The 2025 GST exemption for individual health and term insurance in India has not led to significant premium reductions because insurers cannot claim input tax credit on operating expenses. The article explains how insurers absorb costs or adjust premiums, and outlines industry demands for partial ITC restoration and other reforms.
The exemption became effective on 22 September 2025.
Group and corporate health policies continue to attract an 18% GST rate.
Because the exemption removed the ability to claim input tax credit on operating expenses, increasing insurers' costs.
They want partial restoration of ITC, a concessional GST rate, or a carve‑out allowing ITC on distribution, technology, and marketing costs.
Higher tax deductions under Sections 80C and 80D, extension of insurance tax benefits to the new tax regime, GST rationalisation, simplified regulations, and incentives for preventive healthcare.
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BusinessToday · 9 days ago
The article explains that under current GST scrutiny, the eligibility of Input Tax Credit (ITC) hinges on a consistent documentation trail rather than just invoices. Chartered accountant Nitin Kaushik outlines the types of records—purchase orders, GST invoices with e‑way bills, GRNs, bank statements, and GSTR filings—that authorities examine. He stresses that due diligence and alignment of all records can protect bona fide buyers from penalties.
DevDiscourse · 16 days ago
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has urged the Indian government to reassess the 5% GST applied to ride‑hailing services, arguing it harms driver income and consumer affordability. IAMAI calls for exemptions for SaaS‑based mobility services and highlights confusion from contradictory state rulings. The association seeks dialogue with the GST Council and Finance Ministry to create a more sustainable framework for the sector.
Whalesbook · 16 days ago
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A2Z Taxcorp · 19 days ago
India's GST Council has granted an exemption on individual life and health insurance premiums, removing the 18% GST. The decision, announced in a written reply on 5 February 2026, covers all individual policies including family floater plans. IRDAI confirmed that insurers have passed the benefit to policyholders without raising premiums.
A2Z Taxcorp · 24 days ago
Experts at a CESS seminar in Hyderabad called for a balanced approach to India’s GST 2.0 rollout, emphasizing the need to simplify compliance while protecting revenue. They highlighted a proposed two‑slab rate structure of 5% and 18%, reforms to address inverted duty structures in textiles and fertilizers, and concerns over misuse of the three‑day registration approval window. The Trust‑First philosophy notes that 95% of taxpayers operate without intrusive scrutiny.
The Hindu · 26 days ago
Experts and tax officials at an ICSSR‑sponsored seminar in Hyderabad called for a balanced approach to India’s upcoming GST 2.0 rollout, highlighting the need to simplify rates while protecting revenue. They warned against the misuse of the three‑day registration approval window and the inverted duty structure in sectors such as textiles and fertilizers.
