A non-working spouse may not bring in a paycheck - but their contribution to the household is priceless.
From managing children and home finances to caregiving, a homemaker’s absence can cause real financial
strain.
That’s why term insurance for non-working spouses is now available - designed to secure
families even
when the insured doesn’t earn a formal income.
Insurers have introduced special provisions for homemakers under joint or
spouse-linked term plans, making it easy for families to ensure both partners are protected
equally.
This guide explains how these plans work, who qualifies, and why every household should include both
partners under life cover.
Why Non-Working Spouses Need Term Insurance
- Family Stability: Covers expenses like childcare, home help, or rent if homemaker
passes away.
- Equal Protection: Ensures both partners’ lives are insured - not just the earning
member.
- Joint Financial Planning: Combines protection under a single, cost-efficient plan.
- Tax Efficiency: Premiums eligible under 80C & 10(10D).
- Empowerment: Gives homemakers independent coverage and dignity in family finances.
Eligibility For Non-Working Spouse Term Cover
| Criteria |
Requirement |
| Age Limit |
18-65 years |
| Income Proof |
Not mandatory (spouse’s income considered) |
| Policy Type |
Joint Term or Spouse Rider Add-on |
| Sum Assured Limit |
40-50% of earning spouse’s cover |
| Medical Test |
Basic health check-up required |
| Nominee |
Usually earning spouse or children |
How Insurers Determine Eligibility
- Coverage based on earning spouse’s income (proportional to household contribution).
- Typically allowed if earning spouse already has an active term plan.
- Medical underwriting still applies for both partners.
- Insurable interest must exist (married or legally recognized partners).
Sample Premium Comparison (For Hyderabad)
| Couple Type |
Total Cover |
Policy Type |
Annual Premium (₹) |
| Working Husband + Homemaker Wife |
₹1.5 Cr |
Joint Plan |
₹13,500 |
| Working Wife + Homemaker Husband |
₹1.5 Cr |
Joint Plan |
₹14,000 |
| Dual Income Couple |
₹2 Cr |
Individual + Joint Combo |
₹18,500 |
(Indicative; based on average age 30-35 years.)
Best Ways To Insure A Non-Working Spouse
| Option |
How It Works |
Ideal For |
| Joint Term Plan |
One policy covers both spouses; payout on first or second death |
Married couples |
| Spouse Add-On Rider |
Adds non-working partner under main policy |
Homemakers |
| Separate Term Plan |
Independent plan for spouse, based on working partner’s income |
Higher-income families |
Recommended Insurers For Spouse-Based Cover
| Insurer |
Product Name |
Key Feature |
| Max Life |
Smart Secure Plus |
Joint option with 100% spouse cover - waiver of premium after first claim |
| HDFC Life |
Click 2 Protect Super |
Spouse add-on rider available - income + lump sum payout |
| Tata AIA |
Sampoorna Raksha Supreme |
Joint or individual options - whole-life till 100 years |
| ICICI Prudential |
iProtect Smart |
Spouse-linked coverage - critical illness add-on for both |
| SBI Life |
eShield Next |
Couple coverage available - affordable entry-level option |
Local Insights
- % of joint policies including homemakers: 62%.
- Avg. non-working spouse coverage: ₹45 lakh.
- Top insurers issuing homemaker plans: HDFC Life, ICICI Prudential, Max Life.
- Most common buyer age: 28-40 years.
Benefits Of Joint Term Plan For Couples
- Covers both lives under one premium.
- Waiver of premium after first death in many plans.
- Simplified documentation and single claim point.
- Affordable - 10-15% cheaper than two separate policies.
- Ensures continuity for surviving partner’s coverage.
Claim Scenarios
| Event |
Payout |
Policy Status |
| Homemaker passes away |
Earning spouse receives payout |
Policy continues (premium waived) |
| Earning spouse passes away |
Homemaker remains covered |
Policy continues (premium waived) |
| Both pass away |
Nominee/children receive full payout |
Policy terminates |
Tax Benefits
- Section 80C: Deduction up to ₹1.5 lakh/year for premiums.
- Section 10(10D): Death benefit fully tax-free.
- Section 80D: Rider benefits (Critical Illness/Health).
FAQs
Can homemakers get term insurance?
Yes, through joint plans or spouse add-on riders linked to the earning partner’s policy.
Is income proof required for non-working spouse?
No. Insurer uses earning spouse’s financial eligibility to approve cover.
What’s the maximum cover for homemakers?
Usually up to 50% of earning spouse’s coverage.
Do both partners need medical tests?
Yes, basic medical check-ups for both.
Can homemakers buy independent term plans?
Some insurers allow, but only if household income justifies the premium.
Who should be nominee for non-working spouse?
The earning partner or children.
What happens if the earning spouse passes first?
Policy continues for homemaker, often with waived premiums.
Are premiums cheaper for homemakers?
Usually yes - proportional to cover amount.
Do homemakers get tax benefits?
The earning spouse (payer) gets deduction under 80C.
Can unmarried partners get joint cover?
Typically no; policy requires legal marriage proof.
Is whole-life coverage available for homemakers?
Yes, under select joint or family term plans.
Can I add riders for homemaker coverage?
Yes - CI, ADB, and WOP available for both partners.
Can NRIs include non-working spouse under NRI plan?
Yes, if both are Indian citizens or OCI/PIO.
Does claim payout differ for homemakers?
No, payout process identical to other policies.
Which plan is best for couples under 35?
Max Life Smart Secure Plus or HDFC Click 2 Protect Super (Joint Life Option).
Customer Reviews
- “Finally insured my wife - thanks to PolicyBachat for helping with joint plan.” - Ravi &
Priya
Deshmukh, Pune
- “Didn’t know homemakers can get term cover - super helpful guide.” - Nisha & Rakesh Iyer,
Bengaluru
- “Affordable and simple - both lives protected under one plan.” - Meera & Aditya Patel,
Ahmedabad
- “Added spouse rider easily online.” - Sunil & Kavita Rao, Hyderabad
- “Now my family is fully covered - feels complete.” - Anita & Rohan Kapoor,
Delhi
- “Transparent comparison between spouse add-on and joint plan.” - Aditi & Raj Khanna,
Mumbai
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