Marriage is a beautiful milestone, new beginnings, shared dreams, and a future you’re building together. Between honeymoon plans, home hunting, and financial goal-setting, there’s one important conversation most newlyweds delay: insurance planning. Here is your comprehensive post-wedding insurance checklist to ensure your new life together is properly protected.

1. Health Insurance: From Individual to Family Floater

In India, medical inflation is rising at nearly 14–15% annually. Relying on separate individual plans is often more expensive than a Family Floater Plan.

The Family Floater Advantage: Instead of two separate ₹5 Lakh policies, a single ₹10 Lakh family floater allows either spouse to use the entire amount if needed. It’s usually 20–30% cheaper than two separate policies.

Corporate Buffer: If you are salaried, check your Group Medical Cover (GMC). Most Indian employers allow you to add your spouse for a nominal premium. This is a great "base layer" because it often covers pre-existing diseases from Day 1.

Maternity Add-ons: Most health plans have a waiting period of 2 to 4 years for maternity coverage. If you plan to start a family, adding your spouse to a plan with maternity benefits now is crucial.

2. Term Insurance: The "Joint Life" Decision

In India, Term Life Insurance is the most cost-effective way to secure your spouse’s future. You have two main options:

Joint Term Plan: One policy covers both. It is easier to manage and slightly cheaper. However, the policy usually ends after the first death claim.
Separate Policies: If both partners are working, separate policies are often better. They provide independent coverage and allow for higher sum assured amounts based on individual incomes.

The "Married Women’s Property Act" (MWP Act): For husbands taking out a policy, registering it under the MWPA ensures that the claim proceeds belong solely to the wife and children, protecting them from creditors or relatives.

3. Protecting the "Stree-Dhan": Jewellery Insurance

Wedding jewellery is a major asset in Indian households. Standard home insurance policies in India often have very low sub-limits for gold and precious stones.

Specify Your Jewellery: You must list each item (necklace, bangles, rings) separately in your home insurance policy.

Valuation Certificate: Insurers will require a recent valuation certificate from a certified jeweller (Karigars or branded stores like Tanishq/PCJ).
Bank Locker Cover: Ensure your policy covers jewellery even when it is stored in a bank locker, not just when it's at home.

Bank Locker Cover: Ensure your policy covers jewellery even when it is stored in a bank locker, not just when it's at home.

4. The Name Change and KYC Process

In India, if the name on your Aadhaar/PAN doesn't match your insurance policy, claim settlement becomes a nightmare.

  • Marriage Certificate: This is your primary document. Ensure you have the government-issued version (from the Registrar of Marriages).
  • Aadhaar Update: Update your surname (if applicable) and address on your Aadhaar card first. Most insurers use Aadhaar-based KYC.
  • Endorsement: Request a "Name Change Endorsement" from your insurers. They will issue a new policy schedule with the updated details.

5. Nominee Updates: The Most Forgotten Step

Most people buy their first insurance policy while single and name a parent as the nominee.

Update Nominees: You must officially change the nominee to your spouse on all existing Life, Health, and Personal Accident policies.
Pension/EPF: Don’t forget to update your EPF (Employee Provident Fund) nomination on the UAN portal. Marriage automatically invalidates previous nominations in many Indian retirement schemes.

6. Motor Insurance: Multi-Vehicle Benefits

While "Multi-Car" policies are still evolving in India, you can still save:

No Claims Bonus (NCB) Transfer: If you sell an old car and buy a new one as a couple, the NCB (up to 50% discount) can be transferred to the new vehicle.
Driver Addition: Ensure your spouse is listed as a driver, especially if they use your vehicle for commuting to work.

Conclusion

Marriage is about sharing responsibilities—and that includes financial protection. With the right insurance in place, you’re not just planning for risks; you’re ensuring peace of mind, stability, and freedom to dream bigger together.

Start Early. Plan Smart. Protect Each Other.

FAQs

Can I add my wife to my office (Corporate) health insurance immediately?

Yes, most Indian companies allow you to add a spouse within 30 days of the wedding as a "Life Event" update. If you miss this window, you may have to wait until the annual renewal.

Is a Marriage Certificate mandatory for insurance updates?

Yes. In India, insurers require a legal Marriage Certificate or a notarised affidavit (in some cases) to change names or add a spouse to a family floater plan.

Does my home insurance cover the wedding gifts we received?

Only if you update the "Sum Insured." If you received expensive electronics or cash/jewellery, your old policy limit may be insufficient. Some policies offer a "Wedding Increase" rider, but it is not standard in India.

How does the MWP Act help my wife?

If you buy a life insurance policy under the Married Women’s Property Act (1874), the death benefit cannot be attached by courts or creditors for any debts you may have. It is the ultimate "safety net" for an Indian wife.

We both have separate individual health plans. Should we cancel them?

Don't cancel them immediately. Use the "Portability" option to merge them into a Family Floater. This way, you don't lose the "Waiting Period" credits you've earned for pre-existing diseases.