inclusive of 5% online discount (applicable only for 1st year premium) and exclusive of taxes & levies as applicable. HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Super (UIN: 101N145V08) is a Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Individual, Pure Risk Premium/ Savings Life Insurance Plan. Life Insurance Coverage is available in this product.
21. The above premium rates are for a non-smoker healthy male, age is 25, Policy Term 20 year & Premium Paying Term is 20 year. inclusive of 5% online discount (applicable only for 1st year premium) and exclusive of taxes & levies as applicable. HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Life (UIN – 101N139V07) A Non Linked, Non Participating, Individual, Pure Risk Premium/Savings Life Insurance Plan Life Insurance Coverage is available in this product.
https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/india-s-cancer-mortality-ratio-the-highest-among-top-10-cancer-countries-125022800514_1.html, Oct 28 Feb, 2025, 03:38 IST
*** Riders are subject to payment of additional premium.”
#Tax benefits & exemptions are subject to the conditions of the Income Tax Act, 1961 and its provisions. Tax Laws are subject to change from time to time. Customer is requested to seek tax advice from his Chartered Accountant or personal tax advisor with respect to his personal tax liabilities under the Income-tax law.
**If a customer is a Salaried individual and has opted for a cover of INR 2 Cr with Limited pay, then the total discounts applicable shall be: 10% +7% = 17% discount on the first year premiums.
~Tax benefits of ₹ 54,600 (₹ 46,800 u/s 80C & ₹ 7,800 u/s 80D) is calculated at highest tax slab rate of 30% on life insurance premium u/s 80C of ₹ 1,50,000 and health premium (Critical illness rider) u/s 80D of ₹ 25,000. Tax benefits are subject to conditions under section 80C, 80D, 10(10D) as per Income Tax Act, 1961. Please consult your tax advisor for more information.
^ Available under Life & Life Plus plan options
##Individual claim settlement ratio by number of policies as per audited annual statistics for FY 24-25
^^Provided we have received all the relevant and required documents and no further investigation is required. Claim settlement process would be completed within stipulated timelines once the claim request is approved
@As per integrated annual report FY24-25, available on www.hdfclife.com. As of May 2025
HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Super (UIN: 101N145V08) is a Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Individual, Pure Risk Premium/ Savings Life Insurance Plan. Life Insurance Coverage is available in this product.
##Individual death claim settlement ratio by number of policies as per audited annual statistics for FY 2024-25.
#Tax benefits are subject to conditions under Section 80C and other provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Tax laws are subject to change
ARN- ED/07/25/24704