Child Education Plan | Buy Best Child Plans For Secure Life

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By Bhoomika (06) comments

Child Education Plan | Buy Best Child Plans in India

As a parent, providing quality education to your child is one of the most valuable investments you can make. With the rising cost of education in India and abroad, a well-structured child education plan ensures that your child’s future is financially secure, no matter what life brings.

This blog will guide you through the importance of a child education plan in India, compare the best child plans, and help you understand how to choose the right one using online tools like a child education plan calculator.

What is a Child Education Plan?

A child education plan is a financial product that combines savings and insurance to secure your child’s academic future. These plans are specifically designed to provide funds at critical stages of your child’s education, such as college admission, professional courses, or studying abroad.

It serves two purposes:

  1. Helps accumulate funds over time to meet future education expenses.

  2. Offers life insurance cover to protect the child in case of the policyholder’s untimely death.

Why Should You Invest in a Child Education Plan?

Let’s consider the key reasons why investing in a child education plan in India is essential today:

1. Rising Education Costs

Education inflation in India ranges between 10% and 12% annually. The cost of engineering, medical, MBA, or foreign education has tripled in the past decade.

2. Financial Protection

A child education plan ensures that your child’s education is not affected even in your absence, thanks to the waiver of premium and insurance coverage.

3. Tax Benefits

You get tax deductions under Section 80C and maturity proceeds are tax-free under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act.

4. Long-Term Compounding

Early investment in child plans benefits from long-term compounding and wealth accumulation, ensuring you meet future educational needs on time.

Types of Child Education Plans

There are various types of child education plans in India, each catering to different risk appetites and investment goals.

1. Child ULIP (Unit Linked Insurance Plan)

ULIPs invest in equity and debt funds and are ideal for parents looking for higher returns with market exposure. They offer the flexibility to switch between funds and monitor performance.

2. Endowment-Based Child Plans

These are traditional plans offering guaranteed returns and bonuses over time. They suit risk-averse investors.

3. Money-Back Child Plans

These plans provide periodic payouts at important education milestones (like age 18, 20, and 22) to support college and higher education expenses.

Benefits of a Child Education Plan

Here are the primary benefits of investing in a child education plan:

  • Maturity Benefit: A lump sum payout at the end of the policy term for college fees or higher studies.

  • Waiver of Premium: If the policyholder dies during the policy term, future premiums are waived, and the child still receives the policy benefits.

  • Partial Withdrawals: Some plans allow partial withdrawals during emergencies or educational milestones.

  • Loyalty Additions and Bonuses: ULIP-based and traditional plans offer loyalty additions and annual bonuses to boost returns.

  • Customizable Payout Options: Based on your child’s age, you can plan for staggered or lump sum payouts.

Best Child Education Plans in India

Let’s explore some of the best child education plans in India that are highly rated for their performance, flexibility, and coverage.

1. LIC New Children’s Money Back Plan

  • Type: Traditional, Participating

  • Key Features:

    • Guaranteed payouts at age 18, 20, and 22

    • Maturity benefit at age 25

    • Bonus additions

  • Ideal For: Conservative investors who prefer guaranteed returns

2. HDFC Life YoungStar Udaan

  • Type: Traditional Endowment Plan

  • Key Features:

    • Choice between money-back and endowment options

    • Waiver of future premiums upon death of the policyholder

    • Multiple plan options based on your child’s education timeline

3. ICICI Prudential SmartKid with Smart Life

  • Type: ULIP

  • Key Features:

    • Market-linked returns

    • Multiple fund options

    • Wealth boosters and premium waiver

  • Ideal For: Investors with a long-term horizon and moderate-to-high risk tolerance

4. SBI Life Smart Champ Insurance

  • Type: Individual, Non-linked, Participating

  • Key Features:

    • Life cover and education benefits from age 18 to 21

    • In-built accidental total permanent disability benefit

    • Tax savings under 80C and 10(10D)

5. Max Life Shiksha Plus Super

  • Type: ULIP

  • Key Features:

    • Flexibility to choose premium amount, tenure, and fund options

    • Loyalty additions after the 10th policy year

    • Suitable for long-term education planning

How to Choose the Best Child Education Plan

When choosing the best child education plan, consider the following factors:

1. Start Early

Investing when your child is young gives you the advantage of compounding and reduces the burden of high premiums later.

2. Estimate Future Costs

Use a child education plan calculator to forecast how much you’ll need for school, college, and higher education.

3. Understand Risk Appetite

If you’re comfortable with market fluctuations, ULIPs are a good option. If not, go for traditional plans with guaranteed returns.

4. Choose Flexible Payouts

Pick a plan that allows customized payouts aligned with your child’s academic milestones.

5. Ensure Premium Waiver

Always opt for plans that offer a waiver of premium in case of the policyholder’s death to ensure uninterrupted policy benefits.

Using a Child Education Plan Calculator

A child education plan calculator is a tool that helps estimate the required investment amount based on your child's age, expected inflation, and the future cost of education.

How It Works:

  • Enter your child’s current age

  • Select the expected age at which your child will need funds

  • Enter the expected education cost

  • Get an estimate of the monthly or annual premium you need to invest

This tool is easily accessible on most insurance company websites and helps in effective planning.

Buying a Child Education Plan Online

Today, purchasing a child education plan online is more convenient and efficient than ever. Here's why online plans are preferred:

  • Easy comparison of features and benefits

  • Quick premium quotes

  • Access to tools like calculators and policy illustrations

  • Paperless application and instant policy issuance

  • Better transparency and reduced policy costs

Always compare multiple plans before finalizing the best one for your needs.

LIC Child Education Plan – A Trusted Option

The LIC child education plan is one of the most popular and trusted in the country, with a wide network and a high claim settlement ratio.

Benefits:

  • Stable and guaranteed returns

  • Government-backed credibility

  • Bonus additions

  • Loan facility available on policy

Parents looking for a low-risk, long-term savings option often prefer LIC due to its reputation and reliability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls while choosing a child education plan in India:

  • Starting Late: Delaying investment leads to higher premiums and lower corpus.

  • Ignoring Inflation: Not adjusting for inflation will leave you underprepared.

  • Opting for Low Returns Only: Not including market-linked investments can lower overall wealth creation.

  • Skipping Premium Waiver: Missing this feature could disrupt the plan in case of an emergency.

  • Not Reviewing Plan Performance: Regular reviews help in rebalancing and adjusting to life changes.

Real-Life Example

Ravi, a 32-year-old IT professional, invested in a ULIP-based child education plan online when his son was 2 years old. He used a child education plan calculator and chose a monthly premium of ₹7,000. In 15 years, his projected fund value is ₹28 lakhs, enough to cover his son's engineering education.

By starting early and choosing the right mix of investment and protection, Ravi ensured his child’s future without compromising his current lifestyle.

Tips to Maximize Benefits

  • Choose long-term policy durations to reduce premium burden and increase maturity corpus

  • Top-up when you receive bonuses or salary increments

  • Monitor ULIP fund performance annually

  • Set clear education milestones and align payouts accordingly

  • Rebalance your portfolio as per market performance and risk changes

Conclusion

Choosing the right child education plan is a critical step in securing your child's future. Whether you choose a LIC child education plan, a ULIP, or any other policy, ensure it aligns with your long-term educational goals.

Compare various child education plans online, use a child education plan calculator, and consult a financial advisor if needed. Remember, it's not just about saving money, but about building a secure future and giving your child

FAQs 

What is the ideal age to start a child education plan?

Ideally, when the child is below 5 years old. This allows sufficient time to build a solid corpus.

Can I buy a child education plan online?

Yes, most insurers provide online platforms to compare and purchase child education plans with ease.

Is the maturity amount taxable?

Most maturity amounts under child plans are tax-free under Section 10(10D), provided they meet certain conditions.

Which plan is better: ULIP or traditional?

ULIPs offer market-linked returns and flexibility, while traditional plans provide guaranteed benefits. Your choice depends on your risk appetite.



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