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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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.
Invest For (in Years)
Stay invested for (in Years)
Expected rate of return (in %)
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.
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
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 |
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.
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.
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.
Requires discipline and regular income to avoid policy lapse.
Missing payments can lead to discontinuation and lower returns.
The choice between single and regular premium ULIP plans depends on your financial situation, investment style, and insurance needs:
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.
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.
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.
Use to compare plans, estimate returns, and understand the impact of charges and premium payment modes on your investment outcome.
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.
˜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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