LIFE INSURANCE PREMIUMS
GST removed from life, health insurance but how much will you gain?
No Goods and Services Tax means no additional cost on premiums. But the savings you see will hinge on how companies reprice policies.
GST reforms to set stage for next investment cycle, provide tailwind for growth in coming quarters and years: Sanjiv Bajaj
Sanjiv Bajaj hailed the government’s GST rate cuts as the biggest reform since 2017, calling it a major driver for demand, lending, and financial services. He expects festive spending, MSME growth, and housing finance to benefit, alongside expanded insurance coverage due to exemptions.
How GST cuts will change what you pay from Sept 22
With GST rates slashed on numerous goods and services, companies are gearing up to revise prices and extend the benefits to consumers by September 22. This involves manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers coordinating to adjust for products already in distribution with older tax rates. While some sectors anticipate increased demand, others face challenges like managing unsold stock and potential losses.
GST on health and life insurance premiums reduced to zero: See how it will impact your policy costs
New GST Rates on Life and Health Insurance: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) on health and life insurance premiums will soon be zero. The GST Council approved this change in its recent meeting. This new rule starts on September 22, 2025. While premiums will not have GST, insurers may not get input tax credits. Experts say this could lead to a slight increase in costs.
GST exemption on insurance a game changer, says PB Fintech’s Yashish Dahiya
PB Fintech's CEO, Yashish Dahiya, hails the GST exemption on individual life and health insurance as a landmark reform, emphasizing its potential to boost awareness and adoption. He believes the government's move sends a strong signal about the importance of these essential products for families.
GST 2.0 is here. How should you tweak your mutual fund portfolio
GST 2.0 is set to revamp India's indirect tax system. Experts suggest domestic-facing sectors will benefit. Sectors like autos, staples, and retail may see better demand. Premium apparel and luxury cars could face pressure. The revised rates will be effective from September 22, 2025. Investors should consider their risk appetite before tweaking their mutual fund portfolio.
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State-run insurers likely to roll out zero-tax policies
India's state-run insurers are set to introduce zero-tax individual policies to broaden insurance coverage, following a government decision to exempt individual insurance purchases from GST. While this move aims to lower premiums, the unavailability of input tax credits may initially squeeze insurer profitability. Insurers are exploring cost-cutting measures to mitigate the impact and ensure the benefits reach consumers.
Spreading the safety net farther and wider
Waiving GST on health and life insurance premiums, though potentially regressive, could boost insurance penetration and reduce the state's social security burden. This move aims to address affordability issues, attract foreign investment, and stimulate domestic consumption amidst slowing growth. Ultimately, it seeks to improve insurance sector reforms and mitigate external volatility.
GST on insurance: Planning to delay premium payment after Sept 22 to get rate-cut benefit? Why it may not be a good idea
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has reduced insurance GST rates from 18% to zero. This change applies to policy renewals after September 22, 2025, and new policies. So if you are planning to delay your premium payment after the date, it may not be a good idea.
GST rate cuts complement Ayushman Bharat, PMJAY, says health ministry
The government's GST reforms aim to make healthcare more accessible and affordable by exempting health and life insurance premiums, reducing taxes on essential medicines and medical products. These changes complement initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and PMJAY, encouraging wider insurance adoption and lowering healthcare costs for citizens. The move also supports preventive healthcare by maintaining high taxes on harmful goods.
GST overhaul lifts new-age stocks PB Fintech, Nykaa, FirstCry
The new regime has abolished tax on individual life and health insurance products sold by companies such as LIC, SBI Life Insurance and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance. This move is likely to boost premiums and customer adoption of such products.
Insurance companies bear the burden of GST exemptions, have to reverse accumulated ITC
Following GST revisions, individual life and health insurers face the burden of reversing Input Tax Credit accumulated until September 21, 2025. While policyholders benefit from premium exemptions starting September 22, insurers must reverse unutilized credits, impacting their finances. Experts suggest a phased reversal or refund mechanism to balance consumer benefits and industry sustainability.
Not all are winners in India's GST 2.O regime. These stocks are losing already
India’s GST overhaul introduces 5%, 18%, and 40% slabs, boosting consumption and aiding FMCG, auto, and insurance sectors. Coal, luxury goods, casinos, and energy drinks face higher taxes. While ITC and Godfrey Phillips benefit from reduced tax uncertainty, Delta Corp, Nazara, and premium auto firms may see near-term pressure.
Exemption of GST from life and health insurance premium to make products affordable: Insurers
The GST Council's landmark decision to exempt insurance premiums from GST is poised to revolutionize the insurance sector. Insurers hail this move as a game-changer, anticipating increased affordability and wider insurance penetration. This exemption, covering life and health insurance, aims to ease financial burdens and promote health security for citizens, potentially driving a shift towards accessible digital solutions.
GST rate cuts will improve affordability and give a fillip to consumption: Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley anticipates a significant boost in consumption due to the GST structure rationalization, particularly benefiting low-income households. Effective from September 22, the simplified two-rate system will make various goods and services more affordable, coinciding with the festive season.
GST 2.0 explained: When will new GST rate for life, health insurance be applicable?
In a significant move, the GST Council announced on September 3, 2025, that individual life and health insurance premiums will be exempt from GST. The council also reduced GST rates on medicines to a concessional 5%, aiming to lower healthcare costs.
GST relief to boost insurance penetration, ease burden on policyholders: Nilesh Sathe
The government's GST reform has eliminated the 18% tax on insurance premiums, a move expected to boost insurance penetration in India. While policyholders will benefit from lower costs, insurers may face challenges in adjusting premium structures due to the loss of input tax credit, potentially squeezing profit margins, especially on renewal policies.
Finally have to follow Rahul Gandhi's advice: Pawan Khera slams Centre on GST reforms after 8 years
Congress leaders Pawan Khera and P Chidambaram have criticized the Centre's next-generation GST reforms, deeming them overdue. They highlight Rahul Gandhi's earlier advocacy for an 18% GST cap, questioning the government's delayed response. The reforms, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, aim to reduce GST rates, providing relief across various sectors with revised slabs of 5%, 18%, and 40%.
Congress terms GST overhaul 'GST 1.5'; says wait for 'true GST 2.0' continues
The Congress party has criticized the GST Council's overhaul of the GST regime, calling it "GST 1.5" and questioning its ability to stimulate private investment and ease the burden on MSMEs. They argue that the wait for a "true GST 2.0" continues, particularly regarding the extension of compensation to states.
Will insurance premiums become cheaper in GST 2.0?
The GST Council has eliminated the 18% tax on health and life insurance premiums, a move under PM Modi's GST 2.0 reforms aimed at simplifying the tax structure. This exemption is expected to lower premiums, potentially boosting demand and increasing insurance accessibility for a wider population, though insurers may face short-term margin pressures.
Diwali cheer comes early for Indian middle class as Sitharaman announces GST 2.0
Diwali arrives early for the Indian middle class. The GST Council reduces tax slabs to 5% and 18%. Food, essentials, and durables become cheaper. Families save money on various products. Personal care items and smaller cars also see tax cuts. Health insurance becomes exempt from GST. The new rates are effective from September 22, 2025.
Insurers grab chunk of secured personal loans biz, rival banks
Insurance companies are increasingly competing with banks by offering secured personal loans to policyholders, totaling ₹1.35 lakh crore, comparable to bank loans against fixed deposits. These short-term loans, with rates from 8.50% to 10.5%, allow policyholders to access funds without surrendering their policies.
Bima Vistaar: New insurance product set to launch in rural India by December 2025
Bima Vistaar, a comprehensive insurance product covering life, health, and property for rural populations, is expected to launch by December 2025. All insurance companies will offer the product at a uniform price, providing a Rs 5 lakh cover per individual, aiming to increase insurance penetration in rural India.
Ajay Seth appointed IRDAI chairman after 5-month gap
Ajay Seth has taken over as chairman of the IRDAI, filling a five-month vacancy. His appointment comes as the insurance sector faces challenges like slowing growth, health insurance disputes, and mis-selling concerns. Seth's extensive experience in economic policy and regulatory reforms will be crucial as he addresses these issues and oversees upcoming reforms, including amendments to the Insurance Act.
₹50,000 health claim rejected, policy cancelled for 'an error': User reveals how to challenge and win against insurance companies
Insurance claim rejection: A policyholder's ₹50,000 health insurance claim was initially rejected due to a clerical error, leading to policy termination. The insured fought back, leveraging the Insurance Ombudsman and IRDAI portal. After months of persistence, the claim was settled, and the policy was reinstated with full benefits, highlighting the importance of knowing consumer rights and utilizing available resources.
If hospitals come under regulatory ambit, the number of aggrieved customers will fizzle out: Mathur, MD & CEO, Universal Sompo General Insurance
Health regulations are required on a priority to enable higher transparency in hospital pricing and greater convenience for policyholders, says Sharad Mathur, MD & CEO, Universal Sompo General Insurance, in a conversation with Riju Mehta.
Life insurers raise policy value to keep life going
Life insurers in India, including LIC, HDFC Life, and SBI Life, are strategically increasing the minimum and average policy values to enhance persistency and reduce policy lapses. This shift is driven by the understanding that higher-value policies correlate with better renewal rates and financially stable customers.
Term, health insurance policyholders to benefit most from GST exemption on individual policies: Experts
Tax experts suggest that the proposed GST exemption on individual health and life insurance policies would primarily benefit term and health insurance plans. They also recommend exempting key input services like commission and reinsurance to prevent input tax credit blockage.
Full GST exemption on health and life insurance premiums proposed: While insurers may hike premium, post tax cost for consumer is likely to come down
The GST Group of Ministers has proposed exempting health and life insurance premiums from GST, a move intended to make insurance more affordable. However, experts warn that entirely eliminating GST could remove input tax credit benefits for insurers. This could increase insurers' overall expenses, potentially leading to higher premiums for policyholders, effectively negating the intended affordability. However, the post tax premium is likely to come down.
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