What is Term Insurance for Self-Employed Individuals?

Behind every business is a family that depends on it. A term insurance plan helps ensure that the dreams built through years of effort  continue, even if life takes an unexpected turn. 

Term insurance is a pure protection plan that provides a financial payout to the nominee in case of the policyholders unfortunate death, helping your family manage expenses, liabilities, and future financial needs. 

However, the documentation for term insurance plans for business owners and self-employed individuals differs from salaried individuals. In place of salary slips, insurers evaluate income based on documents such as Income Tax Returns% (ITR) filings, financial statements etc.
 

Self- Employeed Illustration.svg

Why Self-Employed Individuals and Business Owners Need Term Insurance

As a self-employed professional or business owner, your family may depend heavily on your income and the success of your business. A term insurance plan for self-employed individuals helps provide financial security when it matters most.

Financial Protection for family.

Financial Protection for Family

If your family relies primarily on your income, a term insurance plan can provide a financial safety net in case of any unfortunate event. The payout from a term plan goes directly to the nominee, tax-free under Section 10(10D)% of the Income Tax Act, 1961. It can support essential needs such as  household expenses, children's education, ongoing EMIs, and other financial commitments, helping your loved ones maintain stability during a difficult time.

Coverage for Business Liabilities

Coverage for Business Liabilities and Personal Debts

Business owners often carry financial liabilities , which elevates the importance of insurance for businesspersons. Term insurance for business owners helps ensure that these obligations do not become a  burden on loved ones.

Business Continuity

Business Continuity

For partnership firms or closely held  businesses, the sudden loss of a key individual  can lead to significant  financial disruption. The sum assured of an insurance plan for self-employed  should be sufficient enough to provide financial support during the transition phase  and ensure continuity  and  stability.

Tax Benefits

Tax Benefits

Premiums paid towards a term plan are eligible for tax benefits% under Section 80C (as per IT Act, 1961) / Section 123 Schedule XV (as per IT Act, 2025) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (under the old tax regime only). The death benefit received by the nominee is typically exempt from income tax under Section 10(10D), subject to prevailing conditions and policy terms. 

How Term Insurance Works for Self-Employed and Business Owners

Let’s understand this with the help of an example. Naira, 30 a businesswoman, runs a furniture company. Her income supports schooling and childcare for her four-year-old daughter, her home loan EMI, and her business expenses. 

Scenario 1 D
Scenario 1 M
Scenario 2 D
Scenario 2 M
Scenario 3 D
Scenario 3 M

Note: Term insurance applications for the self-employed require income proof documents as part of underwriting. This is standard practice — the insurer uses these to verify financial eligibility for the sum assured applied for. 

Types of Term Insurance Plans for Self-Employed Individuals

Level Term Insurance

Level Term Insurance

A level term insurance plan offers a fixed sum assured throughout the policy term. It is a suitable option for self-employed individuals looking for straightforward and predictable life cover.

Increasing Term Insurance

Increasing Term Insurance

In an increasing term insurance plan, the sum assured increases over time (as chosen by the policyholder), typically by a fixed percentage each year. This kind of term plan for a business owners is useful if they are young and expect income, responsibilities, and expenses to scale significantly over the policy term.

Decreasing Term Insurance

Decreasing Term Insurance

A decreasing term insurance plan for business owners provides a cover amount that gradually reduces over the policy term. It is often considered for individuals with liabilities that reduce over time, such as loans.

Return of Premium (ROP) Term Plans

Return of Premium (ROP)@ Term Plans

If you outlive the policy term, all premiums paid are returned to you as a maturity benefit. Bandhan Life’s iTerm Return of Premium works this way. This is a compelling term insurance policy for business owners who prefer a  return-oriented protection plan. 

How Much Life Insurance Coverage Does a Self-Employed Person Need?

The amount of life insurance coverage for a self-employed person depends on your income, liabilities, financial goals, and dependants.

A common guideline is to choose a term insurance for the self-employed that provides 10–15 times your annual income. For a more practical estimate, multiply your annual income by the number of years remaining until retirement.

When calculating coverage, also consider business liabilities, family expenses, and future goals. Understanding the benefits of life insurance for business owners can help you choose a suitable level of protection.

Use Bandhan Life’s Insurance Calculator to estimate the coverage amount that suits your needs.
 

Policy term.svg

How to Choose a Term Insurance for Self-Employed Individuals

Choosing the suitable term insurance for self-employed individuals starts with understanding your financial responsibilities and long-term goals. Start with what you can actually sustain paying in a lean year. Missed premiums lead to a lapsed policy. The premium has to work when business is slow, not just when it’s good.
 

Before buying a term insurance plan, consider the following:
•    Choose a coverage amount that adequately protects your family and liabilities.

•    Select a policy term that covers your key earning years and financial commitments.

•    Compare insurers based on claim settlement ratio^, service quality, brand reputation, customer reviews etc.

•    Ensure all health, lifestyle, and occupation details are disclosed accurately during the application process. Under Section 45 of the Insurance Act, 1938, a claim can be contested within three years if material information was withheld. The family pays the consequences of non-disclosure, not the policyholder.

•    Review policy features, exclusions, and available rider` benefits before making a decision.

A suitable term insurance plan for business owners should provide adequate protection while fitting comfortably within your budget.


Bandhan Life’s claim settlement ratio^ was 98.15% for FY 2025-26.

Image
img

How Do Insurers Evaluate Income for Self-Employed Individuals?

When applying for term insurance for self-employed individuals, insurers assess income to determine eligibility and the appropriate sum assured.

Instead of salary slips, self-employed applicants are typically required to provide Income Tax Return% (ITR) filings, bank statements, financial statements, and GST returns (where applicable). These documents help insurers evaluate income stability and financial eligibility before issuing a policy.

Maintaining accurate financial records can make the application process smoother and help you secure the coverage you need.

Image
Calculate Your Ideal Life Cover copy

Documents Required for Self-Employed Individuals to Buy Term Insurance

Applications for insurance for self-employed contractors go through slightly more scrutiny to ascertain the income.

Identity Proof icon

Identity and Address Proof

•    PAN card (mandatory)

•    Aadhaar card, passport, or driving licence
 

Policy Administration Charge

Income Proof

•    ITR (all pages) for the last 3 years; Audited Balance Sheet and P&L Account for the last 3 years, with shareholding pattern

•    Bank account statements for the last 6-12 months

•    GST returns, wherever applicable

Medical documents

Medical Documents

A medical examination may be required, depending on the sum assured applied for and the age of entry.
 

Factors That Affect Term Insurance Premium for Self-Employed Individuals

Factor icon

Age***


The earlier you buy, the lower the premium. Premiums rise as you age because insurers see younger individuals as statistically lower risk. Every year of delay costs you substantially in premiums.

Factor icon

Sum Assured


Higher coverage means a higher premium. The relationship isn’t always linear — pricing varies across insurers.

Factor icon

Policy Tenure


A longer term means the insurer carries risk for a longer period. The premium reflects that duration. This is one of the factors considered to determine the self-employed insurance cost.

Factor icon

Health History


Pre-existing conditions, chronic illnesses, and family medical history; all of these influence how underwriters price the risk. Some conditions result in premium loading; others may affect eligibility.

Factor icon

Tobacco and Alcohol Use


Individuals who consume alcohol and smokers are typically charged higher premiums. This is a standard disclosure in the application process, and providing accurate information is mandatory.

 

Factor icon

Premium Payment Mode


Monthly, quarterly and half-yearly payment modes may carry a small effective loading over annual payment — a minor difference worth knowing 
before you choose.

Factor icon

Occupation Type


Insurance for the self-employed differs in nature due to the profession. A freelance consultant and a construction contractor are both self-employed. Their physical risk profiles are entirely different. Occupation is a standard underwriting variable. 

Common Mistakes Self-Employed Individuals Make When Buying Term Insurance

img

Waiting for Income to Stabilise

There’s rarely a moment when everything feels settled enough to act. Meanwhile, the family is unprotected, and premiums go up every year you wait.

Surrender or Discontinuation Charge

Underestimating the Sum Assured

Picking ₹50 lakh because it feels like a round number is not a plan. A 38-year-old with ₹35 lakh in outstanding loans and two school-age children needs substantially more.

Business owners

Forgetting Business Liabilities

While buying term insurance, self-employed individuals sometimes separate “personal risk” from “business risk” in their heads. Creditors don’t follow this. Business loans with personal guarantees mean the family inherits the debt. The sum assured should reflect total exposure.

Individual and family medical history

Concealing Health Conditions

This is the mistake that costs families the most. Under Section 45 of the Insurance Act, 1938, a claim can be repudiated within three years if material information was withheld at application.

Online income proofs documents

Skipping the Fine Print

Bandhan Life’s online purchase journey is genuinely simple. But reading what’s covered, what exclusions apply, and what documents your nominee needs to file a claim takes a few minutes. Those twenty minutes could determine whether your family’s claim goes through smoothly.

Term Insurance Plans Offered by Bandhan Life

Benefits Today. Protection Always.
iTerm Elite
Highlights
Image

Special Exit Benefit&&

Image

Enjoy Up to 17% Discount+

Image

Tax Benefits%

 

Small premiums. Big cover.
iTerm Prime
Highlights
Image

Up to 10 Discount** on Online Purchase

Image

Smooth Digital Process With Zero Documentation#

Image

Get All Your Premiums Back&

Insurance that pays you back.
iTerm Return of Premium
Highlights
Image

100% Premiums Back@

 

Image

Up to 7% Discount+$

 

Image

Life Cover till Age 85

A solid term insurance plan for everyone.
iTerm Comfort
Highlights
Image

Get Your Premiums Back@

 

Image

Save tax up to ₹46,800% under Sec 80C

Image

Smooth Digital Process With Zero Documentation#

 

An affordable term plan for your family’s protection.
Saral Jeevan Bima
Highlights
Image

Flexibility to choose premium payment term

Image

One-time lump sum death benefit payable

Image

Affordable premiums starting at ₹163/month1

Term Insurance Plans Offered by Bandhan Life

Benefits Today. Protection Always.
iTerm Elite
Highlights
Image

Special Exit Benefit&&

Image

Enjoy Up to 17% Discount+

Image

Tax Benefits%

 

Small premiums. Big cover.
iTerm Prime
Highlights
Image

Up to 10 Discount** on Online Purchase

Image

Smooth Digital Process With Zero Documentation#

Image

Get All Your Premiums Back&

Insurance that pays you back.
iTerm Return of Premium
Highlights
Image

100% Premiums Back@

 

Image

Up to 7% Discount+$

 

Image

Life Cover till Age 85

A solid term insurance plan for everyone.
iTerm Comfort
Highlights
Image

Get Your Premiums Back@

 

Image

Save tax up to ₹46,800% under Sec 80C

Image

Smooth Digital Process With Zero Documentation#

 

An affordable term plan for your family’s protection.
Saral Jeevan Bima
Highlights
Image

Flexibility to choose premium payment term

Image

One-time lump sum death benefit payable

Image

Affordable premiums starting at ₹163/month1

Term Insurance Plans Offered by Bandhan Life

Benefits Today. Protection Always.
iTerm Elite
Highlights
Image

Special Exit Benefit&&

Image

Enjoy Up to 17% Discount+

Image

Tax Benefits%

 

Small premiums. Big cover.
iTerm Prime
Highlights
Image

Up to 10 Discount** on Online Purchase

Image

Smooth Digital Process With Zero Documentation#

Image

Get All Your Premiums Back&

Insurance that pays you back.
iTerm Return of Premium
Highlights
Image

100% Premiums Back@

 

Image

Up to 7% Discount+$

 

Image

Life Cover till Age 85

A solid term insurance plan for everyone.
iTerm Comfort
Highlights
Image

Get Your Premiums Back@

 

Image

Save tax up to ₹46,800% under Sec 80C

Image

Smooth Digital Process With Zero Documentation#

 

An affordable term plan for your family’s protection.
Saral Jeevan Bima
Highlights
Image

Flexibility to choose premium payment term

Image

One-time lump sum death benefit payable

Image

Affordable premiums starting at ₹163/month1

Why Choose Bandhan Life for Your ₹1 Crore Term Insurance?

At Bandhan Life, we believe in protecting not just lives, but the dreams that make life meaningful.

Image

Trusted Expertise

With years of experience and a solid track record, Bandhan Life brings a deep understanding of Indian families’ evolving financial needs.

Image

Affordable Premiums

Enjoy high coverage without straining your budget, thanks to competitive premium rates and flexible payment schedules.

Image

Digital First

Buy, manage your plan easily online. 

Claim Settlement Ratio
 OUR COMMITMENT 

We promise.
We deliver.

 

Our claim settlement ratio of 98.15% for 2025-26 reflects our unwavering commitment to our customers.

FAQs About Term Insurance for the Self-Employed

1. Can self-employed individuals and business owners buy term insurance?

Yes. Self-employed professionals and business owners can buy term insurance on similar terms as salaried individuals. The key difference is income documentation. Insurers assess income through ITR filings, financial statements, and bank records Instead of Salary Slips.

2. What income proof is required for self-employed applicants?

Typically, applicants need to produce ITR filings for the last 2-3 assessment years with income statements, audited balance sheets and P&L accounts for the last three years with shareholding pattern and bank statements for 6-12 months. GST returns are required for registered businesses. You can learn more about the here documents required for term insurance.

3. How much coverage should a business owner or entrepreneur have?

A widely used starting point is 10 to 15 times the annual income, plusoutstanding liabilities. However, the appropriate cover depends on factors such as number of dependants, future obligations, and the nature of existing  liabilities.

4. Can term insurance cover business debts?

The sum assured is paid as a lump sum to the nominee. How it’s used is entirely the nominee’s decision. It can be utilized to repay  outstanding business loans or creditor obligations. This is precisely why many business owners calculate cover to include business liabilities along with household expenses.

5. Is life insurance tax-deductible for the self-employed?

Premiums paid for a term plan are eligible for deduction under Section 80C (as per IT Act, 1961) or Section 123 Schedule XV (as per IT Act,2025), up to ₹1.5 lakh per financial year, but only under the old tax regime. The death benefit paid to the nominee is typically exempt from income tax% under Section 10(10D), subject to prevailing conditions and policy terms.

Bandhan Life iTerm Elite (UIN: 138N095V01), Bandhan Life iTerm Prime (UIN: 138N084V03) are a Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Individual Pure Risk Life Insurance Plan.  

Bandhan Life iTerm Return of Premium (UIN: 138N094V01) is a  Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Individual Life Insurance Term Plan.  

Bandhan Life iTerm Comfort (UIN: 138N082V01), Bandhan Life Saral Jeevan Bima (UIN: 138N077V01) are a Non-Linked Non-Participating Individual Pure Risk Premium Life Insurance Plan.

Life insurance cover is available under these products. Life cover is the benefit payable on the death of the life assured during the policy term.

For more details on risk factors, Terms and Conditions please read sales brochures and benefits illustrations carefully before concluding a sale.  

 

[#] Insurance issuance is subject to board approved underwriting policy.

 

[%] Premium Paid, Maturity Benefit, Death Benefit and Surrender Value (if any) are eligible for tax benefits subject to the conditions under Sections 80C(as per IT Act,1961) / 123(as per IT Act,2025) (under OLD Tax Regime of The Income Tax Act, 1961/2025 only), 10(10D)(as per IT Act,1961) / 11(1)[schedule-II[table:Sl.No.2]](as per IT Act,2025), 115BAC(as per IT Act,1961) / 202(as per IT Act,2025) and other provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961/2025. Tax laws are subject to amendments made thereto from time to time. Please consult your tax advisor and take independent tax advice for eligibility and before claiming any benefit under the policy.

[&] On availing Special Exit Value (SEV), total of premiums paid, along with underwriting extra premiums paid, plus loadings for modal premiums (if any) will be paid back to the insured, and the policy will terminate. Here, total premium paid is the total of all the premiums received, excluding any extra premium, any rider premium, and taxes. SEV is applicable only to base cover premium, and not to any additional optional riders. SEV is available for policies where age of insured at inception of the policy is up to 40 years (as of last birthday). The SEV benefit is available for policies with maturity age of 70 years or more (age last birthday) and can be availed during the period of one year once they attain age of 55 years (as on last birthday). For more details on SEV and risk factors, please read the sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale.

[@] In case of survival of the life assured till the end of policy term for an in-force policy (provided all due premiums have been paid), the maturity benefit payable shall be 100% of Total Premiums Paid plus underwriting extra premium plus loadings for modal premiums.

[^] Claim Settlement Ratio: Individual Death Claim Settlement Ratio for Bandhan Life Insurance Limited for FY 2025-26 is 98.15% as per annual audited figures.

[`] Besides providing financial protection against death, Bandhan Life Enhanced Accidental Death Benefit Rider UIN (138B030V01) A Non- Linked Non – Participating Individual Life Insurance Pure Risk Rider. Provides a Lump-sum benefit equal to the base Sum Assured in case of death due to accident of the Life Assured. Please refer to the sales brochure of the rider to understand the benefits and terms & conditions before concluding the sale.

[&&]  Special Exit Value is a benefit where the policyholder shall be returned a percentage of Total Premiums Paid plus underwriting extra premiums paid if any. Policyholders can avail 50% of total premiums paid at age 55 in case of limited pay and remaining premiums at the age of 65 or directly claim up to 100% total premiums paid, at age 65 in case of limited pay and 15 years before maturity in case of regular pay.  

[+] A discount on the first-year premium is available for policies purchased through digital platforms with 15% applicable for Limited Pay, 2% for Single Pay, 4% to 10% for Regular Pay and additional 2% extra for existing retail customers/ employees, subject to the Board Approved Underwriting Policy.  

[**]  5% discount will be applicable only on first year premium for online customers. Additional 5% discount will also be applicable only on first year premium for Self-Employed or other Non-Salaried Customers.

[+$] A maximum of 7% discount (2% discount for existing customers and 5% discount for customers either enabling automated digital underwriting through data available from digital sources or purchasing policy through digital platforms) can be availed on first-year premiums. Please refer to the sales brochure for further details and eligibility conditions.

[1] The premium for an 18 year-old non-smoker healthy female for a life cover of ₹ 5 lacs for a policy term of 20 years, is ₹ 163 p.m. assuming that all premiums (excluding applicable taxes, cesses and levies and rider premiums, if any) have been paid as and when due. The annualized premium for above parameters will be Rs. 1,874 p.a.

[***] All ages above applicable as on last birthday.
 

[*] T&C Apply.

ADVT No. II/Aug 2026/0316