Cheaper Than Your Weekend Plans: Why Term Life Insurance Is A No-Brainer In Your 20s

For many young Indians, weekend entertainment - whether it’s a movie outing or a Netflix binge - feels like a well-deserved reward after a busy week. Experiences matter, and spending time on them brings instant joy. Yet, when it comes to financial protection, the same enthusiasm often takes a backseat.

The question isn’t about choosing one over the other, but about balance: while entertainment offers short-term happiness, financial protection provides long-term security with a safety net that no weekend plan can match.

The Mindset Gap: Luxury vs Security

For many in their 20s, money decisions are often driven by experiences rather than security. Weekend plans, much-needed OTT subscriptions and gadgets feel tangible, while having conversations around death, disability or job loss feel abstract. This means recurring spends on streaming, food delivery and outings come naturally, while a similar monthly debit for term insurance faces resistance.

“The irony is that the same young urban professionals who think carefully about cashback on credit cards do not think twice before paying a premium on opting for recliner seats and gourmet popcorn during movies, but hesitate shelling out a Rs 500-Rs 600 monthly premium for a term life cover that could shield their parents or a future spouse from a lifetime of financial stress,” says Sabyasachi Sarkar, MD & CEO of Go Digit Life Insurance.

What The Numbers Actually Look Like

The average OTT subscription in India typically begins at Rs 149 for mobile access and reaches Rs 649 for premium subscription. The average movie ticket price at multiplex chains range between Rs 300 and Rs 500 while food and beverage expenses can easily reach Rs 300 per person. A premium cinema experience can even go as high as Rs 1,000-Rs 1,500 per person. The total amount spent on entertainment in a year for GenZs today can easily range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000.

Term Cover: Cheaper Than A Movie Ticket

In a similar manner, let’s try comparing term life insurance that is considered one of the most vital components of sound financial planning. It is typically available in two variants - a pure risk basic term insurance coverage and a return of premium option.

These plans come with inbuilt benefits like accelerated terminal illness coverage and waiver of future premiums in case of critical health conditions. Unique features such as Smart Exit (refund of 100 per cent premiums if you exit early), Pay Later option, and wellness benefits make it stand out, making it a comprehensive coverage. Optional riders for accidental death and disability enhance protection, while discounts for women and salaried individuals improve affordability.

“If you are to compare costs, you’d realise that a healthy 25‑year‑old non‑smoker can typically get a Rs 1 crore term cover for roughly Rs 400-Rs 600 per month (or Rs 13–Rs 21 per day), depending on tenure and options. Return-of-premium plans have a higher premium but are more suitable for ones seeking guaranteed return of premiums paid over the years to protect the capital. In practical terms, the cost of a single multiplex outing or a monthly outgo of a single OTT streaming plan can be more than sufficient to fund your term life cover,” informs Sarkar.

Why Starting Early Changes Everything

Buying term insurance early in your 20s can save you a substantial amount over the long term as premiums are calculated based on your age and health at the time of purchase. For instance, a Rs 1 crore cover at the age 25 costs around Rs 400- 600 per month, but if you wait until 35, the premium jumps to Rs 1,300. By age 40, the same cover can cost over Rs 2,000 per month. Overall, delaying your coverage by 10-15 years can increase your premiums multi-fold over time. Buying a term plan early ensures you lock-in your premium for the entire term and benefit from lower costs over time.

“Starting early also means your protection journey runs in parallel with your life’s milestones - first job, marriage, home loan, etc so that any unexpected event does not put your family in distress or compromise on basic lifestyle. Over time, the cost of the policy due to inflation will feel smaller as income rises, keeping your peace of mind intact,” observes Sarkar.

Ideal Coverage Period For Term Insurance

The coverage period for your term insurance policy should extend until the age when you expect to have financial dependents relying on your income. For instance, if you are currently 25-year old and anticipate having dependents until the age of 70, you should choose a term plan that covers the difference between these ages. In this case, that would be 70 minus 25, which equals 45 years of coverage.

A New Definition Of ‘Must‑Have’

For young Indians, the conversation needs to shift from “Can I afford term insurance?” to “Can my family afford it if I don’t have one?”

“While going to concerts, movies or eating out certainly enriches your day-to-day life and is important, getting a term insurance ensures you preserve it. Enjoy the blockbusters knowing your family's future is fortified against inflation, illness or loss. Prioritizing both makes your life truly balanced,” says Sarkar.

A term plan bought early is the silent subscription that runs in the background, ensuring your life stays worry-free and letting you enjoy the present, knowing your responsibilities are already taken care of.