Term vs Endowment Calculator Insurance Comparison India 2025

Compare term life insurance vs endowment plans. Calculate coverage, premiums, and investment returns to make the right choice for your family protection and financial goals.

18 years60 years
10 years40 years
5 years20 years
6%18%
4%8%

Our Recommendation

Term + Investment

Term + Investment is highly recommended. Significantly higher returns expected.

Annual Premium Comparison

Term Insurance Premium
₹12.50 K
Endowment Premium
₹1.50 L
Premium Difference
₹1.38 L

Maturity Value After 20 Years

Term + Investment Value
₹1.01 Cr
Endowment Maturity Value
₹46.72 L
Additional Benefit
₹54.16 L
Term Insurance Benefits
Higher coverage at lower premium
Flexibility to invest difference separately
No lock-in for investments
Endowment Benefits
Guaranteed maturity benefit
Forced savings discipline
Tax benefits on maturity

Understanding the Basics

Term Insurance is pure life protection that pays your family if you die during the policy term. It offers high coverage at low cost but has no savings component. You pay premiums for the protection, but if you survive the policy term, you get nothing back.


Endowment Insurance combines life cover with savings. It pays your family if you die or returns money with bonuses if you survive the term. While endowment costs significantly more, it guarantees money back at the end of the policy term, making it attractive for those who want assured returns along with life protection.

Term vs Endowment: Key Differences

Understanding the fundamental differences between term and endowment plans

Term Life Insurance

Pure Protection

Only life cover, no savings

Low Premium

High coverage at affordable cost

No Maturity Benefit

Premium lost if you survive the term

Renewable & Convertible

Can extend or convert to permanent

Endowment Plans

Protection + Savings

Life cover with investment

High Premium

Lower coverage, higher cost

Maturity Benefit

Guaranteed return on survival

Lower Returns

4-6% returns typically

Which Plan Should You Choose?

Decision guide based on your financial goals and risk appetite

Choose Term Insurance If You

Need High Coverage

Want maximum protection at low cost

Are Investment Savvy

Can invest separately for better returns

Have Young Dependents

Income replacement is priority

Limited Budget

Want affordable comprehensive cover

Choose Endowment If You

Want Guaranteed Returns

Prefer assured money back

Are Risk Averse

Cannot handle market volatility

Lack Investment Discipline

Need forced savings mechanism

Want Tax Benefits

Both premium and maturity are tax-free

💡 Expert Recommendation

For most people, term insurance + separate mutual fund investment gives better returns than endowment plans. Term insurance provides 10-15x higher coverage for the same premium, while equity investments historically deliver 12-15% returns vs 4-6% in endowment plans.

Investment Returns Comparison

Term + Mutual Funds

Expected returns: 12-15% p.a.
High life coverage
Flexibility to change investments

Endowment Plans

Expected returns: 4-6% p.a.
Lower life coverage
Guaranteed but limited returns

20-Year Wealth Creation

Term + SIP: ₹2.5-3 Cr
Endowment: ₹1.2-1.5 Cr
Difference: ₹1-1.5 Cr more

Term vs Endowment Calculation Formulas

Understand the mathematical formulas used to compare term and endowment insurance policies.

1

Term Insurance Premium

Calculate term insurance premium for pure protection.

Term Premium = Coverage Amount × Term Rate

Example:

Coverage ₹1Cr, Term rate ₹8 per ₹1000

1,00,00,000 × (8 / 1000)
= ₹80,000

Variables:

Coverage Amount - Sum assured amount
Term Rate - Term insurance rate per ₹1000
2

Endowment Premium

Calculate endowment insurance premium with savings component.

Endowment Premium = Coverage Amount × Endowment Rate

Example:

Coverage ₹1Cr, Endowment rate ₹45 per ₹1000

1,00,00,000 × (45 / 1000)
= ₹4,50,000

Variables:

Coverage Amount - Sum assured amount
Endowment Rate - Endowment insurance rate per ₹1000
3

Investment Comparison

Compare term + investment vs endowment returns.

Term + Investment = Term Premium + (Difference × Investment Return)

Example:

Term ₹80K, Difference ₹3.7L, Return 12%

80,000 + (3,70,000 × 0.12)
= ₹1,24,400

Variables:

Term Premium - Annual term insurance premium
Difference - Endowment Premium - Term Premium
Investment Return - Expected annual return on investment

These formulas provide the mathematical foundation for the calculations. Actual results may vary based on rounding, compounding frequency, and specific lender policies.

Term vs Endowment Insurance FAQs

Everything you need to know about choosing between term and endowment life insurance plans

What's the main difference between term and endowment insurance?

The fundamental difference lies in their purpose and structure:

Term Insurance

  • Pure life protection
  • No savings component
  • Low premium, high coverage
  • No money back if you survive

Endowment Plan

  • Protection + savings
  • Investment component included
  • Higher premium, lower coverage
  • Maturity benefit if you survive

Which gives better returns - term insurance with separate investment or endowment?

Term insurance with separate investments typically provides better returns:

Example Calculation (₹50,000 annual budget)

Option 1: ₹1.5 Cr endowment plan - Premium: ₹50,000, Returns: 4-6% p.a.

Option 2: ₹1 Cr term + ₹40,000 mutual fund SIP - Returns: 10-12% p.a.

Result: Option 2 creates 2-3x more wealth over 20 years!

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