Single Premium vs. Regular Premium ULIP Plans

Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) are popular financial products that combine investment and life insurance. One of the key decisions when purchasing a ULIP is choosing between a single premium and a regular premium payment option. Both approaches have distinct features, benefits, and drawbacks that cater to different investor needs and financial situations.

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What Are Single Premium ULIP Plans?

Single Premium ULIP Plans are a type of Unit Linked Insurance Plan where you pay the entire premium upfront as a lump sum at the start of the policy. This one-time payment covers both your life insurance and investment components for the entire policy term, eliminating the need for future premium payments.

In these plans, a portion of your lump sum premium goes towards life insurance coverage, while the rest is invested in market-linked funds such as equity, debt, or balanced funds, based on your risk appetite. The returns depend on the performance of these funds, offering the potential for wealth creation alongside insurance protection.

Single Premium ULIPs are ideal for investors with surplus funds who prefer a hassle-free, one-time payment without worrying about missing premiums or policy lapses. They also often come with discounts on ULIP charges due to the lump sum payment.

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Top Funds with High Returns (Past 7 Years)
High Growth Fund
17.8%
High Growth Fund
India Consumption Fund
20.11%
India Consumption Fund
Accelerator Mid-Cap Fund II
14.69%
Accelerator Mid-Cap Fund II
Opportunities Fund
14.51%
Opportunities Fund
Pension India Consumption Fund
15.5%
Pension India Consumption Fund
Multiplier
15.51%
Multiplier
Virtue II
15.13%
Virtue II
Equity II Fund
10.71%
Equity II Fund
Accelerator Fund
13.87%
Accelerator Fund
Pension Dynamic Equity Fund
11.35%
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Frontline Equity Fund
14.29%
Frontline Equity Fund
Equity Fund
11.89%
Equity Fund
Equity Top 250 Fund
11.42%
Equity Top 250 Fund
Growth Opportunities Plus Fund
14.58%
Growth Opportunities Plus Fund
Future Apex Fund
13.57%
Future Apex Fund
US Equity Fund
13.87%
US Equity Fund
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What are Regular Premium ULIP Plans? 

Regular Premium ULIP (Unit Linked Insurance Plan) plans are financial products that combine life insurance with investment. In these plans, you pay a pre-fixed premium amount at regular intervals, such as monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually, throughout the policy term. Each premium payment is split: a portion goes towards providing life insurance coverage, while the rest is invested in market-linked funds like equity, debt, or a mix, based on your risk appetite and financial goals.

Regular premium ULIPs are designed to promote disciplined, systematic investing, making them more affordable since the financial commitment is spread over time rather than requiring a large lump sum upfront. ULIP Tax benefits can be claimed every year under Section 80C for each premium paid. Additionally, regular contributions help average out market volatility, potentially reducing investment risk over the long term.

List of ULIP Funds ~
Fund Name
AUM
Returns (in %)
3 Year
5 Year
10 Year
10,580 Cr
Returns
25.62%
Returns
28.6%
Highest Returns
Returns
17.8%
Get Details
2,228 Cr
Returns
23.04%
Returns
27.51%
Highest Returns
Returns
20.11%
Get Details
5,482 Cr
Returns
16.96%
Returns
20.93%
Highest Returns
Returns
14.69%
Get Details
35,798 Cr
Returns
17.53%
Returns
22.06%
Highest Returns
Returns
14.51%
Get Details
6 Cr
Returns
-
Returns
20.5%
Highest Returns
Returns
15.5%
Get Details
4,527 Cr
Returns
17.82%
Returns
23%
Highest Returns
Returns
15.51%
Get Details
3,256 Cr
Returns
16.76%
Returns
21.1%
Highest Returns
Returns
15.13%
Get Details
3,416 Cr
Returns
12.59%
Returns
17.41%
Highest Returns
Returns
10.71%
Get Details
2,555 Cr
Returns
10.96%
Returns
11.27%
Highest Returns
Returns
-
Get Details
232 Cr
Returns
16.69%
Returns
20.62%
Highest Returns
Returns
13.87%
Get Details
5 Cr
Returns
12.9%
Returns
17.26%
Highest Returns
Returns
11.35%
Get Details
4,333 Cr
Returns
17.29%
Returns
21.44%
Highest Returns
Returns
14.29%
Get Details
77,577 Cr
Returns
13.64%
Returns
17.67%
Highest Returns
Returns
11.89%
Get Details
522 Cr
Returns
13.8%
Returns
17.43%
Highest Returns
Returns
11.42%
Get Details
1,006 Cr
Returns
14.99%
Returns
20.36%
Highest Returns
Returns
14.58%
Get Details
104 Cr
Returns
15.52%
Returns
21.43%
Highest Returns
Returns
13.57%
Get Details
0 Cr
Returns
-
Returns
14.69%
Highest Returns
Returns
13.87%
Get Details
0 Cr
Returns
-
Returns
21.05%
Highest Returns
Returns
-
Get Details
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Disclaimer :
˜Top plans are based on annualized premium, for bookings made through https://www.policybazaar.com in FY 25. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. This list of plans listed here comprise of insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. For a complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website, www.irdai.gov.in

Key Differences Between Single Premium and Regular Premium ULIP Plans

Feature Single Premium ULIP Regular Premium ULIP
Payment Mode One-time lump sum Periodic (monthly/quarterly/annual)
Affordability Requires substantial upfront capital More affordable, spread over time
Convenience No worries about payment deadlines Requires regular tracking and timely payment
Tax Benefits Deduction only in the year of payment Annual deductions for each premium paid
Risk Higher, as investment timing is fixed Lower, benefits from rupee cost averaging
Customization Limited add-ons/riders Can add riders and increase cover over time

Pros and Cons of Single Premium and Regular Premium ULIP Plans

  1. Single Premium ULIP Plans: 

    Pros:

    • Hassle-free, one-time payment—no risk of missing future premiums.

    • No fear of policy lapse due to non-payment.

    • Suitable for those with surplus funds or irregular income.

    • Potential discounts for lump sum payment.

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    Cons:

    • Large upfront outlay may not suit everyone.

    • ULIP Tax benefit is limited to the year of payment.

    • Less flexibility to add riders or increase cover later.

    • Exposed to market volatility at the time of investment.

  2. Regular Premium ULIP Plans

    Pros:

    • Spreads out the financial commitment, making it more affordable.

    • Enables annual tax benefits under Section 80C for each year premiums are paid.

    • Rupee cost averaging helps mitigate market volatility risk.

    • Greater flexibility to add riders and enhance cover.

    • In case of the policyholder’s demise before maturity, future premiums are not required, but benefits continue.

    Cons:

    • Requires discipline and regular income to avoid policy lapse.

    • Missing payments can lead to discontinuation and lower returns.

Which ULIP Premium Option Should You Choose?

The choice between single and regular premium ULIP plans depends on your financial situation, investment style, and insurance needs:

  1. Opt for Single Premium ULIP if:

    • You have a lump sum available for investment.

    • You prefer a hassle-free, one-time transaction.

    • You want to avoid the risk of missing payments or lapsing the policy.

  2. Opt for Regular Premium ULIP if:

    • You prefer spreading out your payments.

    • You want to maximize annual tax benefits.

    • You value flexibility and the ability to add riders over time.

    • You wish to benefit from rupee cost averaging in volatile markets.

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Additional Considerations

  1. ULIP Charges

    Both single and regular premium ULIPs have various charges such as fund management, mortality, and premium allocation charges. Understanding these [ULIP charges] is crucial to evaluating the overall cost and potential returns of your ULIP investment.

  2. ULIP Calculator

    Use to compare plans, estimate returns, and understand the impact of charges and premium payment modes on your investment outcome.

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Conclusion

Both single and regular premium ULIP plans offer the dual advantage of investment and insurance. Your decision should be based on your cash flow, risk appetite, tax planning needs, and convenience preferences. Assess your financial goals carefully to choose the ULIP premium payment mode that aligns best with your long-term objectives.

FAQs

  • What is a single premium ULIP?

    A single premium ULIP requires a one-time lump sum payment upfront, securing both insurance coverage and investment for the policy term.
  • What is a regular premium ULIP?

    A regular premium ULIP involves periodic payments (monthly/quarterly/annually) to keep the policy active and benefit from long-term wealth creation.
  • Which offers better tax benefits?

    Regular premium ULIPs allow annual tax deductions under Section 80C (up to ₹1.5 lakh per year). Single premium ULIPs offer a deduction only in the year of payment.
  • Which is more affordable?

    Regular premiums are budget-friendly as costs are spread over time. Single premiums require a large upfront investment but may include discounts.
  • How does market risk differ?

    Single premium ULIPs expose you to market timing risk. Regular premiums benefit from rupee cost averaging, reducing volatility impact.
  • Can I add riders later?

    Regular premium ULIPs often allow adding riders (e.g., critical illness). Single premium plans usually lack this flexibility.
  • What happens if I miss a regular premium?

    Missed payments may lead to a lapse or reduced benefits. Insurers often provide a grace period or revival options.
  • Which is better for long-term goals?

    Both suit long-term goals, but regular premiums encourage disciplined investing. Single premiums work best for those with surplus funds.

˜Top plans are based on annualized premium, for bookings made through https://www.policybazaar.com in FY 25. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. This list of plans listed here comprise of insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. For a complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website, www.irdai.gov.in
*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance plan.
^The tax benefits under Section 80C allow a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakhs from the taxable income per year and 10(10D) tax benefits are for investments made up to ₹2.5 Lakhs/ year for policies bought after 1 Feb 2021. Tax benefits and savings are subject to changes in tax laws.
+Returns Since Inception of LIC Growth Fund
¶Long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax (12.5%) is exempted on annual premiums up to 2.5 lacs.
++Source - Google Review Rating available on:- http://bit.ly/3J20bXZ
^^The information relating to mutual funds presented in this article is for educational purpose only and is not meant for sale. Investment is subject to market risks and the risk is borne by the investor. Please consult your financial advisor before planning your investments.

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