Preamble - POST OFFICE LIFE INSURANCE RULES, 2011

POST OFFICE LIFE INSURANCE RULES, 2011

PREAMBLE

The following rules are issued under the authority of the Government of India: -

Rule 1 - Short title, extent and commencement

(1) These rules may be called Post Office Life Insurance Rules, 2011.

(2) These extend to the whole of India.

(3) These shall come into force on the date of its notification in the Official Gazette of India.

Rule 2 - Rule 2

The President reserves the right of making from time to time such addition, alteration or modification in the rules or in
the premia to be paid as may be considered necessary, provided that no such addition, alteration or modification shall
affect the terms of any contract for a policy which any person may have made with the Director General of Posts under
these or any other rules in force at the time of making the contract, unless such person has given his consent in writing
to such addition, alteration or modification.

Rule 3 - RULE 3

The administration of the Post Office Life Insurance Fund and Rural Post Office Life Insurance Fund under these rules is
vested in the Director General of Posts who is authorized to issue from time to time such subsidiary regulations and
orders as may be deemed necessary provided that no such regulation or order shall be inconsistent with any provision of
these rules or any rules that may hereinafter be made by the President.

Rule 4 - Rule 4

The Post Office Life Insurance Rules, 2011 shall apply to the Postal Life Insurance and Rural Postal Life Insurance of the
Department of Posts.

Rule 5 - Definitions
In these rules: -

(1) "Acceptance letter" is an intimation sent by Postmaster General/ Accepting Authority to the proposer
regarding acceptance of proposal.

(2) "Accepting Authority" means an officer who is authorised to accept the proposal for Postal Life
Insurance policy / Rural Postal Life Insurance policy.

(3) "Age proof" means the proof given by the proposer to determine his/her age on the next birth day
on the date of proposal.

(4) "Anticipated Endowment Assurance" means a life insurance contract entered into by Government to
pay a given sum of money, in stipulated installments, to an individual or his assignee, on survival to the
end of specified periods, or to pay the given sum of money in one lump sum to his legal
representatives or assigns on his death, if death occurs before the specified date of maturity.

(5) "Auto paid up" means a policy for which 36 or more premiums have been paid and also has
completed three years or more duration from its date of acceptance and the policy holder without
intimation discontinues payment of further premia. However, the policy shall be maturing on the same
date as the original policy, either for the original sum assured, when the future premiums payable are
compounded by a single payment, or for a reduced sum assured, when the premium in respect of the
original policy are discontinued before the stipulated terms.

(5A) Central Processing Centre (CPC) means a Branch of Head Post Office, where all work relating to PLI/
RPLI is carried.

(6) "Children Policy" means a life insurance contract entered into by Government to pay a given sum of
money to a child or his/her parent at a certain specified period of child's life or to his/her legal
representatives or assigns at his/her death, if death occurs before the specified date.

(7) "Commutation" means any alteration in a contract of insurance excepting one in the date of
maturity, and includes alteration in the amount of premium in the premium-term, or in the sum assured.

(8) "Conversion" means any alteration affecting the date of maturity of a contract of insurance and
includes not only alteration from Whole Life Insurance class to the Endowment class but also the
antedating or post dating of the maturity of an Endowment policy and consequent increase/decrease of
premium.

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[(9) Convertible Whole Life Assurance" means a life insurance contract entered into by Government to
pay a given sum of money with accrued bonus to the insured either on attaining the age of 80 years,
or on death of the insured to his/her legal representatives or assignees whichever occurs earlier, with
option to the policy holder to convert the policy, at the end of 5 years (with a grace period at end of 6
years) from the date of commencement of risk into an Endowment Assurance maturing at a specified
age.]

(10) "Date of Acceptance" means the date on which the proposal is accepted and mentioned in the
"Acceptance letter" issued to the proposer.

(11) "Date of commencement of risk" means the date on which the proposal is accepted. No claim shall
lie with Postal Life Insurance or Rural Postal Life Insurance before date of acceptance.

(12) "Direct Agent", means an Insurance Agent engaged by the Postmaster General / Head of the
Division who receives or agrees to receive payments by way of commission or other remuneration in
consideration of his/her soliciting or procuring PLI/RPLI business including business relating to continuance,
renewal or revival of policies of PLI/RPLI.

(13) "Director PLI" means the Director, Postal Life Insurance, Kolkata.

(14) "Due date of premium" means the first day of the month for which the premium is payable.

(15) "Endowment Assurance" means a life insurance contract entered into by Government to pay a given
sum of money to an individual or his assigns at a certain specified period of his life or to his legal
representatives or assigns at his death, if death occurs before the specified date.

(15A) Free Look Period means a period of 15 days from the date of delivery of the policy at the
address of the

(15B) General Post Office (GPO) means the first class Head Office situated at the Headquarters of the
Head of a

(16) "Head of Division" means Head of Postal Division/ RMS Division/ Chief Post Master.

(16A) Head Office (HO) means a main Post Office of a group Post Offices consisting of itself and a
number of small offices called Sub and Branch Offices which have been placed under its Accounts
jurisdiction.

(17) "Immediate Superior" means the head of the office in which the proposer is serving. If the proposer
is himself the head of the office "Immediate Superior" means the officer to whom the proposer is
directly subordinate.

(18) "Insured" or "insured person" means the person to whom a policy of Postal life insurance/Rural
Postal Life Insurance has been issued.

(19) "Joint Life Insurance/Yugal Suraksha" means a life insurance contract entered into by Government to
pay a given sum of money to an individual or his/her surviving spouse or his/her assigns after a certain
specified period of term or his/her legal representatives or assigns at his/her death, if death occurs
before specified term of period.

(20) "Lapsing of policy" - a policy which is in existence more than three years.

shall be treated as lapsed if premium/ premia remain unpaid for more than twelve months.

(21A) " Life Insurance "contract is a contract by which the Government, in consideration of a certain
premium, either in a gross sum or periodical payments, undertakes to pay the person for whose benefit
the insurance is made, a stipulated sum upon the expiry of a fixed period, or a stipulated sum upon
death of the person whose life is insured.

(21) Manager or Postmaster means Chief Postmaster of General Post Office/ Sr. Postmaster/ Head
Postmaster of Head Office or Director of New Delhi HO/ Mumbai GPO/ Kolkata GPO, as the case may be,
who will be head of Central Processing Centre of PLI/ RPLI (GPO/ Head Office).

(22) "Marketing staff" is an official or person who is authorized by the Postmaster General or Head of
Division to procure Postal Life Insurance and Rural Postal Life Insurance business. The marketing staff
includes IPOs, ASPOs, ASRMs, Ex- D.O (PLI), PRI (P), Postmasters, Selected Postal Assistant, Postman,
Retired GDS BPM, D.O (PLI), Field Officer (PLI), SPM (Rural S.O), GDS staff, and also includes Direct
Agents such as Anganwadi worker, Mahila Mandal worker, Ex-Serviceman, Retired school teacher, SHGs,
Gram Pradhan & Member Gram Panchayat and any other official/person as considered suitable by the
Head of Postal Division.

(23) "Paid up Policy" means a policy which requires no further payment of premium in respect of it, but
maturing at the same date as the original policy, either for the original sum assured, when the future
premiums payable are compounded by a single payment, or for a reduced sum assured, when the
premium in respect of the original policy are discontinued before the stipulated term.

(24) "Pay and Accounts Officer and Drawing and Disbursing Officer" means the Officer whatever is his
official designation, in whose office the account of pay and allowances of the proposer or the insured
person is maintained.

(25) "Period of Grace" shall extend up to the last day of the calendar month for which the premium is
due or the day before the last day if the last day of the month falls on Sunday or Postal holiday.

(26) "Policy" means the written document containing the terms of contract in respect of insurance.

(27) "Policy in Force" means a policy for which all the due premia have been paid regularly and such
policy has neither become 'void' nor 'lapsed' under any rule of Post Office Insurance Fund Rules.

(28) "Post Office Life Insurance Fund (POLIF)" means the amount outstanding in the fund arising out of
Postal Life Insurance.

(29) "Postal Life Insurance (PLI)" includes Whole life Insurance, Endowment Assurance, Convertible Whole
Life Assurance, Anticipated Endowment Assurance, Joint Life Insurance and Children Policy and such other
schemes as may be introduced by the Department of Posts from time to time.

(30) "Postmaster General" means the Head of Postal Circle or Region concerned and includes all officers
exercising the powers of a Postmaster General in Postal Life Insurance and Rural Postal Life Insurance
matters.

(31) "Post Office" means a Head or Sub-Post Office or Branch Post Office in India under the control of
the Director General (Posts). For insurants on Field Service with an expeditionary Force, it includes Base
Post Offices as well.

(32) "Premium" means the periodical payment for any policy.

(33) "Proposer"/ "Proponent" means the person who applies for scheme/schemes of PLI/RPLI.

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[(33A) "Primary Identifier/Proof of Identity" means Aadhar number an identification number as defined in
clause (a) of section 2 of Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and
Services) Act, 2016 (18 of 2016 ) for purchase of a Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life
 Insurance (RPLI) policy.]

(34) "Rural Post Office Life Insurance Fund (RPOLIF)" means the amount outstanding in the fund arising
out of Rural Postal Life Insurance.

(35) "Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI)" includes Whole life Insurance, Endowment Assurance, Convertible
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[***] Anticipated Endowment Assurance, Joint Life Insurance, Children Policy, and 10 Year policy in Rural
Postal Life Insurance and such other schemes as may be introduced by the Department of Posts from
time to time.

(36) "Surrender Value" of a policy means the amount that is payable to an insured, when he foregoes
the contingent benefit of his policy and surrenders it for an immediate cash payment, provided at least
36 premiums have been paid and policy has completed minimum 36 months duration.

(37) "Void" means a policy which is less than three years duration and any premium (s) that have
become due, not paid either on the first day of the month for which the premium is due or within the
period of grace.

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[(38) Whole Life Assurance" means a life insurance contract entered into by Government to pay a given
sum of money with accrued bonus to the insured on attaining the age of 80 years, or to his/her legal
representatives or assignees on death of the insured, whichever occurs earlier, provided the policy is in
force on the date of claim.]

1. Substituted by the Notification No. 5-1/2015-LI dated 21.01.2016 for the following:--

"(38) "Whole Life Insurance" means a life insurance contract entered into by Government to pay a given sum of
money, on the death of an individual, to his legal representatives or assigns provided the policy is in force on the
date of death."

2. Substituted by the Notification No. 5-1/2015-LI dated 21.01.2016 for the following:--

"(9) "Convertible Whole Life Assurance" means a life insurance contract entered into by Government to pay a given
sum of money, on the death of an individual, to his legal representatives or assigns, with option to the policy holder
to convert the policy, at the end of five years (with a grace period at the end of six years) from the date of
commencement of risk, into an Endowment Assurance maturing at a specified age."

3. Inserted vide Notification No. 29-05/2011-LI dated 15.02.2018.

Rule 6 - Eligibility conditions for Postal Life Insurance

(1) All permanent and temporary employees of Central/State Governments, Universities established by
Governments (Centre/State), Gramin Dak Sewaks, Government Aided educational institutions, Nationalized
Banks, State Bank of India, Subsidiary Banks of State Bank of India, Financial Institutions notified by
Government, Defence personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force), Personnel of para military force including Assam
Rifles, ITBPF, CISF, BSF and CRPF etc., Regular employees of Public Sector Undertakings (Centre and
State), Regional Rural Banks, Permanent & temporary servants of local bodies paid from "Local Funds" as
defined in Fundamental Rule 9 (14).

(2) All permanent and temporary employees of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, The
Medical Council of India, The Dental Council of India, The Nursing council of India, and The Pharmacy
Council of India.

(3) Industrial and Work-charged employees in the Department of Posts and Department of
Telecommunications whose pay is regulated under the "Fundamental Rules".

(4) All permanent and temporary employees of autonomous body established by stipulated rules of
Centre/State governments.

(5) Members of the Defence Services including those holding short service commission, extended service
commission and other kinds of non-permanent commissions are also eligible to join the fund.

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[(6) Employees engaged/appointed on contract basis by Central/State Governments, where the contract is
extendable.

(7) Employees of Joint Ventures in which Central/State Governments/Public Sector

(8) Members/employees of Credit Cooperative Societies and other cooperative societies registered with
Government under the Cooperative Societies Act and partly or fully funded from the Central/State
Governments/RBI/SBI/Nationalized Banks/NABARD, and other such institutions notified by Government.

(9) Employees of Deemed Universities and Educational Institutes accredited by recognized bodies such as
National Assessment and Accreditation Council, All India Council of Technical Education, Medical Council of
India, etc. and/or affiliated to Universities/Boards, etc.

(10) Employees of all Scheduled Commercial Banks.]

NOTE 1: - If a member of the Defence Service is transferred to Reserve then his policy shall be
converted into cash policy for payment of premium in cash at the post office of his choice on
or before last day of the month to which the premium relates. If the last day happens to be a
Sunday or a Postal holiday, the amount should be paid on the previous business day.

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[Note 2: Eligible Joint Ventures/Cooperative Societies and Deemed Universities/Educational
Institutions mentioned at Sub Rule (7), (8) and (9) above will be notified in Schedule 'A' of
 these rules by Director General of Posts from time to time.]

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[Note 3:- In case of WLA and EA plans under PLI, the minimum term of the policy for
proponents above the age of 50 years where sum assured exceeds 5 lakh, will be 7 years and
further for a person aged 54 years the minimum term will be 6 years.]

Note 4: If the death of the insured arise either directly or indirectly as a result of aviation
otherwise than as a fare paying passenger in an aircraft authorized to undertake public
transport or as a servant of Government of India in the Indian Navy or Air Force, only the
surrender value acquired by the policy will be payable under the policy provided that the
surrender value will be paid only if 3 years premia have been paid on the policy and the policy
is of not less than 3 years duration.

1. Inserted vide Notification No. 25-1/2011-LI dated 18.10.2012.

Rule 7 - Limits of Sum Assured in Postal Life Insurance

Any person who is eligible to the benefit of the Post Office Life Insurance Fund under Rule 6, may effect an
insurance- Whole Life Assurance, Endowment Assurance, Convertible Whole Assurance, Anticipated Endowment
Assurance and Yugal Suraksha Policy or all of them on his life for a sum not less than Rs. 20,000 in each class
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but not more than an aggregate of [Rs. Twenty lac (Rs. 20,00,000)] in respect of one class/all classes of
insurance policy(s) taken together. The value of policy shall be taken in multiples of Rs 10,000/-, after minimum
limit of Rs 20,000/- i.e. Rs. 20,000/-, Rs 30,000/-, Rs 40,000/-, Rs 50,000/- and so on.

1. Substituted vide Notification No. 25-3/2003-LI dated 17.01.2012 for the following : - "Rs. Ten lac (Rs 10,00,000/-)"

Rule 8 - Life Insurance And endowment assurance and other Types of Assurance

Whole Life Assurance or Endowment Assurance or Convertible Whole Life Assurance Policy can be made effective
by making a monthly payment of premium till the end of selected term or death of the insured person,
whichever is earlier, as specified in Table I, II and III respectively of these rules. Anticipated Endowment
Assurance and Joint Life Assurance can be made effective by making a monthly payment of premium till the end
of selected term or death of the insured person, whichever is earlier, as specified in Table IV and Table V
respectively of these rules. The monthly payment in respect of Children Policy shall be regulated by Table VI of
 these Rules.

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[In case of Endowment Assurance, Policy can also be made effective by making Quarterly/Half Yearly/Yearly
payment of premium, as per the mode opted by the insurant at the time of proposal, specified in Tables II-A/II-
B/II-C, respectively.]

NOTE: - In every case except that of Anticipated Endowment Assurance and Joint Life Assurance, the
maximum number of monthly premiums payable is twelve times the difference between the age at entry
according to which the premium is charged and the age at which payments are to cease. In case of
Anticipated Endowment Assurance and Joint Life Assurance, the maximum number of monthly premiums
payable is twelve times the selected term.

6. Inserted vide Notification No. 25-1/2011-LI dated 18.10.2012.

Rule 9 - Anticipated Endowment Assurance (Introduced w.e.f. 01-02-1984)

A policy under this scheme will be available in two plans, one of 15 years and the other of 20 years term. The minimum
age at entry for both the plans shall be 19 years on the next birth day whereas the upper age limit shall be 45 years
and 40 years for 15 years and 20 years term respectively. The sum assured under both the plans shall be paid in four
installments as given below Table IV. In case of death of insured at any time during the term of the policy, the full sum
assured will be paid along with the accrued bonus without making any adjustment of the periodical survival benefit
payments already made. Neither any surrender value nor any loan shall be granted for the policy issued under this
scheme. No conversion from/to this policy is permissible. In the event of cessation of premium before maturity age, the
reduced paid up assurance will be granted, provided premiums have been paid for not less than three years, only at the
date of maturity, that is at the end of stipulated plan term or on death of life assured, and no further periodical
payments on account of survival benefit will be paid.

Rule 9A - Rural Postal Life Insurance (Introduced w.e.f. 24-03-1995)

(a) Rural Postal Life Insurance scheme-1995" called 'Rural scheme' is envisaged to provide insurance cover to the
rural public in general and benefit weaker sections and women workers of rural areas in particular. Post Office
Life Insurance Rules-2011 as amended from time to time shall be applicable to the "Rural Scheme" mutatis-
mutandis except where special provisions have been made and notified under this scheme. The scheme shall
cover all persons, male or female, who permanently reside in rural areas and ordinarily residents in India to the
exclusion of Foreigners and Non-Resident Indians. Persons fulfilling such eligibility conditions should be between 19
years and 55 years of age on next birth day, except for Ten Year Rural PLI and Anticipated Endowment
Assurance plan for which upper age limit is prescribed separately. A policy holder who subsequently shifts his/her
residence outside India shall make arrangements to make payments of due premia within India in the specified
Post Office in Indian currency. The claims in respect of policies of such persons shall be settled in Indian
currency in accordance with Post Office Life Insurance Rules 2011. The existing plans of PLI viz. Whole Life
Insurance, Convertible Whole Life Insurance, Endowment Assurance and Anticipated Endowment Assurance are
available under "Rural Scheme". The minimum limit for insurance under this scheme shall be Rs 10,000/- (Rs ten
thousand only) and maximum limit under medical scheme, taking total sum assured together under all plans shall
 1 2
not exceed [ [Rs. Ten Lacs (10,00,000/-)]], while the maximum limit in respect of non-medical scheme, taking
total sum assured together under all plans shall not exceed Rs 25,000/- (Rs twenty five thousands only). In case
of non-medical policies, the terms and conditions as that of Post Office Life Insurance Rules 2011 amended from
time to time shall be applicable. The rates of premium applicable to different plans under "Rural Scheme" shall
be the same as per the premium tables notified under different plans of the Postal Life Insurance schemes by
the Department from time to time except where different rates of premia are specifically prescribed for any
"Rural Scheme". The premium tables for Whole Life Assurance, Convertible Whole Life Assurance, Endowment
Assurance and Anticipated Endowment Assurance are given as Tables VII, VIII, IX and X at end of these rules.
The terms and conditions for Anticipated Endowment Assurance under "Rural Scheme" are the same as prescribed
in Postal Life Insurance.

(b) The maximum limit of sum assured with non-standard proof of age shall be Rs one lac. The 5% extra
premium will be loaded and policies with sum assured of more than Rs 25,000/- should be subject to usual
medical examination. Also, any one taking policies worth or more than Rs 25,000/- (sum assured) with non-
standard proof of age shall not be beyond 45 years of age.

Note 1: If the death of the insured arise either directly or indirectly as a result of aviation otherwise
than as a fare paying passenger in an aircraft authorized to undertake public transport or as a servant
of Government of India in the Indian Navy or Air Force, only the surrender value acquired by the policy
will be payable under the policy provided that the surrender value will be paid only if 3 years premia
have been paid on the policy and the policy is of not less than 3 years duration.

1. Substituted vide Notification No. 25-3/2003-LI dated 17.01.2012 for the following : - "Rs 3,00,000/- (Rs three lakh only)"

2. Substituted by the Notification No. 25-3/2003-LI(Vol. II) dated 18.06.2015 for the following : - "Rs. Five lac (Rs. 5,00,000)"

Rule 10 - Ten Year Rural Postal Life Insurance Plan (Introduced w.e.f. 24-03-1995)

(a) A policy under this plan shall be available for ten years only. The minimum sum assured under this plan
shall be Rs 10,000/- (Rs ten thousand only) and the maximum limit taking total sum assured together under all
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plans shall not exceed [ [Rs. Ten Lacs (10,00,000/-)]], while the maximum limit in respect of non-medical
scheme, taking total sum assured together under all plans shall not exceed Rs 25,000/- (Rs twenty five
thousands only). A person who is not less than 19 years and not more than 45 years of age on his/her next
birth day shall be eligible for this plan. Under this plan two installments of periodical survival benefits shall be
payable to the insurant as a percentage of sum assured in case the insured survives the specific period as
 indicated below the premium table XI at the end of these rules and the remaining amount shall be payable at
the time of maturity along with the bonuses accrued thereof. In case of death of the insured person at any time
during the term of the policy, full sum assured shall be payable along with the accrued bonus without
adjustment of the survival benefit(s) already paid or which were due to be paid i.e. due survival benefit(s) which
remain unpaid shall be paid along with the amount of claim. No surrender or

(b) loan facility shall be available under this plan. No conversion to/ from this plan is permissible. In the event of
cessation of premium before maturity age, the reduced paid up assurance will be granted, provided premiums
have been paid for not less than three years, only at the date of maturity, that is at the end of stipulated plan
term or on death of life assured, and no further periodical payment on account of survival benefit will be paid.

(c) Under this 'Plan', in such cases where the insurant is unable to pay the due premia against his/her policy as
direct consequences of a natural calamity, such as floods, droughts or earth quakes, in the area in which the
insurant permanently resides, provided he/she had declared the said residence in his/her proposal form, no
interest/fine shall be charged from him/her in respect of arrears of premia as accrued and subsequently paid by
him up to a maximum period of 12 months from the date of occurrence of such natural calamity. The
Postmaster General may also permit payments of such arrears of premia subsequently in monthly installments,
not exceeding six installments if the insured so desires. In such cases where the death of the insurant occurs
within twelve months of the date of occurrence of the natural calamity, and where the premia had remained
unpaid from the month of occurrence of such natural calamity, the policy shall be entertained by the
Department. However, in such cases where the premia are in arrears before the said date of occurrence of the
natural calamity or beyond twelve months of the occurrence of the natural calamity, shall not come under the
purview of this exemption and shall be treated at par with other cases under normal rules. Further, in such
cases where Postmaster General has permitted payment of arrears of premia in installments and where death of
the insured takes place any time after the first installment of arrears is paid the policy shall be deemed to be in
force and shall be entertained by the Department, provided all other regular premia except such arrears which
were permitted to be paid in installments have been paid by insured regularly. In all aforesaid cases the arrears
of premia shall be recovered from the claim amount payable to the legal heir/nominee of the insurant. In all the
aforesaid cases, a certificate shall have to be produced by the insurant/claimant from District Collector confirming
the fact of the natural calamity in the area in which the insurant resides/residing causing damage to life or
property belonging to the insurant.

2. Substituted vide Notification No. 25-3/2003-LI dated 17.01.2012 for the following : - "Rs 3,00,000/- (Rs three lakh only)"

16. Substituted by the Notification No. 25-3/2003-LI(Vol. II) dated 18.06.2015 for the following : - "Rs. Five lac (Rs.
5,00,000)"

Rule 11 - Joint Life Assurance (Introduced w.e.f. 01-08-1997)

The policy under this plan shall be issued to a person with his/her spouse who is literate and has independent income
for providing insurance cover to both the spouses. The policy shall be limited to a term not less than five years and not
exceeding 20 years. The person who has more than one spouse living, such cover will be available only in respect of the
eldest spouse. The age at entry of the spouses should not be less than 21 years and more than 45 years and at
maturity, the older spouse should not be more than 60 years on his/her next birth day. Both the spouses under this plan
shall have to undergo the prescribed medical examination as per these rules irrespective of the sum assured. The
premium shall be based on equivalent age on next birth day, which will be calculated by addition to the lower age
depending upon difference in the ages of spouses. The schedule to calculate equivalent age next birth day is given along
with Table V. The payment of premium shall cease on the death of any one of the spouses. The sum assured with
accrued bonus shall be payable at the end of endowment term (date of maturity) if both survive. Otherwise, the sum
assured with accrued bonus will be payable on the death of one spouse before maturity, to the survivor. In case of
death of both the insured lives simultaneously, the sum assured with accrued bonus shall be payable to the
nominee/legal heir. No claim, whatsoever, shall be entertained, if the policy lapses under these rules.

Rule 12 - Children Policy (Introduced w.e.f. 20-01-2006)

The scheme is envisaged to provide insurance cover to maximum two children of a policy holder of Postal Life
Insurance and Rural Postal Life Insurance, provided that only one such policy will be allowed for a child against
one policy of the father/mother. This is a separate policy. If the father/mother (called insured) of the child has
already taken policy(s) or is proposing to take policy(s) on their life either as Whole life or Endowment Assurance
(called Main Policy) for a sum assured not less than the sum assured of Children Policy, then Children Policy in
respect of their own child/children shall be issued to such insured. The age of child should be between 5 years
and 20 years. The maximum age of main policy holder should be below 45 years.

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[The minimum limit for Insurance under this scheme shall be ` 20,000/- (` Twenty thousands only). In case of
PLI, the maximum Sum Assured under this scheme shall not be more than ` 3,00,000/- ` Three lakhs only) or
the Sum Assured of the father or mother, whichever is less in respect of each individual policy and in case of
RPLI, the maximum Sum Assured shall not be more than ` 1 lakh (` one lakh only) or the Sum Assured of the
father or mother, whichever is less in respect of each individual policy. Total Sum Assured of this Policy with the
other Policy(ies) of the Insured shall not exceed the upper limit of the Sum Assured that is allowed under
PLI/RPLI from time to time.]

6. Inserted vide Notification No. 25-1/2011-LI dated 18.10.2012.

Rule 13 - Medical Scheme

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[(a) In every case where a proposal for Postal Life Insurance or Rural Postal Life Insurance is submitted, the
proposer must undergo a medical examination by the prescribed medical authority (except where the proposal is
up to sum assured of Rs. 5,00,000/- (Rs. Five lakh) in PLI or Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rs. One lakh)* in RPLI together with
any other Non-Medical Policy/Policies which the proposer may hold or proposes to hold under the Non-Medical
Scheme and age of proposer is not exceeding 40 years (in PLI) and 35 Years (in RPLI) on next birthday), and
must be declared fit for such insurance by the said authority. Further, a PLI policy upto Rs. 2,00,000/- (Rs. Two
lakh) of sum assured will be a non-medical policy irrespective of age limit.]

(b) The medical examination shall be carried out as per Rule 24, by the prescribed medical authority depending
upon the amount of insurance involved, and the fees on account of medical examination shall be borne by the
Department in accordance with Rule 26. However, if second medical opinion is required to be obtained the fee
thereof shall be paid by the proposer in case he is responsible for the delay in acceptance of proposal otherwise
the fee shall be borne by the Department.
 1. Omitted vide Notification No. 25-1/2011-LI dated 18.10.2012 for the following : - "Joint Life Assurance"

2. Inserted vide Notification No. 25-1/2011-LI dated 18.10.2012.

3. Substituted vide Notification No. 25-1/2011-LI(Part-II), dated 19.09.2019, for the following:-

"In every case where the Postal Life Insurance proposal for a Whole Life Assurance, Convertible Whole Life Assurance,
Endowment Assurance, Anticipated Endowment Assurance, 1[***] with sum exceeding Rs.1 lakh; 2[and in case of Joint
Life Assurance irrespective of the amount of sum assured] and Rural Postal Life Insurance proposal for a Whole Life
Assurance, Convertible Whole Life Assurance, Endowment Assurance, Anticipated Endowment, 1[***] and Ten year Rural
PLI with sum assured exceeding Rs 25,000/- (Rs. twenty five thousand only) is submitted, the proposer must undergo a
medical examination by the prescribed medical authority and must be declared fit for such insurance by the said
authority."

Rule 14 - Non-Medical Scheme (PLI)

3
Non-Medical Scheme (PLI) -

Any person, whose age on next birthday does not exceed 40 years, and who is eligible for a Postal Life
Insurance under Post Office Life Insurance Rules, 2011 and anyone who had applied for a Life Assurance
Policy either under Non-Medical or Medical Scheme and had not been turned down by any insurance
company operating in India, may apply for a Non-Medical Policy in PLI in multiples of Rs. 10,000/-
(Rupees Ten thousand), for such sum assured which shall not exceed Rs. 5,00,000/- (Rupees Five Lakh)
together with any other Non-Medical policy/policies which the proposer may hold or proposes to hold
under the said Non-Medical Scheme. Further the total sum assured shall not exceed Rs. 50,00,000/-
(Rupees fifty Lakhs) together with any Non-Medical or/and Medical policy/policies which the proposer may
hold or proposes to hold. The medical history of the proponent should not reveal any adverse features,
and the proponent is medically fit at the time of proposal and had not suffered with any chronic disease
and hospitalized during the two years prior to the date of proposal.

Further, 'Rs. 25,000/- (Rs. Twenty-five thousand)' appearing in Rule 15 is amended to read as
'Rs.100,000/- (Rs. One lakh)'*.

*Note: 'Maximum aggregated sum assured limit of non-medical RPLI policy/ies with non - standard age proof will remain Rs.
25,000/- (Rupees twenty-five thousand only).]

1. Substituted vide Notification No. 25-3/2003-LI dated 17.01.2012 for the following : - "Rs. Ten lac (Rs 10,00,000/-)"

2. Omitted vide Notification No. 25-1/2011-LI dated 28.08.2012 w.e.f. 30.08.2012 for the following : - "with the exclusion of
handicapped persons"

3. Substituted vide Notification No. 25-1/2011-LI(Part-II), dated 19.09.2019, for the following:-

"Any person, whose age on next birthday does not exceed 35 years, and who is eligible for a Postal Life Insurance
2
under Post Office Life Insurance Rules, 2011 [***] and anyone who had applied for a Life Assurance Policy either
under Non-Medical or Medical Scheme and had not been turned down by any insurance company operating in India,
may apply for a Non-Medical Policy in PLI in multiples of Rs. 10,000/- (Rupees Ten thousand), for such sum assured
 which shall not exceed Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rupees One Lakh) together with any other Non-Medical policy/policies which the
proposer may hold or proposes to hold under the said Non-Medical Scheme. Further the total sum assured shall not
1
exceed [Rs. Twenty lac (Rs. 20,00,000)] together with any Non-Medical or/and Medical policy/policies which the
proposer may hold or proposes to hold. The medical history of the proponent should not reveal any adverse features,
and the proponent is medically fit at the time of proposal and had not suffered with any chronic disease and
hospitalized during the two years prior to the date of proposal."

Rule 15 - Non-Medical Scheme (RPLI)

Any person, whose age on next birthday does not exceed 35 years, and who is eligible for a Rural Postal Life

Insurance, 3[***] and anyone who had applied for a Life Assurance Policy either under Non-Medical or Medical
Scheme and had not been turned down by any insurance company operating in India, may apply for a Non-
Medical Policy in RPLI in multiples of Rs. 5,000/- (Rupees Five thousand), for such sum assured which shall not
exceed Rs. 25,000/- (Rupees twenty thousand only) together with any other Non-Medical policy/policies which the
proposer may hold or proposes to hold under the said Non-Medical Scheme. Further the total sum assured shall

not exceed 2[16[Rs. Ten Lacs (10,00,000/-)]] together with any Non-Medical or/and Medical policy/policies which the
proposer may hold or proposes to hold. The medical history of the proponent should not reveal any adverse
features, and is medically fit at the time of proposal and had not suffered with any chronic disease and
hospitalized during the two years prior to the date of proposal.

2. Substituted vide Notification No. 25-3/2003-LI dated 17.01.2012 for the following : - "Rs 3,00,000/- (Rs three lakh only)"

3. Omitted vide Notification No. 25-1/2011-LI dated 28.08.2012 w.e.f. 30.08.2012 for the following : - "with the exclusion of
handicapped persons"

16. Substituted by the Notification No. 25-3/2003-LI(Vol. II) dated 18.06.2015 for the following : - "Rs. Five lac (Rs.
5,00,000)"

Rule 15A - Rule 15A

15A. Rule 15A.--

Free Look Period means a period of 15 days from the date of delivery of the policy at the address of the insurant
during which the insurant may make a request to the Department of Posts for cancellation of his policy.

Rule 15B - Rule 15B

15B. Rule 15B.--

General Post Office (GPO) means the first class Head Office situated at the Headquarters of the Head of a Circle or,
where there are more than one such Head Office, the one attached to the Headquarters.
Rule 16 - RULE 16

In the event of a Non-Medical Policy issued under these Rules in PLI or RPLI, becoming a claim before maturity and
notwithstanding the total sum assured as per the said policy, the payment against such claim shall be restricted to the
following amounts: -

(i) Thirty five percent of sum assured along with the accrued bonus in case the death of the insured person occurs
before the completion of one year from the date of acceptance of the proposal.

(ii) Sixty percent of the sum assured along with the accrued bonus in case the death of the insured person occurs before
the completion of two years, but not before the completion of one year, from the date of acceptance of the proposal.

(iii) Ninety percent of the sum assured along with the accrued bonus in case the death of the insured person occurs
before the completion of three years, but not before the completion of two years, from the date of acceptance of the
proposal.

(iv) Full sum assured along with the accrued bonus in case the death of the insured person occurs after completion of
three years from the date of acceptance of the proposal.

4
[***]

4. Omitted vide Notification No. 25-1/2011-LI dated 28.08.2012 w.e.f. 30.08.2012 for the following : -

"17. Scheme of PLI for Physically handicapped persons.--

(a) Physically Handicapped persons shall be insured under the "Scheme for Physically Handicapped" and shall have to undergo a
special medical examination by the Medical Authorities of Government Hospital (Ortho Surgeon and other specialist) in order to
determine the exact nature and extent of their handicap and its bearing on the life being insured. The medical reports shall include
in particular:

(i) A report quantifying the extent of handicap (for example, deformity/loss of one limb, both limbs etc)

(i) Cause of handicap, i.e. congenital or post congenital.

(ii) The effects of the handicap on longevity of the proposer and whether the life risk is increasing or decreasing.

(iii) "Provided that where such Medical Authority has declared that the life risk is increasing on account of the handicap, such life
shall not be insured and the proposal shall be rejected.

(b) Persons suffering from any of the following handicaps shall be eligible to be considered for Insurance under special scheme for
"Physically Handicapped":

(i) Blindness

(ii) Deafness

(iii) Dumbness

(iv) Orthopedic handicap

(vi) Hunchbacks

(vii) Loss of limbs

(viii) Paralysis or weakness or deformity due to Polio

(ix) Any other deformity due to non-neurological origin

(c) Premium in respect of policies taken under the scheme will be determined by the accepting authority.

(d) In the event of the policy becoming a claim on account of death of the insured before the date of maturity, the amount
payable to the nominee or the legal heir, as the case may be, shall be determined as follows: -

(i) In case the death of the insured takes place before the completion of one year from the date of acceptance of the policy, only
thirty five percent of the sum assured and the accrued bonus shall be payable.

(ii) In case the death of the insured takes place before the completion of two years but not before the completion of one year from
the date of acceptance of the policy, only sixty percent of the sum assured and the accrued bonus shall be payable.

(iii) In case the death of the insured takes place before completion of three years but not before the completion of two years from
the date of acceptance of the policy, only ninety percent of the sum assured and accrued bonus shall be payable.

(iv) In case the death of the insured takes place after the completion of three years, full sum assured along with accrued bonus
thereon shall be payable.

(e) The maximum sum assured for physically handicap policy(s) by taking all policies together in PLI and RPLI is 1[Rs. Twenty lac
(Rs. 20,00,000)] and 2[Rs. Five lac (Rs. 5,00,000)] respectively.

(NOTE: - The procedure to be followed in connection with proposals submitted by Defence service personnel is given in the appendix
to these rules.)"

Rule 18 - Manner of Effecting an Insuarance

2
[For PLI policies: when a person wishes to purchase a Whole Life Assurance, Convertible Whole Life Assurance,
Endowment assurance including Anticipated Endowment Assurance, Joint Life Assurance and Children policy under
PLI, he will be required to answer, the question in the prescribed form of proposal which can be obtained at the
nearest post office and to sign the form or impress his/her left hand thumb impression, if illiterate, in token of
having accepted the terms and conditions thereof and having furnished correct and factual information in the
proposal form. The proposal form shall be signed or impressed with thumb by the proponent in the presence of
Marketing Staff i.e. Development Officer, Field Officer, Direct Agent etc., or in the presence of counter assistant
of Post Office, as the case may be, who will have to give certificate in this regard. The proposal form may be
handed over to the concerned Marketing Staff or Counter Assistant by the proponent along with the advance
premium in Cash or in Cheque for which a receipt will be given to the proponent by the concerned Marketing
Staff or Counter assistant.]

1. Substituted vide Notification No. 25-1/2011-LI dated 18.10.2012 for the following : -
 "The proposal form shall be signed or impressed with thumb in the presence of his/her immediate superior, who will in
turn sign the certificate to the effect that the information furnished under relevant questions has been verified and
found to be correct and the proposer affixed his/her signatures or thumb impression in his presence."

2. Substituted vide Notification No. 25-1/2011-LI(Part-II), dated 19.09.2019, for the following:-

"For PLI policies: when a person wishes to purchase a Whole Life Assurance, Convertible Whole Life Assurance,
Endowment assurance including Anticipated Endowment Assurance, Joint Life Assurance and Children policy under PLI, he
will be required to answer, the question in the prescribed form of proposal which can be obtained at the nearest post
office and to sign the form or impress his/her left hand thumb impression, if illiterate, in token of having accepted the
terms and conditions thereof and having furnished correct and factual information in the proposal form. 1[The proposal
form shall be signed or impressed with thumb by the proponent in the presence of Marketing Staff i.e. Development
Officer, Field Officer, Direct Agent etc., who will have to give certificate in this regard. The immediate supervisor of the
proponent will give certificate that the information furnished in the proposal form has been verified and found to be
correct.]"

Rule 19 - Rule 19

19. Rule 19

1
[***]

NOTE 1: -In the case of a temporary official the proposal should be accompanied by the certificate granted by a
competent officer of the Department on the terms and conditions of appointment. A self-attested copy of the
proposer's school certificate or certificate of birth or any other proof of date of birth should also be attached to
the proposal.]

1. Omitted vide Notification No. 25-1/2011-LI(Part-II), dated 19.09.2019, the previous text was:-

"The immediate superior of the proposer will compare the answers in the form of proposal with the proposer's service
book, service roll, appointment certificate and satisfy himself that the details of the proposer's service have been
properly recorded and attested. He will prepare a certified copy of (1) the first page of the service book, or (2) the
descriptive headings of the service roll, or (3) the appointment certificate and if the proposer is unable to sign his
name obtain on it the impression of the left thumb of the proposer in his presence. In the case of a proposer who is
able to sign his name, the signature only should be obtained. The immediate superior will then handover the proposal
form accompanied with the certified documents referred to above to the Marketing Staff of the Postal Life Insurance
who processed the proposal.

NOTE 1: - In the case of a temporary official who has no service book, service roll or appointment certificate, the
proposal should be accompanied by the certificate granted by a competent officer of the Department on the terms
and conditions of appointment. The immediate superior of the proposer should satisfy himself by a comparison
with the records of his office that the details of the proposer's service have been properly recorded and attested.
He will obtain, on the certificate referred to above the signature or the impression of the left-thumb as the case
may be of the proposer in his presence. An attested copy of the proposer's school certificate, a municipal
certificate of birth or when a proposer is unable to produce any such document a certificate regarding his age
granted by two respectable persons (who should be able to speak from their personal knowledge as to the
 proposer's age) should also be attached to the proposal."

Rule 20 - RULE 20

For RPLI policies: When a person wishes to purchase a Whole Life Assurance, Convertible Whole Life Assurance,
Endowment assurance including Anticipated Endowment Assurance, 10 Year RPLI and Children policy under RPLI, he will be
required to answer, the question in the prescribed form of proposal which can be obtained at the nearest post office and
to sign the form or impress his/her left hand thumb impression, if illiterate, in token of having accepted the terms and
conditions thereof and having furnished correct and factual information in the proposal form. The proposal form shall be
signed or impressed with thumb in the presence of marketing staff, who will in turn sign the certificate to the effect that
the information furnished under relevant questions has been verified and found to be correct and the proposer affixed
his/her signatures or thumb impression in his presence.

Rule 21 - RULE 21

The premium due on a Policy taken under any plan in Postal Life Insurance or Rural Postal Life Insurance is calculated on
the proposer's age on the next birthday on the date of proposal. The intending insurants are advised to submit their
proposals sufficiently in advance of their next birth day so as to admit their proposals being accepted and the first
premium paid before the next birthday, otherwise the proposer would be liable to pay the premium at the higher rate if
he pays it after he attains the next higher age.

Rule 21A - RULE 21A

Identification of PLI/RPLI Policy holders and proposers -

19
[The Aadhaar number shall be the unique identifier for the purpose of establishing the identity of a
proposer and PLI/RPLI policy holder :

Provided that where Aadhaar number has not been assigned, the proposer/ insurant shall submit
proof of application of enrolment of Aadhaar:

Provided further that every PLI/RPLI policy holder who has not given the Aadhaar number at the
time of application for such policy, shall submit his/her Aadhaar number to the Central
Processing Centre(CPC)/Post office concerned.]

19. Inserted vide Notification No. 29-05/2011-LI dated 15.02.2018.

Rule 22 - RULE 22

The Postmaster General/Head of Division/ Accepting Authority shall authorize the Marketing staff in his jurisdiction to
collect advance deposit of the first premium from the proponent with clear undertaking that the risk of his (her) life will
commence from the date of acceptance of the proposal by the Postmaster General/Head of Division/ Accepting Authority
under these rules, provided the advance deposit is not less than the amount of first premium as worked out after the
proper scrutiny of proposal. The proponent may deposit first premium for any number of months and admissible rebate
shall be given for six (6) months and twelve (12) months or more advance deposit in Postal Life Insurance and for three
(3) months, six (6) months and twelve (12) months or more advance deposit in Rural Postal Life Insurance. The amount
of premium(s) shall be refunded to the proponent after deducting the medical examination fee, if the proposal is not
accepted by the accepting authority.

Rule 23 - RULE 23

The marketing staff will then take the proposer and proposal with the certified documents referred to in the preceding
rules to the medical officer concerned and request the medical officer to examine the proposer, to record his/her opinion
regarding the proposer's health in the place provided for the purpose in the proposal form. For RPLI, the medical officer
shall record his/her findings in the separate form titled "Medical Examination Report" prescribed for the purpose. The
Medical Officer shall also obtain the signature/left hand thumb impression of the proposer in his/her presence at the place
provided for the purpose. The Medical Officer will sign the proposal form after recording his/her recommendations at the
place provided for the purpose and return the proposal form to the marketing staff who had submitted the proposal form
to him.

Rule 24 - RULE 24

The status of Medical Officers for medical examination is given as under:-

8
[Sl. Limit of Sum Status of Medical Officer
No. Assured
(a) For Insurance (i) Assistant Civil Surgeon or above/Medical officer in PHC.
up to ` 5 lakh.(ii) Medical officer equivalent to Assistant Civil Surgeon or above employed
in Central and State Government, Municipal District Board, Local Board,
Cantonment Board or Union Board Hospital or dispensaries and also Medical
officers of units of Public Sector undertakings, both State and Central,
nearest to the place of duty/residence of the proponents.
(iii) Retired Medical Officers (Gr. II).
(b) For Insurance (i) Dy. Civil Surgeon or above
above ` 5 lakh (ii) Medical officer equivalent to Dy. Civil Surgeon or above employed in
and upto ` 10 Central and State Government, Municipal District Board, Local Board,
lakh Cantonment Board or Union Board Hospital or dispensaries and also Medical
officers of units of Public Sector undertakings both State and Centre with at
least 10 (ten) years experience, nearest to the place of duty of the
proponents.
(iii) Retired Medical Officers (Gr. I).
(c) For insurance in (i) Civil Surgeon, Medical Officers in the employment of Government
excess ` 10 lakh enjoying the status not lower than that of a Civil Surgeon or Chief Medical
officer, nearest to the place of duty of the proponent. CMO Grade-
I/Specialist Grade-II shall also be considered as equivalent to the rank of
Civil Surgeon,
(ii) Medical Officer (Allopathic) equivalent to Civil Surgeon employed in
Central and State Government, Municipal District Board, Local Board,
Cantonment Board or Union Board Hospital or dispensaries and also Medical
officers of units of Public Sector undertaking both State and Centre with at
least 15 (fifteen) years experience, nearest to the place of the duty of the
proponent.
(iii) Retired Civil Surgeon, CMO Gr. -I and Specialist Grade-II.]
NOTE 1: - Medical examination of the proposer must be carried out by the Medical Officer of the status prescribed in
these rules. If a woman medical officer of the prescribed rank or qualification is not available at the station or in the
District, the female proposer may be examined after obtaining her written consent by a male medical officer of the
corresponding rank and possessing the prescribed qualifications.

NOTE 2: - In all cases the Medical Officer defined in these Rules should be registered with Medical Council of India in the
State

NOTE 3: - The Postmaster General concerned will appoint retired medical officer Gr-II, retired Civil Surgeon, CMO Grade-I,
Specialist Class-II and Postgraduate Doctor in Medicine, who voluntarily resigned from the Government Service and working
as a practicing Consultant Physician, for examining PLI/RPLI proponents up to the limits as given in these rules.

8. Substituted vide Notification No. 25-1/2011-LI dated 18.10.2012 for the following : -