Term life insurance is one of the most essential—and surprisingly affordable—financial protections you can buy. Yet many people postpone it, believing it’s only needed after marriage or when they take a home loan.

In reality, the earlier you buy term insurance, the cheaper, simpler, and more beneficial it becomes.

This guide explains why, along with examples, comparisons, tables, mistakes to avoid, and a clear decision checklist.

Why Term Insurance Exists

Term life insurance offers financial protection to your dependents if you pass away unexpectedly. It is pure protection, not an investment—meaning no maturity benefit, no returns, no market risk.

The purpose is simple: 👉 If your income stops, your family's life shouldn’t stop.

⭐ Why Buying Term Insurance Early Makes Strong Financial Sense

1. Premiums Are Much Cheaper When You Are Young

Healthier + lower age = lower risk = lower premium.

Sample Premium Comparison (₹1 crore cover, non-smoker)

The difference is massive.

2. Premium Gets Locked for Decades

Most term plans keep the premium fixed for the entire policy term.

Buying early = locking a low premium for 30–40 years.

Example:

• Buy at 25 → Pay ₹9,000 per year for 40 years → Total ~₹3.6 lakh

• Buy at 40 → Pay ₹28,000 per year for 25 years → Total ~₹7 lakh

👉 You save almost ₹3.4 lakh just by buying early.

3. Easier Approval Because You Are Healthier

As age increases, health risks increase:

• BP

• Thyroid

• Elevated cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• Fatty liver

These can lead to:

• Higher premiums

• Additional medical tests

• Policy loading

• Even rejection

Buying in your 20s or early 30s avoids these issues.

4. You May Already Have Dependents Even If You’re Unmarried

Many people assume term insurance is “for married people”. Not true.

Example:

A 24-year-old supports his retired parents. If he passes away unexpectedly, his parents lose their financial support. Term insurance protects them immediately.

5. You Can Afford Higher Coverage

At a younger age, expenses and responsibilities are lower, and premiums are cheaper. This allows a higher cover that remains affordable for decades.

6. Financial Planning Becomes Easier

Early purchase means:

• No sudden premium shocks later

• No rush when taking a home loan

• No last-minute struggles during health issues

⭐ Why Buying Term Insurance Late (After 40) Becomes Difficult

• Mandatory medical tests

• Higher chance of lifestyle diseases

• Higher rejection probability

• Higher premiums

• Strict underwriting

• More exclusions (e.g., pre-existing conditions)

This is exactly why buying early is beneficial.

Real-Life Story Example

Case: Chetan (27 years)
Chetan starts earning at 27 but postpones buying term insurance. At 34, he develops mild diabetes.
Now insurers:

• Charge 50–70% higher premium

• Add medical tests

• Apply loading

If he had bought a ₹1 crore cover at 27, he would have paid ~₹9,000 per year. At 34 with diabetes, he pays nearly ₹20,000–₹22,000 per year with restrictions. 

How Much Term Insurance Cover Should You Take?

Use the thumb rule:

Life Cover = 10–20 × Annual Income

Example:

• Income: ₹10 lakh → Cover: ₹1–2 crore

• Income: ₹15 lakh → Cover: ₹1.5–3 crore

Also include liabilities:

Cover for loans = Outstanding loan amount

If home loan = ₹40 lakh → Add ₹40 lakh to your cover.

What Is the Right Age to Buy Term Insurance?

🎯 Ideal age: 25–30 years

Because:

• Premiums are lowest

• Health is best

• Long-term affordability

• Easy approval

• Ability to choose a long policy term

If you are over 30, buy immediately. If you are over 35, avoid delaying even a single year.

Checklist: Do You Need Term Insurance Right Now?

Ask yourself:

• ◻ Does anyone depend on my income?

• ◻ Do I financially support parents, spouse, children, or siblings?

• ◻ Do I have a home loan or education loan?

• ◻ Will I have dependents in the next 3–5 years?

• ◻ Am I currently healthy (ideal time to lock low premiums)?

• ◻ Do I want my family protected if something happens to me?

If you checked YES for even 2 points → You need term insurance now. 

⭐ Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Term Insurance

❌ 1. Choosing a short tenure

Choose till at least age 65–70.

❌ 2. Underinsuring yourself

₹50 lakh is too low for most incomes today.

❌ 3. Not disclosing health details

Leads to claim rejection.

❌ 4. Waiting for marriage or kids

Premium doubles in 5–10 years.

❌ 5. Looking only for the cheapest premium

Instead, consider claim settlement ratio, brand reputation, and riders.

Who May NOT Need Term Insurance Right Now

• Students without income

• People who have zero dependents and no loans

• People with no foreseeable financial responsibilities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should unmarried people buy term insurance?

Yes—if parents or siblings depend on your income.

2. Should I buy riders?

Useful riders:

• Critical illness

• Accidental disability

• Waiver of premium

3. How long should my policy duration be?

Ideally till age 65–70 (your retirement age).

4. Does the premium stay the same?

Yes—for most term plans the premium stays fixed for the entire term.

5. Should I buy term insurance for tax benefits?

Tax saving is secondary. The real benefit is financial security for dependents.

Conclusion

✔ Yes — buying term life insurance early makes complete financial sense.

You get:

• Lower premiums

• Fixed premiums for decades

• Easier medical approval

• Protection during your most productive years

• Freedom to choose higher coverage

• Lower chance of exclusions

🎯 Ideal age to buy: 25–30 years

But the real rule is simple:
👉 If someone depends on your income, you need term insurance NOW.