Synopsis: This article covers tax benefits on life insurance and health insurance. It also discusses how to save the most on taxes while offering financial protection by combining both types of insurance.
You can save taxes in India with life insurance and health insurance by claiming deductions on the premiums you pay. In many cases, payouts from these policies are also tax-exempt. The Income-tax Act allows people to lower their taxable income through Section 80C for life insurance premiums and Section 80D for health insurance premiums. This makes insurance one of the few financial tools that provides both protection and tax benefits.
Old Tax Regime for FY 2026-27
The old tax regime lets taxpayers claim many exemptions and deductions under the Income-tax Act. These include common deductions like Section 80C for life insurance premiums and Section 80D for health insurance premiums, as well as exemptions such as HRA and LTA. Although tax rates in this regime are higher, deductions can significantly lower taxable income.
| Income Tax Slabs | Income Tax Rate |
| Up to ₹2,50,000 | Nil |
| ₹2,50,001 to ₹5,00,000 | 5% |
| ₹5,00,001 to ₹10,00,000 | 20% |
| ₹10,00,000 and above | 30% |
New Tax Regime for FY 2026-27
The new tax regime offers lower rates but eliminates most exemptions and deductions. Under this regime, taxpayers cannot claim deductions for life insurance or health insurance premiums, except for a few limited employer-related benefits. This makes tax calculation simple, but there is only a little room for tax planning.
| Income Tax Slabs | Income Tax Rate |
| Up to ₹4,00,000 | Nil |
| ₹4,00,001 to ₹8,00,000 | 5% |
| ₹8,00,001 to ₹12,00,000 | 10% |
| ₹12,00,001 to ₹16,00,000 | 15% |
| ₹16,00,001 to ₹20,00,000 | 20% |
| ₹20,00,001 to ₹24,00,000 | 25% |
| ₹24,00,000 and above | 30% |
Also read: How Many Years Will It Take to Build ₹1 Crore with a ₹25,000 Monthly Salary?
Tax Benefits on Life Insurance
1. Deduction under Section 80C: Premiums paid by individuals and HUFs for life insurance policies are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C with a maximum limit of 1.5 lakh per financial year. However, to receive full tax benefits, the annual premium should not exceed a specific percentage (Usually ≤ 10%) of the sum assured, based on the date of issuance of the policy.
- Eligible Policies: Term insurance plans, Endowment policies, money-back plans, whole life policies, and certain ULIPs that meet the required conditions.
2. Maturity Proceeds and Tax Exemption: Other than the premium deductions, life insurance also offers tax benefits on payouts. Section 10(10D) provides tax exemption on life insurance payouts including maturity proceeds and death benefits, subject to conditions. For most policies issued after 1 April 2012, the annual premium must not exceed 10% of the sum assured. Death benefits remain fully tax-exempt regardless of premium limits. Additionally, ULIPs issued after February 2021 may lose tax-free maturity status if annual premiums exceed ₹2.5 lakh
Tax Benefits on Health Insurance
1. Deduction under Section 80D: Premiums paid for yourself, your spouse, dependent children, and parents qualify for deductions under Section 80D (old tax regime). The deduction limit is ₹25,000 per year for self and family (₹50,000 if the insured person is a senior citizen). An additional deduction is available for parents ₹25,000 if they are below 60 years and ₹50,000 if they are senior citizens. The maximum deduction can go up to ₹1 lakh only when both the taxpayer and parents are senior citizens.
2. Preventive Health Check-ups: Section 80D allows a deduction for preventive health check-ups, with a sub-limit of ₹5,000. This amount counts toward the total limits of Section 80D and aims to promote early detection and preventive care.
Combined Tax Savings Using Health and Life Insurance
- Consider a salaried individual earning ₹18 LPA have chosen the old tax regime.
If an individual fully utilises the maximum deduction limits under Sections 80C (₹1.5 lakh) and 80D (up to ₹1 lakh), the total eligible deduction could reach ₹2.5 lakh. The actual tax saving, however, depends on the individual’s income tax slab
Is There Any Change in Insurance and its Taxation After Budget 2026?
The Union Budget 2026 did not introduce any major changes to tax deductions on insurance premiums under Sections 80C and 80D. Existing deduction limits and rules continue to apply for taxpayers who opt for the old tax regime
Conclusion
By using deductions available under Section 80C and Section 80D, individuals can significantly lower their taxable income while protecting their income and enjoying healthcare coverage. Choosing the right combination of life and health insurance based on your coverage needs, family responsibilities, and long-term financial goals ensures tax efficiency and financial protection.
Written by Nila Maria Jacob
