
Life annuities are financial products sold by insurance companies that provide the annuitant with fixed payments at regular intervals until their death. Annuitants typically pay into the annuity periodically when they are still working, or they may buy the annuity in one large, lump-sum purchase, usually at retirement. The amount paid out is dependent on the annuitant's age and gender, among other things.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Payouts | Annuities typically pay benefits monthly over time when annuitized |
| Beneficiaries | With an annuity, you (and in some cases your spouse) are the primary beneficiary |
| Underwriting | No underwriting is required for an annuity, but there may be some age restrictions on the benefits you select |
| Amount paid | A fixed amount of money for the rest of your life in return for a lump sum payment or a series of instalments |
| Tax benefits | You can claim tax benefits on the premiums paid towards the plan up to ₹ 1.5 lakh per annum under Section 80C of The Income Tax Act, 1961 |
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What You'll Learn
- Annuities are paid monthly, unlike life insurance which is paid in a lump sum
- You are the primary beneficiary of an annuity, whereas with life insurance, your spouse, children or other heirs are the primary beneficiaries
- Annuities don't require underwriting, but there may be age restrictions on the benefits you select
- Annuities are low-risk plans that are not market-linked
- Joint life annuities are not paid out after both policyholders die

Annuities are paid monthly, unlike life insurance which is paid in a lump sum
Annuities are a type of insurance contract that distributes income to the annuitant until they die. In return for a lump sum payment or a series of instalments, the annuitant receives a fixed amount of money for the rest of their life. This is different from life insurance, where the death benefit is paid in one lump sum to the annuitant's spouse, children, or other designated heirs.
Annuities are commonly used to provide guaranteed and/or supplemental retirement income that cannot be outlived. They are low-risk plans that are not market-linked, and the amount received is guaranteed and fixed at the time of purchase. With life insurance, you usually have to apply for coverage, and your acceptance is often based on factors such as your age and health. No underwriting is required for an annuity, but there may be some age restrictions on the benefits you select and the amount of income paid is dependent on your age and gender, among other things.
In the case of a joint life annuity, no money is paid after both the policyholder's demise, and the money stays with the insurance company. Annuities are typically sold by insurance companies and act as longevity insurance, as the risk of outliving one's savings is passed on to the annuity issuer or provider.
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You are the primary beneficiary of an annuity, whereas with life insurance, your spouse, children or other heirs are the primary beneficiaries
Life annuities are insurance or investment products that provide the annuitant with fixed payments at regular intervals. They are commonly used to provide guaranteed and/or supplemental retirement income that cannot be outlived. Annuitants typically pay into the annuity periodically when they are still working, but they may also buy the annuity in one large, lump-sum purchase, usually at retirement.
With an annuity, you (and in some cases your spouse) are the primary beneficiary, so you receive all income payments. With life insurance, your spouse, your children, or your other designated heirs are the primary beneficiaries, so they will receive the death benefit after you pass away. You can also name a charitable organisation as your annuity's beneficiary, which can provide benefits like at least partially tax-free payouts.
Annuities are a contract between you and an insurance company that requires the insurer to make payments to you, either immediately or in the future. You get a fixed amount of money for the rest of your life in return for a lump sum payment or a series of instalments. The amount you receive is guaranteed and is fixed at the time of the purchase of the plan.
Life insurance, on the other hand, pays the death benefit in one lump sum. With life insurance, you usually have to apply for coverage, and your acceptance is often based on factors such as your age and health. No underwriting is required for an annuity; however, there may be some age restrictions on the benefits you select and the amount of income paid is dependent on your age and gender, among other things.
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Annuities don't require underwriting, but there may be age restrictions on the benefits you select
Annuities are financial products sold by insurance companies that provide the annuitant with fixed payments at regular intervals. They are commonly used to provide guaranteed and/or supplemental retirement income that cannot be outlived. Annuitants typically pay into the annuity periodically when they are still working, but they may also buy the annuity in one large, lump-sum purchase, usually at retirement.
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Annuities are low-risk plans that are not market-linked
Annuities are insurance or investment products that essentially act as longevity insurance, as the risk of outliving one's savings is passed on to the annuity issuer or provider. The annuitant typically pays into the annuity periodically when they are still working, or they may buy the annuity in one large, lump-sum purchase, usually at retirement.
The amount you receive from an annuity is guaranteed and is fixed at the time of the purchase of the plan. This amount is dependent on your age and gender, among other things. In the case of a joint life annuity, no money is paid after both the policyholder's demise, and the money stays with the insurance company.
Annuities offer the flexibility to choose how you want to receive your income. They also provide tax benefits, although these are subject to conditions under the relevant tax laws.
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Joint life annuities are not paid out after both policyholders die
A life annuity is a financial product sold by an insurance company that features a predetermined periodic payout amount until the death of the annuity owner, who is called the annuitant. Annuitants typically pay into the annuity periodically when they are still working, but they may also buy the annuity in one large, lump-sum purchase, usually at retirement. Life annuities are commonly used to provide guaranteed and/or supplemental retirement income that cannot be outlived.
The amount you receive from an annuity is guaranteed and is fixed at the time of the purchase of the plan. Annuity plans are low-risk plans that are not market-linked. They provide you with an income for life and help you stay financially independent during your retirement. You can also choose how you want to receive your income. For example, you can opt for payouts to be made monthly over time when annuitized.
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Frequently asked questions
An annuity is a contract between an individual and an insurance company that requires the insurer to make payments to the individual, either immediately or in the future.
The individual gets a fixed amount of money for the rest of their life in return for a lump sum payment or a series of instalments. Annuity plans are low-risk and the amount received is guaranteed and fixed at the time of purchase.
Annuities are commonly used to provide guaranteed and/or supplemental retirement income.



























