LIC Jeevan Anand vs Jeevan Labh. Which Endowment Plan Wins in 2026?
Walk into any LIC branch and ask the agent for a good savings plan, and you will almost certainly hear two names. Jeevan Anand and Jeevan Labh. They are LIC's two most-sold endowment plans of the decade. But which one is actually better for you? The honest answer depends on what you want.
The 30-Second Summary
Pick Jeevan Anand (715) if you want life cover that continues for free after maturity (a unique feature in the LIC stable). Pick Jeevan Labh (736) if you want a shorter premium paying term and the highest maturity returns among LIC endowments. Both pay simple reversionary bonuses every year.
- •Jeevan Anand: Lifetime cover even after maturity. Pay premiums for the full policy term.
- •Jeevan Labh: Pay premiums for 10, 15, or 16 years only. Highest bonus rates in LIC.
Premium Comparison (Age 30, ₹10 Lakh Sum Assured, 20-Year Term)
Indicative annual premiums based on the official LIC sales brochures. Actual rates depend on underwriting:
- •Jeevan Anand (Plan 715, 20-year term, 20-year PPT): approximately ₹47,000 to ₹50,000 per year.
- •Jeevan Labh (Plan 736, 21-year term, 15-year PPT): approximately ₹62,000 to ₹65,000 per year.
- •Jeevan Labh's premiums are higher because you pay for fewer years. Total outflow over the policy term is similar.
Maturity Returns. Real Numbers
Using LIC's historical bonus rates of ₹49 per ₹1,000 for Jeevan Anand and ₹52 per ₹1,000 for Jeevan Labh, plus terminal bonuses:
- •Jeevan Anand 20-year term: ₹10 lakh SA + approximately ₹9.8 lakh bonuses = ₹19.8 lakh at maturity.
- •Jeevan Labh 21-year term: ₹10 lakh SA + approximately ₹10.9 lakh bonuses + final additional bonus = ₹21.5 lakh+ at maturity.
- •Effective IRR (annualised return): Jeevan Anand 5.4%. Jeevan Labh 5.9%.
The Jeevan Anand Trick. Cover After Maturity
Jeevan Anand's unique selling point is that after the policy term ends and you get the maturity amount, your life cover (equal to the original sum assured) continues for FREE for life. Most people miss this. If you die at 75, your nominee still gets ₹10 lakh from LIC. on top of the ₹19.8 lakh you already received at maturity.
This is real. It is in the official LIC brochure. No other LIC plan does this.
Which One Should You Pick?
Quick decision framework:
- •If you want lifelong cover for your nominee and steady savings: Jeevan Anand.
- •If you want maximum returns and a shorter premium paying period: Jeevan Labh.
- •If you are 35+ and worried about long premium commitment: Jeevan Labh (10 or 15-year PPT).
- •If you are 25 to 35 and have stable income for the next 20 years: Jeevan Anand.
- •Pro tip: Many buyers split. ₹5 lakh Jeevan Anand for lifetime cover, ₹5 lakh Jeevan Labh for higher returns. Best of both.
This article is for educational purposes. Premium rates and benefits are indicative. For official details, visit licindia.in.