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Written by
Lakshey Bahl
: Reviewed by
Vaibhav Kumar

Vaibhav Kumar
Insurance Domain Expert
With over 16 years in life insurance, Vaibhav Kumar is a recognized products and digital leader for driving innovation at Axis Max Life Insurance. He's played a pivotal role in developing new business lines and implementing successful D2C strategies.
What is Term Life Insurance for US based NRI?
Term life insurance for NRIs is a pure protection life insurance policy that gives financial support to family members if the insured NRI individual passes away during the policy term. This type of insurance can offer significantly large life cover pay out at affordable cost since it only covers the risk of life loss for a limited term, without any maturity or survival benefits.
Additionally, NRIs in US also get the option to customise their NRI term plans with various add-ons and riders. Opting for these may involve payment of an additional premium, however, these can provide additional financial protection to the policyholder and/or policy beneficiary in the case of events such as diagnosis of a terminal/critical illness, accidental death/dismemberment, etc.
How Do Term Insurance for NRI Plans Work?
US NRI Term Insurance functions similarly to standard term plans in India. Here is how a term plan for NRI in US usually works:
Benefits of Term Life Insurance for US based NRIs
Term life insurance offers NRIs several important benefits viz., thereby providing peace of mind and financial protection for them and their families:
1. High Life Cover
If the life insured dies during the policy term, the nominee receives the life cover pay out, also known as the death benefit. This is the NRI term plan payout which can help cover immediate financial needs, education expenses, or help with debt repayments, ensuring financial stability of the family in testing times.
2. Tax Benefits
NRIs may enjoy tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act for premiums paid towards their term insurance policies, subject to Indian tax regulations. Additionally, the death benefit paid to the nominee is also tax-exempt under Section 10(10D), providing further financial relief. NRIs also receive the benefit of GST waiver on premium payments as per applicable tax rules.
3. Return of Premium
Some term plans offer a return of the premium feature, where all paid premiums are refunded within a specified time window. This ensures that policyholders will receive the premiums already paid back if the policy is surrendered as per applicable terms and conditions under the special exit value~1 rules.
4. Customisations Options
NRIs in the US who are purchasing NRI term plan can also customise coverage by adding riders for critical illness, accidental death, or waiver of premium. These customisations can help increase overall protection offered by the plan if specific events occur such as diagnosis of a terminal/critical illness, death/dismemberment in the case of an accident, etc.
Who is Eligible to Buy Term Insurance for NRI Residing in the US?
Term insurance is available to various categories of Indians living abroad who want to secure financial protection for their families. Eligible individuals include:
What are the Documents Required for Term Insurance Plans for NRI?
NRIs in US need the following documents to apply for term insurance from India:
Note: this list of documents is illustrative and liable to change periodically based on insurer’s norms as well as on a case by case basis with respect to applicants.
How to Buy Max Life Term Insurance for NRI in US?
To buy Max Life Term Insurance as an NRI in USA, the following steps must be adhered to:
US NRI Term Insurance is a vital financial protection tool for the Non-Resident Indians as well as the PIOs/OCIs residing in the US and seeking to protect their families residing in India. With various plan options tailored to different needs, such as renewable, convertible, and decreasing term plans, NRIs can find the right coverage that fits their financial situation.
By securing a US NRI Term Insurance policy, NRIs can ensure their loved ones are protected financially, providing peace of mind regardless of where they reside.
Term Insurance FAQs
Can an NRI in US buy term insurance from India?
What are the best Term Insurance Plans for NRIs?
How can you buy NRI term insurance in India?
Are the premiums paid for a term plan for NRI in US eligible for claiming tax benefits in India?
Will the NRI term plan payout attract taxes in India?
ARN: Dec24/Bg/14K