National Life Insurance holds the highest claim settlement ratio among all 14 NIA-licensed life insurers in Nepal — and it held that position the previous year too. In a market of 14 competitors, being #1 twice in a row is not luck. It is process.
It also offers the highest endowment bonus rate in Nepal. If you want the best claim reliability and the best bonus accumulation from the same company, National Life is the only insurer that delivers both.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | National Life Insurance Company Limited |
| NEPSE symbol | NLICL |
| Type | Private — Nepali-owned |
| Regulator | Nepal Beema Pradhikaran (NIA) |
| Claim ratio FY 2081/82 | 95.66% — NIA Rank: #1 of 14 |
| Claim ratio FY 2080/81 | 94.96% (#1 that year too) |
| Entry age | 0 – 65 years |
| Policy terms | 5 – 30 years |
| Riders | Accident, Critical Illness, Disability |
Claim Settlement Ratio — The Market Leader
National Life’s 95.66% in FY 2081/82 means: for every 100 death claims filed, approximately 96 were paid — the best record of any insurer in Nepal. More importantly, this is not a one-year spike. National Life held the #1 position in FY 2080/81 at 94.96% as well. Consistent leadership across two consecutive years is the clearest signal of a well-run claims operation.
Plans Available (FY 2081/82)
Endowment — Amrit Barsha
Nepal’s best combination of claim ratio and endowment bonus in a single plan. Pays sum assured plus accumulated bonus at maturity, or to nominee on death.
- Bonus rate: Rs. 63–85 per 1,000 SA/year — highest endowment bonus in Nepal
- Estimated annual premium (Rs. 25L, age 30, 20yr): ~NPR 122,400
- Riders: Accident, Critical Illness, Disability
- Loan & surrender: Yes (after 3 years)
Term — Term Plan
Pure life protection. Covers death outside Nepal. Maximum coverage for minimum cost.
- Estimated annual premium (Rs. 50L, age 28, 20yr): ~NPR 17,600
Whole Life — Whole Life Plan
Coverage until age 100. Pays sum assured at end of premium term; life cover continues. Bonus: Rs. 63–85/1,000 SA/year.
ULIP — ULIP Plan
Market-linked returns. Not suitable for risk-averse buyers or those within 10 years of their goal date.
Money Back — Money Back Plan
Periodic liquidity payouts at defined intervals. Bonus: Rs. 45–70/1,000 SA/year.
The Bonus Advantage — National Life vs All Competitors
National Life’s endowment bonus (Rs. 63–85/1,000 SA/year) is the highest in Nepal. The practical difference over 20 years on a Rs. 25 lakh policy:
| Company | Endowment Bonus (avg) | Est. 20yr Bonus (Rs. 25L) |
|---|---|---|
| National Life | Rs. 74/1,000/yr | ~Rs. 37 lakh |
| Nepal Life | Rs. 70/1,000/yr | ~Rs. 35 lakh |
| LIC Nepal | Rs. 68/1,000/yr | ~Rs. 34 lakh |
| Sanima Reliance (lowest) | Rs. 52/1,000/yr | ~Rs. 26 lakh |
Bonus estimates based on midpoint of declared ranges. Past bonus rates do not guarantee future declarations.
Premiums by Age — Endowment (Rs. 25L, 20yr)
| Age | Est. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| 25 | ~NPR 122,400/yr |
| 30 | ~NPR 123,800/yr |
| 35 | ~NPR 126,200/yr |
Who Should Choose National Life?
Choose National Life if:
- You want Nepal’s #1 claim settlement ratio — the clearest measure of whether a company keeps its promise
- You want the highest endowment bonus in Nepal (Rs. 63–85/1,000/yr)
- You are up to 65 years old — the maximum entry age matches Nepal Life and is above LIC Nepal’s 60
- You want a 30-year policy term — available here but not at LIC Nepal or MetLife
- You want Critical Illness rider — not available from all 14 insurers
Consider alternatives if:
- You want international brand backing — LIC Nepal (Indian) or MetLife Nepal (American)
- You want the absolute cheapest endowment premium — Rastriya Jeevan Beema is ~NPR 300/year less
Use our Compare Plans tool to put National Life’s Amrit Barsha plan against any other insurer for your exact age and sum assured.
Data source: NIA Annual Report FY 2081/82, Schedule 14 & 15. Plan names from NIA product registry (verified April 2026). Premiums are estimates. Full disclaimer →