Term Insurance for Merchant Navy | Seafarers

Short answer

Your employment contract is usually accepted as income proof.
Some insurers accept a contract that ended recently, often within about 6 months, with a declaration of your rejoining date and a recent bank statement.
Plan the application while you are ashore, because some insurers do not allow video medicals for seafarers.

What insurers usually look at

Contract and income: the latest contract letter, and for higher cover, the standard income proof as well.
Questionnaire: a merchant marine questionnaire is common. Some insurers treat seafarers like NRIs for underwriting.
Rank and vessel: some insurers add extra premium based on your rank and the type of vessel.
Medicals: often physical tests in India, so the timing of your shore leave matters.

Common reasons for rejection

No current or recent contract letter
Applying from on board when the insurer needs physical medicals
Missing the seafarer questionnaire
Not declaring the rank or vessel type correctly

Documents usually needed

Latest contract letter (and the previous one if recently ended)
Bank statement with salary credits
PAN, Aadhaar and passport
Merchant marine questionnaire from the insurer

How FFFS helps

Rules differ a lot between insurers, and a rejection stays on record. We check your case against the current underwriting rules of several insurers before you apply, then suggest the insurer and plan that fit your profile.

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Questions

Can I apply for term insurance while I am on a ship?

You can start the process, but many insurers need physical medical tests. It is easier to finish the application during shore leave.

My contract has ended and I am waiting for the next one. Can I still apply?

Some insurers accept a contract that ended recently, often within about 6 months, with a declaration of your rejoining date and a bank statement.

Do seafarers pay a higher premium?

Some insurers add extra premium depending on rank and vessel type. Officers on standard vessels are often charged the normal rate.

Rules differ by insurer and change from time to time. Final acceptance, cover and premium depend on the insurer's underwriting decision. Information checked in October 2026.

Term Insurance for Merchant Navy Officers and Seafarers