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Written byLakshey Bahl
Insurance Writer
Published 15th February 2026
Reviewed byVaibhav Kumar
Last Modified 15th February 2026
Insurance Domain Expert

What is Term Insurance for Father?
A term insurance plan for a father secures the family financially if he passes away during the policy term. It protects loved ones from financial hardship caused by the sudden loss of an earning member. The policy pays a lump sum that covers daily expenses, children’s education, or outstanding loans. Term insurance ensures family financial stability during difficult times.
Why Fathers Need Term Insurance Urgently?
Fathers handle long-term responsibilities like education, loans, and parental support. Unexpected events can threaten a family’s financial stability. The sudden loss of income can derail long-term financial goals. Families may liquidate assets or take loans to survive.
Term insurance for fathers acts as a strong financial safety net. It helps fathers plan for life’s uncertainties affordably. The policy pays a lump sum to support essential expenses and goals. This payout protects the family after the main earner’s death.
Individual term plans remain active despite job changes. Fathers can customize coverage for longer durations. Buying early secures lower premiums and higher sum assured. It offers a cost-effective and long-term financial solution.
Best Term Insurance Plans for Fathers
The following table mentions some of the best term plans for a father in 2026:
| Plan Name | Life Cover | Sum Assured |
|---|---|---|
| Axis Max Smart Term Plan Plus | ₹2 Crore | ₹902/ month |
| Axis Max Life Smart Secure Plus Plan | ₹1 Crore | ₹1,017/ month |
| Axis Max Life Smart Total Elite Protection Plan | ₹2 Crore | ₹902/ month |
Premiums for Fathers Age 35-55
Fathers between 35 and 55 handle major financial responsibilities. They raise children and manage new or existing loans.
A father aged 35-45 may already hold ₹1.25 crore coverage. He can add ₹50 lakh to strengthen long-term protection. This additional cover may cost around ₹7,493 per year. If he paid ₹11,476 earlier, total becomes ₹18,969 annually. He then secures ₹1.75 crore total life cover.
Between 45 and 55, home loans may reduce gradually. However, children’s higher education costs increase financial needs. Continuing ₹1.75 crore coverage protects against inflation and future goals. The total cover and annual premium remain unchanged during this phase.
Premiums are approximate and vary by insurer and risk profile.
A father aged 35-45 may already hold ₹1.25 crore coverage. He can add ₹50 lakh to strengthen long-term protection. This additional cover may cost around ₹7,493 per year. If he paid ₹11,476 earlier, total becomes ₹18,969 annually. He then secures ₹1.75 crore total life cover.
Between 45 and 55, home loans may reduce gradually. However, children’s higher education costs increase financial needs. Continuing ₹1.75 crore coverage protects against inflation and future goals. The total cover and annual premium remain unchanged during this phase.
Premiums are approximate and vary by insurer and risk profile.
Key Benefits of Term Insurance for Fathers
Term insurance plays a crucial role in protecting a father’s financial responsibilities. The benefits of term insurance for fathers include income replacement and loan protection. It secures children’s education and supports ageing parents. Fathers can also gain affordable, high-value coverage during their prime earning years.
- Affordable Premiums With High Cover
Term insurance offers fathers high life cover at affordable premiums. It costs less than most other life insurance products. Fathers can choose a higher sum assured to cover major financial needs. Buying the policy at a younger age lowers the premium further. Early purchase helps fathers maintain coverage without financial strain.
- Financial Security for Children
One major benefit of term insurance is financial security for your children. The payout covers education, daily expenses, and long-term goals. It reduces financial pressure on the family during difficult times.
- Wide Range of Plan Types
Insurers offer different types of term insurance to suit fathers’ needs. Fathers can choose level, increasing, or decreasing cover plans. Some plans also offer a return of premium option. These choices allow fathers to match coverage with changing responsibilities.
- Numerous Death Benefit Payout Options
Term insurance lets you choose a payout option based on family needs. You can select a lump sum, monthly income, or both combined. This flexibility helps match the payout to your family’s expenses.
- Coverage for Critical Illnesses
Critical illnesses often strike without warning and require expensive treatment. Long-term treatment can reduce income and strain family finances.
A term plan with a critical illness rider provides a lump sum payout. You receive this payout upon diagnosis of a covered illness. Your family can use the funds for treatment and daily expenses. They can also repay debts and protect financial stability.
A term plan with a critical illness rider provides a lump sum payout. You receive this payout upon diagnosis of a covered illness. Your family can use the funds for treatment and daily expenses. They can also repay debts and protect financial stability.
Tax Savings on Father Term Plans
One key advantage of term insurance for fathers is tax savings. Premiums qualify for deductions up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C. These deductions help reduce overall tax liability.
Fathers can also claim deductions for health-related riders under Section 80D. The limit is ₹25,000 per financial year. Senior citizens can claim up to ₹50,000 annually.
Term insurance for fathers offers an affordable way to secure your family. It protects loved ones from financial uncertainty and unexpected risks. The payout helps your spouse manage expenses without draining savings. It works well for both single- and dual-income households.
Choosing the right cover early brings long-term financial security. Fathers gain peace of mind knowing their family stays protected.
7 Common Excuses Debunked for Not Buying Term Insurance
Many fathers delay term insurance due to common misconceptions and assumptions. Some believe they do not need coverage yet. Others think premiums are expensive or that employer cover is sufficient. However, these reasons often overlook real financial risks. Let’s examine seven common excuses and why they do not hold up.
1. My Wife Will Manage Everything
Your wife will always try her best to support the family. However, emotional strength cannot replace financial stability. Term insurance provides a payout that reduces financial pressure. It helps her manage household expenses and children’s needs. She can also pursue long-term goals without added stress.
2. I Have Already Invested in My Child’s Future
Investments like mutual fund SIP or ULIP require regular contributions and management. Without you, your family may struggle to continue these investments. Term insurance provides immediate financial support after your death. It protects your child’s future and higher education plans.
3. I am Young and Healthy, So It is Not Urgent
Age does not eliminate financial or health risks. Young people can face sudden accidents or medical emergencies. Buying term insurance early secures timely protection. It also helps lock in lower premiums for the long term.
4. I Will Buy it Later; I have EMIs to Pay Right Now
Delaying term insurance increases financial risk because life remains uncertain. Term plans are affordable and easy to maintain. Starting early protects your family’s future. It also helps you lock in lower premiums despite existing commitments.
5. I Already Own Another Life Insurance Policy
Endowment plans and money-back plans combine savings with insurance benefits. These plans usually offer lower life cover at higher premiums. Term insurance focuses purely on protection. It provides a much higher sum assured at a lower premium.
6. My Employer Provides Life Cover
Employer-sponsored term insurance covers you only during employment. You may lose coverage after a job change or career break. Starting a business can also leave you without employer cover. A personal term plan protects you throughout your career.
7. I have Very Little Money Left after Taxes
Term insurance remains affordable even with a limited budget. Premiums qualify for deductions up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C. These deductions help reduce your overall tax liability.
Term Insurance Riders & Payout Options for Fathers
Term insurance plans allow fathers to enhance coverage with useful riders. These add-ons strengthen protection based on specific family needs. Fathers can also choose payout options that suit income requirements.
- Accidental Death Benefit Rider: This rider pays an extra amount with the base sum assured. The insurer pays this amount if death occurs due to an accident.
- Permanent and Partial Disability Benefit Rider: This rider provides a payout if the policyholder suffers a disability. The family can use it for income replacement, treatment, or therapy.
- Waiver of Premium Rider: The insurer waives future premiums if the policyholder becomes disabled or critically ill. The policy continues without financial burden.
- Hospital Cash Rider: This rider provides a daily allowance during hospitalisation. It helps cover medical and incidental expenses.
- Income Benefit Rider: This option provides monthly payments instead of a lump sum. It helps the family replace lost income steadily.
Additionally, the following payout options are available for term insurance for fathers in India:
- One-time Lump Sum Payout: Provides a lump sum payout to the nominee in case of the policyholder’s demise.
- One-time Lump Sum + Fixed Monthly Payouts: This option provides a lump sum payout along with fixed monthly income. Nominees receive both benefits after the policyholder’s death. It ensures immediate support and steady income for a specified period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I buy term insurance for my father if I'm paying premiums?
Yes, you can buy term insurance for your father if he meets eligibility criteria. You can act as proposer and pay premiums. Your father remains the life assured under the policy.
What is the best term insurance plan for a father aged 45?
Several insurers offer suitable plans for fathers aged 45. For example, Axis Max Life Smart Total Elite Protection offers ₹2 crore cover. Premiums start around ₹902 per month, depending on health and profile.
Does term insurance for a father provide tax benefits under Section 80C?
Yes, premiums qualify for deductions up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C. These benefits apply under the old tax regime.
Is a medical test mandatory for fathers over 50 when buying term insurance?
Insurers usually require medical tests for fathers above 50. They conduct tests to assess health risk before approval.
Can an NRI son buy term insurance for his father in India?
Yes, an NRI son can buy term insurance if the eligibility conditions are met. He can pay premiums through an NRE or NRO account. The father remains the life assured.
My dad has a government pension; does he still need term insurance?
Yes, a pension may not cover major or unexpected expenses. Term insurance provides additional financial protection for dependants.
Should I buy a critical illness rider for my father?
A critical illness rider offers extra protection. It pays a lump sum if your father is diagnosed with a covered illness.
What documents are needed to buy term insurance for a dependant father?
A critical illness rider offers extra protection. It pays a lump sum if your father is diagnosed with a covered illness.
How does a father's age affect term insurance premiums?
Age directly impacts premium costs. Buying early secures lower premiums. Premiums increase as age rises due to health risks.
What is the grace period if the father misses a term insurance premium?
Insurers usually offer a 15 to 30-day grace period. The exact duration depends on policy terms.
How fast are claims settled for father term insurance policies?
Insurers must settle claims within 30 days if no investigation is needed. They follow IRDAI guidelines for claim processing timelines.
What is the process to buy term insurance for a father?
Start by comparing claim settlement ratios and financial strength. Choose a suitable coverage and policy term. Submit personal and medical details and pay the premium.
What if the father has pre-existing medical conditions?
Fathers with pre-existing conditions can still apply. Insurers may charge higher premiums or limit coverage.
ARN NO: Feb26/1402/KBBB
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