GST Reforms 2025 - Life Insurance

What’s New?

From 22nd Sept’25, Individual Life Insurance policies will be issued without GST. This applies across all categories

GSt Reform
What this means?

If Proposal logged Before 8th Sep Sep’25

  • If the policy is issued before 22nd Sep + GST will be charged
  • If the policy is issued on or after 22nd Sep + GST already charged will be refunded

 

For Renewals

  • If premium due date is on or before 21st Sep + GST will apply, even if payment is made later.
  • If premium due date is on or after 22nd Sep + GST will not apply

 

If Proposal Logged Between 8th - 21st Sep’25

  • Premiums will be collected with GST (as shown in BI/CIS)
  • A new declaration will be part of the proposal from (from 8th Sep)
  • If customer ticks the declaration →policy will be issued on or after 22nd Sep without GST, and GST charged will be refunded
  • If customer does not tick → policy will be issued as usual, with GST
  • For ULIPs: NAV will be taken as on 22nd Sep or the date of issuance, whichever is later

 

*Note

Declaration will be part of the proposal form from 8th Sep’25

Why is it important?

  • New Customer
  • Existing Customer

New Customer

How much cheaper will my premium be after Sept 22, 2025?

Premium amounts will drop by upto 18% as GST is removed from all life insurance products.

 

Should I buy now or wait till Sept 22 for GST-free pricing?

If your need for coverage is immediate—buy now. If not urgent, waiting can reduce your premium by upto ~18%. If you buy between 8th Sep. to 22nd Sep., you’ll pay premiums incl. GST. However, the GST amount will be refunded to you post issuance on or after the 22nd of Sep.

 

If I apply before Sept 22 but the policy issues after, will I get GST-free pricing?

 If the policy is issued after Sept 22, then the premium would be GST free. However if the policy issuance is done after Sept 22 but with risk cover for prior period that falls before Sept 22, then GST would be applicable.

 

Does GST exemption apply to ULIPs too, or only term plans?

It applies to all individual life insurance types, including ULIPs.

 

Which products benefit the most from GST exemption — term, ULIPs, or guaranteed savings plans?

All benefit equally in percentage terms (upto 18% reduction). Plans with higher premiums see larger absolute savings.

 

Are riders like accidental and critical illness cover also GST-free?

Yes, all riders are included in the GST exemption for life insurance policies.

 

Will GST exemption improve my policy’s maturity value or IRR (ULIPs/savings)?

It improves net returns since your effective premium is lower. Exact maturity or IRR still depends on product performance.

 

When exactly does GST-free pricing begin?

GST exemption starts on September 22, 2025. Any premiums due and paid after this date are GST-free.

 

Do I need to submit any special documents for GST-free premiums?

No. Since this applies to all individual retail life insurance uniformly, no additional documents are required.

Existing Customer

Will my existing life insurance premium reduce automatically after Sept 22, 2025?

Yes. From that date, future premiums for existing policies will be GST-free. There is no need to take any action—auto-debit and billing systems will reflect the updated premium automatically.

 

If I’ve already paid my annual premium with GST, will I get a refund or credit?

No. GST paid on past premiums will not be refunded or credited. The exemption applies prospectively from Sept 22, 2025 only.

 

Does the GST exemption apply only to new policies or also to renewals?

It applies to all individual life insurance policies, including renewals—starting from Sept 22. Premiums, both on new policies sourced and renewals due on or after Sept 22 will be GST-free.

 

Will my ECS/auto-debit premium reduce on its own?

Yes. ECS or auto-debit premiums will reflect the GST-free amount automatically once the reform is in effect.

 

I just bought a policy in August 2025 — will I lose out on the benefit?

No. Your next premium due after Sept 22 will be GST-free. There's no need to cancel or alter your policy—benefit remains intact for future premiums.

 

Should I cancel and re-purchase after Sept 22 to save 18%?

No. Cancelling risks losing beneficial elements like underwriting status, policy terms, waiting periods, and continuity. Premiums post-Sept 22 will already reflect the GST reduction.

 

GST is applicable for all the policies whose due date falls before Sept 22.What happens if I split premium payments (monthly/quarterly) — will GST apply till Sept 22 and then stop?

Premiums due/paid before GST reform (with GST) will remain so.

 

Does the GST exemption apply to ULIPs as well, or only to term insurance?

It applies to all individual life insurance products—including ULIPs, term plans, and savings plans.

 

What about riders like critical illness and accidental cover — do they become GST-free too?

Yes, riders attached to individual life insurance products also become GST-free. This is consistent across all add-ons.

 

I have a return of premium (TROP) plan — does GST exemption affect the maturity benefit?

No. GST is not refunded later—even if premiums are returned. GST benefit reduces upfront cost but does not alter maturity value.

 

Do I need to contact the insurer to change anything in my policy?

No action is needed—the change applies automatically from Sept 22 for applicable premiums and systems will update accordingly. GST is applicable for all the policies whose due date falls before Sept 22.

 

What happens if my policy lapses before Sept 22 and I revive it afterwards — will revival premiums also be GST-free?

If policy lapsed before Sept 22 and payment is received on revival after Sept 22 , then the revival premium is GST free.

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Bandhan Life iTerm Prime (UIN: 138N084V02). A Non-Linked Non-Participating Individual Pure Risk Premium Life Insurance Plan. Life insurance cover is available under this product. Life cover is benefit payable on the death of the life assured during the policy term. For more details on risk factors, terms & conditions please read sales brochures and benefits illustrations carefully before concluding a sale. Insurance issuance is subject to board approved underwriting policy.

 

Bandhan Life iTerm Comfort (UIN: 138N082V01) is a Non-Linked Non-Participating Individual Pure Risk Premium Life Insurance Plan. For more details on risk factors, terms & conditions please read sales brochures and benefits illustrations carefully before concluding a sale. Life insurance cover is available under this product. 

 

Bandhan Life iTerm Return of Premium (UIN: 138N094V01). A Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Individual Life Insurance Term Plan. Life insurance cover is available under this product. For more details on risk factors, terms & conditions please read sales brochures and benefits illustrations carefully before concluding a sale. Insurance issuance is subject to Board Approved Underwriting Policy.

 

Bandhan Life iGuarantee Vishwas. (UIN:138N096V03) is a Non-linked Non-Participating Life Insurance Individual Savings Plan. Life insurance cover is available under this product. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure and benefits illustrations carefully before concluding a sale. Issuance is subject to board-approved underwriting policy. Guaranteed benefits are available only if all premiums are paid as per the premium paying term and the policy is in-force till the completion of entire policy term opted.

 

Bandhan Life iInvest Advantage (UIN - 138L090V01) is a unit-linked non-participating individual life insurance savings plan. Life insurance cover is available under this product. IN THIS POLICY, THE INVESTMENT RISK IN INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO IS BORNE BY THE POLICYHOLDER. THE LINKED INSURANCE PRODUCT DO NOT OFFER ANY LIQUIDITY DURING THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF THE CONTRACT. THE POLICY HOLDER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SURRENDER/WITHDRAW THE MONIES INVESTED IN LINKED INSURANCE PRODUCTS COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY TILL THE END OF THE FIFTH YEAR. Unit-linked life insurance products are different from the traditional insurance products and are subject to risk factors. 

 

Premiums paid in unit-linked life insurance policies are subject to investment risks associated with capital markets, and NAVs of the units may go up or down, based on the performance of the fund and factors influencing the capital market and the insured is responsible for his/her decisions. Please make your own independent decision after consulting your financial or other professional advisor. The performance of the managed portfolios and funds is not guaranteed and the value may increase or decrease in accordance with the future experience of the managed portfolios and funds.

 

Bandhan Life Insurance Limited is only the name of the Life Insurance Company and Bandhan Life iInvest Advantage UIN - 138L090V01 is only the name of the unit-linked life insurance contract and does not in any way indicate the quality of the contract, its future prospects or returns. Please know the associated risks and the applicable charges from your insurance agent or intermediary or policy document issued by us. 

The various funds offered under this contract are the names of the funds and do not in any way indicate the quality of these plans, their future prospects and returns. 

 

The past performance of the funds is not indicative of the future performance. 

 

Life Insurance cover is available in this plan. For more details on risk factors, terms & conditions please read sales brochures and benefits illustrations carefully before concluding a sale. Insurance issuance is subject to board-approved underwriting policy. 

 

Buying a Life Insurance Policy is a long-term commitment. An early termination of the policy usually involves high costs, and the surrender value payable may be less than all the premium paid. 

 

Bandhan Life iInvest II (UIN - 138L089V01) is a unit-linked non-participating individual life insurance savings plan. Life insurance cover is available under this product.. IN THIS POLICY, THE INVESTMENT RISK IN INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO IS BORNE BY THE POLICYHOLDER. THE LINKED INSURANCE PRODUCT DO NOT OFFER ANY LIQUIDITY DURING THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF THE CONTRACT. THE POLICY HOLDER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SURRENDER/WITHDRAW THE MONIES INVESTED IN LINKED INSURANCE PRODUCTS COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY TILL THE END OF THE FIFTH YEAR. Unit-linked life insurance products are different from the traditional insurance products and are subject to risk factors. 

 

Premiums paid in unit-linked life insurance policies are subject to investment risks associated with capital markets, and NAVs of the units may go up or down, based on the performance of the fund and factors influencing the capital market and the insured is responsible for his/her decisions. Please make your own independent decision after consulting your financial or other professional advisor. The performance of the managed portfolios and funds is not guaranteed and the value may increase or decrease in accordance with the future experience of the managed portfolios and funds.

 

Bandhan Life Insurance Limited is only the name of the Life Insurance Company and Bandhan Life iInvest II Plan UIN - 138L091V01 is only the name of the unit-linked life insurance contract and does not in any way indicate the quality of the contract, its future prospects or returns. Please know the associated risks and the applicable charges from your insurance agent or intermediary or policy document issued by us.

The various funds offered under this contract are the names of the funds and do not in any way indicate the quality of these plans, their future prospects and returns.

 

The past performance of the funds is not indicative of the future performance.

 

Life Insurance cover is available in this plan. For more details on risk factors, terms & conditions please read sales brochures and benefits illustrations carefully before concluding a sale. Issuance is subject to board-approved underwriting policy .

 

Buying a Life Insurance Policy is a long-term commitment. An early termination of the policy usually involves high costs and the surrender value payable may be less than all the premium paid.

 

Bandhan Life iRetire (UIN: 138N120V01), is a Non-Linked Non-Participating Individual Savings General Annuity Plan. Life insurance cover is available under this product. For more details on risk factors, terms & conditions please read sales brochures and benefits illustrations carefully before concluding a sale. Insurance issuance is subject to Board Approved Underwriting Policy.

 

Bandhan Life iInvest Pension(UIN - 138L092V01) is a non-participating Linked Pension Individual Savings Plan. IN THIS POLICY, THE INVESTMENT RISK IN INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO IS BORNE BY THE POLICYHOLDER. THE LINKED INSURANCE PRODUCT DO NOT OFFER ANY LIQUIDITY DURING THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF THE CONTRACT. THE POLICY HOLDER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SURRENDER/WITHDRAW THE MONIES INVESTED IN LINKED INSURANCE PRODUCTS COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY TILL THE END OF THE FIFTH YEAR. Unit Linked products are different from traditional insurance products and are subject to the risk factors.

       

Premiums paid in unit-linked pension policies are subject to investment risks associated with capital markets, and NAVs of the units may go up or down, based on the performance of the fund and factors influencing the capital market and the insured is responsible for his/her decisions. Please make your own independent decision after consulting your financial or other professional advisor. The performance of the managed portfolios and funds is not guaranteed and the value may increase or decrease in accordance with the future experience of the managed portfolios and funds.

 

Bandhan Life Insurance Limited is only the name of the Life Insurance Company and Bandhan Life iInvest Pension (UIN - 138L092V01) is only the name of the unit-linked life insurance contract and does not in any way indicate the quality of the contract, its future prospects or returns. Please know the associated risks and the applicable charges from your insurance agent or intermediary or policy document issued by us.

 

The various funds offered under this contract are the names of the funds and do not in any way indicate the quality of these plans, their future prospects and returns.

 

The past performance of the funds is not indicative of the future performance.

 

Life Insurance cover is available in this plan. For more details on risk factors, terms & conditions please read sales brochures and benefits illustrations carefully before concluding a sale. Issuance is subject to board-approved underwriting policy.

 

Buying a Life Insurance policy is a long-term commitment. An early termination of the policy usually involves high costs and the surrender value payable may be less than all the premium paid. 

 

[*] T&C Apply.

ADVT No. II/Sep 2025/0317