LIC money-back policy folder with cash and calendar marking payouts

What Is a Money-Back Policy and Who Should Avoid It? (2025 Guide)

A money-back policy promises regular payouts and insurance cover — but it’s not for everyone. Here’s when it works and when to skip it.

In India, many families still prefer money-back life insurance policies, especially with LIC. These plans sound attractive because they provide two things together:

  1. Life cover during the entire policy term.
  2. Regular payouts (a fixed percentage of the sum assured) at intervals before maturity.

On paper, this looks perfect — protection plus money in hand at regular stages. But the real question in 2025 is: Are money-back policies really worth it when other investment options are available? Let’s break it down.


How a Money-Back Policy Works

A money-back policy combines insurance with savings. Unlike term insurance (which only pays if you pass away during the term), a money-back plan gives you cash at fixed intervals while keeping life cover intact.

Feature Details
Policy Term Usually 15, 20, or 25 years
Payout Frequency Every 5 years (varies by plan)
Life Cover Full sum assured on death, even if some payouts already received
Maturity Benefit Remaining sum assured + bonuses at the end



Money-Back Policies: Quick Reality Check (2025)

🌟 Why People Like Money-Back Policies

  • 💰 Regular Cash Flow: Payouts during the term to meet short-term needs.
  • 🛡️ Protection + Returns: Life cover continues even as you receive survival benefits.
  • ✅ Guaranteed & Safe: No stock-market risk (unlike mutual funds or ULIPs).
  • 🎯 Goal-Ready: Handy for fixed expenses like school fees, education milestones, or weddings.

⚠️ Why You Should Think Twice Before Buying

  • 📉 Lower Returns: Typically ~4–6% per year — often below inflation.
  • 💸 Higher Premiums: Costlier than term insurance for the same life cover.
  • ⏳ Missed Growth: Money in PPF/SIPs/mutual funds could compound faster.
  • 🔒 Limited Wealth Creation: Frequent payouts reduce compounding over the long term.
Tip: Compare money-back plans with term insurance + SIP to see the difference in long-term wealth creation.

Who Should Buy a Money-Back Policy?

  • People needing guaranteed periodic cash flow for fixed goals.
  • Risk-averse investors who do not want to depend on stock markets.
  • Parents wanting a safe education fund for recurring school expenses.

Who Should Avoid?

  • Young professionals aiming for wealth creation — better to take a term plan + SIP.
  • Anyone comfortable with market-linked products for higher returns.
  • People seeking maximum life cover at the lowest premium.

Case Example

Sunita, 40, bought a 20-year money-back policy with a ₹10 lakh sum assured.

  • Every 5 years, she received ₹2 lakh.
  • At maturity, she got ₹4 lakh plus bonuses.
  • Total payout over 20 years = ₹12 lakh.

But when adjusted for inflation, this amount was worth much less. Had she bought a term plan + mutual funds SIP, her potential wealth could have crossed ₹20 lakh.


Why It Matters

Money-back policies give the comfort of regular returns but may limit wealth creation. Understanding the trade-off between guaranteed payouts and long-term growth is key to making the right choice.

A steady trickle of money feels good — but make sure it’s not costing you long-term security. Share this eBharat.com guide so more people choose policies that truly fit their needs.


Related Reads on eBharat.com

🤔 Still Thinking About a Money-Back Policy?

Money-back policies give safe but limited returns. If you want to explore better alternatives like guaranteed return plans, term + SIP combos, or family health covers — compare the best options today on Insurance+.

👉 Compare Better Plans on Insurance+

💡 Or, if you want to become an insurance agent and guide families about policies like these, click here to apply now.

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