What is the ULIP Plan?

A Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) is a financial product that combines investment and insurance in a single plan. It offers policyholders the dual benefit of wealth creation and life coverage, making it a popular choice for long-term financial planning. ULIPs allow investors to allocate funds into equity, debt, or balanced funds based on their risk appetite, providing flexibility and growth potential. With tax benefits and the option to switch funds, ULIPs serve as a strategic tool for securing financial stability while building wealth over time.

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Disclaimer: #The investment risk in the portfolio is borne by the policyholder. Life insurance is available in this product. The maturity amount of Rs 1 Cr. is for a 30 year old healthy individual investing Rs 10,000/- per month for 30 years, with assumed rates of returns @ 8% p.a. that is not guaranteed and is not the upper or lower limits as the value of your policy depends on a number of factors including future investment performance. In Unit Linked Insurance Plans, the investment risk in the investment portfolio is borne by the policyholder and the returns are not guaranteed. Maturity Value: ₹1,05,02,174 @ CAGR 8%; ₹50,45,591 @ CAGR 4%. *Tax benefits and savings are subject to changes in tax laws. All plans listed here are of insurance companies’ funds.

ULIP Meaning

The ULIP full form is Unit Linked Insurance Plan. A Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) is a financial product that combines the benefits of life insurance with investment opportunities. When you invest in a ULIP, a portion of your premium is directed towards providing you with life insurance, ensuring financial security for your beneficiaries in the event of your demise.

The remaining portion of your premium is then invested in various market-linked funds, such as equity, debt, or a combination of both, depending on your risk appetite and financial goals. This dual nature of ULIPs allows individuals to protect their loved ones and grow their wealth side by side. 

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New Age ULIPs Plans Explained | Policybazaar

How Does ULIP Works?

Below is the process of how ULIPs work: 

  1. Premium Allocation:

    • When you pay a ULIP premium, a portion is directed towards providing life insurance coverage. This ensures your beneficiaries receive a death benefit if something happens to you.

    • The remaining portion is invested in market-linked funds. You typically have options to choose from, including equity, debt, or hybrid funds, depending on your risk tolerance.

  2. Investment and Net Asset Value (NAV):

    • The invested portion of your premium is used to purchase units in the chosen funds.

    • The value of these units is determined by the Net Asset Value (NAV), which fluctuates based on the performance of the underlying investments.

  3. Fund Management:

    • Professional fund managers handle the investment portion, making decisions based on market conditions.

  4. Flexibility:

    • ULIPs often offer flexibility, allowing you to switch between funds to adjust your investment strategy as your needs and market conditions change.

    • Also many ULIP's offer the ability to make partial withdrawals, after the lock-in period has ended.

    Invest more and Get more with ULIP Plan Invest more and Get more with ULIP Plan
  5. Life Insurance Coverage:

    • The life insurance component provides financial protection to your beneficiaries. In the event of your death, they receive a death benefit, which is typically the higher of the sum assured or the fund value.

    Illustration

    Riya, 30, invests ₹5,000/month in a ULIP for 10 years.
    That's ₹60,000/year × 10 = ₹6,00,000 total investment.

    Here’s how it’s used:

    • ₹5,000/year goes towards life cover (₹10 lakh)

    • ₹55,000/year is invested in market-linked funds

    Assuming 10% returns, her fund grows like this:

    • After 10 years: ~₹8.5 lakhs

    • She stops paying, lets it grow

    • After 20 years: ~₹22 lakhs*

    • Life cover stays active

    • Tax benefits under 80C

    • Option to switch between equity & debt

Features and Benefits of Investing in ULIP Plans

  • Dual Benefits: ULIPs provide life insurance coverage, ensuring financial security for your loved ones. Simultaneously, a portion of your premium is invested in market-linked funds, offering the potential for wealth growth.

  • Flexibility: ULIPs often provide flexibility in choosing investment funds, allowing you to modify your portfolio based on your risk appetite. You can typically switch between equity, debt, or hybrid funds.

  • Goal-Based Planning: ULIPs can be used to achieve long-term financial goals, such as retirement planning, children's education, or buying a home. The long term nature of these plans, allows for long term financial growth.

  • Tax Benefits:

    • Premiums paid towards ULIPs may be eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

    • Maturity proceeds and death benefits may also be tax-free under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, subject to certain conditions.

  • Liquidity: After the mandatory lock-in period of 5 years, ULIPs often allow for partial withdrawals, providing access to funds in case of financial emergencies.

  • Transparency: ULIPs provide clear information regarding charges, fund performance, and investment allocation, allowing for informed decision-making.

  • Disciplined Savings: Regular premium payments encourage disciplined savings habits, helping to build a substantial corpus over time.

  • Death Benefit: ULIP's provide a death benefit to the beneficiary. This helps to secure the financial health of the family of the insured, in the event of the insured person's death.

Invest in high growth ULIP Plans Invest in high growth ULIP Plans

Which Investor Class Are They Most Suited For?

  • Investors Who Prefer Active Portfolio Tracking

  • Individuals with a Medium to Long-Term Horizon

  • Investors with Diverse Risk Profiles

  • Investors at Any Life Stage

How to Choose the Best ULIP Plans?

  • Long-term objectives: Determine your specific financial goals, such as retirement planning, children's education, or wealth accumulation.

  • Investment horizon: Consider how long you plan to invest, as ULIPs are generally best suited for long-term investments.

  • Risk tolerance: Evaluate your comfort level with market fluctuations.

  • Fund options: Choose a ULIP that offers a range of fund options (equity, debt, or hybrid) that align with your risk profile.

  • Understand all charges: Be aware of various charges, including premium allocation charges, fund management charges, mortality charges, and policy administration charges.

  • Sum assured: Choose a sum assured that meets your family's financial needs in case of an unfortunate event.

  • Historical performance: Analyze the historical performance of the ULIP's funds, but remember that past performance is not indicative of future results.

  • Switching options: Look for ULIPs that offer flexibility to switch between funds based on market conditions and your changing needs.

  • Tax Advantages: Verify the tax benefits offered under Section 80C and Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act.

  • Company reputation: Choose a ULIP from a reputable and financially stable insurance company.

Who Should Buy ULIP Plans?

  • Individuals with Long-Term Financial Goals: ULIPs are well-suited for those planning for long-term goals such as retirement, children's education, or purchasing a home. The long investment horizon allows for potential wealth accumulation.

  • Individuals with Moderate to High Risk Appetite: Since ULIPs involve market-linked investments, they are generally more appropriate for individuals comfortable with some level of risk.

  • Those Seeking Tax Benefits: ULIPs offer potential tax benefits under certain sections of the Income Tax Act, which can be attractive to those looking to optimize their tax planning.

  • Individuals Seeking Disciplined Savings: The regular premium payments required by ULIPs can encourage disciplined savings habits, helping individuals build a substantial corpus over time.

  • People who want flexibility: Those who like the ability to switch between fund options, and those who want the ability to make partial withdrawals after the lock in period.

How are ULIP Plans Structured?

Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) combine investment and insurance, pooling contributions from multiple investors before allocating them to chosen funds. These market-linked funds fluctuate based on market conditions, and investors can switch between them as needed.

  1. Investment & Management

    Investors can buy units of a single ULIP fund or diversify across multiple funds. Professional fund managers oversee the investments to align with financial goals and market performance.

  2. Premium Payment & Charges

    Investors commit a lump sum and choose an annual, semi-annual, or monthly premium payment mode. A ULIP Calculator can help estimate the required premium. After deducting charges like allocation fees, fund management fees, policy administration costs, and insurance cover expenses, the remaining premium is invested in the selected funds. Charges are deducted by canceling some units, and the per-unit value is determined by dividing the total fund value by the total number of units.

Fund Options Under ULIPs

  1. Equity Funds:

    • These funds primarily invest in stocks and shares of companies.

    • They offer the potential for high returns but also carry a higher level of risk due to market volatility.

    • Suitable for investors with a high-risk tolerance and a long-term investment horizon.

  2. Debt Funds:

    • These funds invest in fixed-income instruments such as government bonds, corporate bonds, and money market instruments.

    • They offer relatively lower returns compared to equity funds but also carry lower risk.

    • Suitable for conservative investors seeking stable returns.

  3. Balanced or Hybrid Funds:

    • These funds invest in a combination of equity and debt instruments, aiming to balance risk and return.

    • They offer moderate risk and moderate returns.

    • Suitable for investors with a moderate risk appetite.

What are ULIP Charges?

  • Premium Allocation Charges: These charges are deducted from your premium before it's invested in the fund. They cover the insurer's initial expenses, such as underwriting, distribution, and administrative costs.

  • Fund Management Charges (FMC): These charges are levied for managing the investment funds within the ULIP. They cover the costs of fund management and administration. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) regulates these charges.

  • Mortality Charges: These mortality charges cover the cost of providing the life insurance component of the ULIP. They are based on factors like age, health, and the sum assured.

  • Policy Administration Charges: These charges cover the administrative costs of maintaining the policy, such as record-keeping and customer service.

  • Switching Charges: These charges apply when you switch between different fund options within the ULIP. Some policies offer a limited number of free switches.

  • Premium Redirection Charges: These charges may apply when you redirect future premiums to different funds.

  • Partial Withdrawal Charges: These charges may apply when you make partial withdrawals from your ULIP, especially before the end of the lock-in period.

  • Surrender/Discontinuance Charges: These charges apply if you surrender or discontinue the ULIP before the end of the lock-in period.

How to Maximize Returns from a ULIP?

  1. Start Early and Stay Invested:

    • Beginning your ULIP investment early in life allows you to capitalize on the power of compounding and navigate market fluctuations over a longer period.

    • Staying consistently invested minimizes the impact of market volatility and increases the potential for substantial returns over the long term.

    • An early start also provides the added benefit of early life insurance coverage, securing your family's financial future.

  2. Maintain Consistent and Disciplined Investment:

    • Regular and consistent premium payments are crucial for building a significant corpus and maximizing returns.

    • Setting up automatic premium payments ensures you stay actively invested and avoid lapses in your policy.

    • Financial discipline is key to benefiting from the long-term growth potential of ULIPs.

  3. Strategically Select and Switch Fund Options:

    • Understanding the different fund options (equity, debt, and balanced) and their performance is essential for maximizing returns.

    • Choose funds that align with your risk appetite and investment goals.

    • Utilize the fund switching feature to adapt to changing market conditions. For example, shift towards debt funds during volatile markets and equity funds during favorable market conditions.

    • Regularly monitor and adjust your fund allocation.

  4. Regularly Review Your Portfolio:

    • Consistent portfolio reviews are essential for monitoring fund performance and identifying opportunities for optimization.

    • Regular monitoring allows you to make timely adjustments, such as switching funds or increasing/decreasing investments, to capitalize on market trends.

    • Proactive management of your ULIP portfolio can significantly enhance your returns.

  5. Leverage Tax Benefits:

    • Take advantage of tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, for ULIP premiums up to INR 1.5 lakh per year.

    • Remember that maturity proceeds and death benefits from ULIPs are also tax-free under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act.

    • These tax benefits contribute to higher overall returns from your ULIP investment.

What is the Lock-in Period of a ULIP?

ULIPs have a mandatory lock-in period of five years. This means that you cannot fully withdraw your invested funds during this initial five-year timeframe.

This lock-in period is designed to encourage long-term investment. ULIPs are intended to help individuals achieve long-term financial goals, and the lock-in period helps ensure that investors stay committed to their plans.

Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) vs Other Investment Options Available Under Section 80C

Investment Option Risk Liquidity Tax Benefits
ULIPs Market Risk Partially liquid after 5 years Tax deduction on investment up to Rs. 1.5 lakh under Section 80C and tax exemption on the maturity amount under Section 10(10D)
Public Provident Fund (PPF) Low risk Partially liquid after 6 years None 
Equity Linked Saving Scheme (ELSS) High risk Partially liquid after 3 years Gains above Rs 1 lakh in any given financial year are taxable under LTCG at 10%
National Pension System (NPS) Market risk Partially liquid after 3 years (up to 25%) Tax deduction on investment up to Rs. 1.5 lakh under Section 80C and additional tax deduction of up to Rs. 50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B)
Tax-Saving Fixed Deposits Low risk Not liquid Tax deduction on investment up to Rs. 1.5 lakh under Section 80C and taxable interest
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) Low risk Partially liquid after 5 years Tax deduction on investment up to Rs. 1.5 lakh under Section 80C and tax exemption on the interest and maturity amount

Conclusion

A ULIP plan is an ideal choice for individuals looking for a combination of insurance protection and market-linked investment growth. It offers flexibility, tax benefits, and transparency, making it suitable for long-term financial goals such as retirement planning, child’s education, or wealth accumulation. By carefully selecting funds and staying invested, policyholders can maximize their returns while ensuring financial security for their loved ones.

FAQs

  • Is ULIP better than FD?

    • Growth: ULIPs offer the potential for higher returns compared to FDs.
    • Security: ULIPs provide life insurance coverage along with investment, giving you peace of mind and financial protection for your loved ones. FDs only offer guaranteed returns, no insurance.
    • Flexibility: With ULIPs, you can often switch between investment funds based on market conditions, giving you some control over your growth. FDs have limited flexibility.
  • Is ULIP a good investment?

    • Long-term potential: While returns aren't guaranteed, ULIPs can be a good wealth creation tool for someone with a long investment horizon and moderate risk tolerance.
    • Tax benefits: Premiums paid towards ULIPs (especially ELSS) are eligible for tax deductions, making them tax-efficient investments.
    • Market exposure: ULIPs provide access to diverse markets like equity, debt, and hybrid, potentially boosting your returns beyond traditional savings options.
  • Which is best, SIP or ULIP?

    • Dual benefit: ULIPs offer a combination of insurance and investment, while SIPs only focus on investment. This can be advantageous if you seek both aspects.
    • Discipline: Regular premium payments in ULIPs encourage financial discipline and habit-building, which can be helpful for long-term saving goals.
    However, SIP is just an approach or a way of investing.
  • What is the minimum lock-in period for ULIP?

    ULIP plans come with a minimum lock-in period of 5 years.
  • What should one keep in mind while investing in ULIP?

    While investing in ULIP the policyholder must consider certain important aspects like:
    • What do you want to achieve from your money?
    • What is your risk appetite?
    • What is your financial objective? Whether you want to create a fund for retirement or you want to have a backup to deal with any type of emergencies that may occur.
    • What is the investment tenure?

    Keeping all these points in mind, the policyholder should invest in ULIP.

  • How ULIP better than other investments?

    As compared to other investment option ULIP plans not only offers the benefit of life protection but also provides an opportunity to the investors to create a financial cushion for future and gain profitable returns on investment. The plan offers the investors to choose from a wide range of fund options to invest in. Moreover, the other advantages offered by the policy makes it a better option of investment as compared to others.
  • What is ULIP NAV?

    ULIP NAV (net asset value) is the total value of units holding minus the value of its liabilities. Thus, NAV is computed after deducing liabilities such as marketing expenses, management fees, operating expenses, etc.

˜Top 5 plans based on annualized premium, for bookings made in the first 6 months of FY 24-25. 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 investment risk in the portfolio is borne by the policyholder. Life insurance is available in this product. The maturity amount of Rs 1 Cr. is for a 30 year old healthy individual investing Rs 10,000/- per month for 30 years, with assumed rates of returns @ 8% p.a. that is not guaranteed and is not the upper or lower limits as the value of your policy depends on a number of factors including future investment performance. In Unit Linked Insurance Plans, the investment risk in the investment portfolio is borne by the policyholder and the returns are not guaranteed. Maturity Value: ₹1,05,02,174 @ CARG 8%; ₹50,45,591 @ CAGR 4%
^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.
¶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
**Returns are based on past 10 years’ fund performance data (Fund Data Source: Value Research).

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Insurers Offering ULIPs

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Axis Max Life

HDFC Life

ICICI Prudential

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Edelweiss Life

Kotak Life

Future Generali

PNB MetLife

SBI Life

Aviva

Bandhan Life

Canara HSBC

IDBI Federal

IndiaFirst

Pramerica Life

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Sahara Life

Shriram Life

Star Union

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Disclaimer: Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by an insurer.

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