How do ULIPs work?

Asked by: Aric Lueilwitz  |  Last update: December 6, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (63 votes)

How ULIPs Work. The insurer pools money from all the policyholders and invests the same in the funds chosen by them. Once the money is invested, the total corpus is divided into 'units' with a certain face value. Each investor is then allocated 'Units' in proportion to the invested amount.

What are the disadvantages of ULIP?

The disadvantages of ULIP plan are the lock-in period of five years and the charges like premium allotment charges, fund management charges, surrender charges, etc. The high costs can erode the returns in the long run. Study the ULIP advantages and disadvantages before proceeding to invest in the plan.

Is ULIP a good investment?

ULIPs offer tax benefits, flexible withdrawals, and long-term growth but come with high costs, market risks, and lock-in periods. They are ideal for long-term goals. They thrive on market volatility and generate tax-free income, but short-term gains might be lower. They offer premium redirection and top-up options.

What is the return of ULIP in 10 years?

Market experts estimate a return of 10-12% annually on a ULIP plan with a 10-year tenure.

What happens to ULIP after maturity?

Upon policy maturity, ULIPs pay out the fund value as a maturity benefit as per the policy terms & conditions. ULIPs also allow the benefits of partial withdrawals, switching, premium redirection, top-up premium, etc., so that you can manage your investments per your needs.

ULIP (English) FAQ 1 : What Does ULIP Stand for and How Does It Work?

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How do I get my ULIP money back?

You can surrender the policy before the ULIP lock-in period. The life cover will cease to exist once you surrender the policy. However, the surrender value based on the investment is paid only after the lock-in period of five years.

Is ULIP taxable at maturity?

Maturity proceeds on ULIP will be taxable as Long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax like the LTCG tax on all equity-oriented investments. Also, tax shall be paid (in the case of long-term capital gains (LTCG) at 10%. However, no taxation is imposed if maturity proceeds are received upon the death of an individual.

Is ULIP better than FD?

Is ULIP better than FD? Yes, ULIPs are a better place to invest than Fixed Deposits. Apart from ensuring that your money is safe and providing you with life cover, they also give you a chance to earn by investing your money. This versatility is what makes them one of the best avenues to put your money in.

What happens if I don't pay ULIP premium after 5 years?

If the premiums still remain unpaid, the fund value, minus the applicable discontinuance charges, will be credited to a discontinued fund. The ULIP plan will remain invested in the discontinued policy fund. However, the life cover and the add-on rider# will cease to provide the applicable benefits.

Is ULIP high risk?

What are the risks associated with ULIPs? The risks associated with ULIPs depend on the type of funds you choose. Equity funds carry higher risk, while debt funds have lower risk. Hybrid funds offer a balanced approach with moderate risk.

Which is better PPF or ULIP?

Investment Returns

PPF offers fixed annual returns, and the interest rate is set by the Indian government at the start of each fiscal year. The PPF lock-in period has an interest rate of 7.10% for the fiscal year 2023-24. ULIP, on the other hand, does not provide any set interest.

What is the average return on ULIP?

The typical range of ULIP returns in 5 years varies between 8% to 12% annually, depending on the market conditions and the chosen fund type. Higher-risk funds like equities can offer higher returns, while debt funds tend to be more stable.

Is ULIP banned in India?

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in a master circular dated June 19, 2024 has barred insurers from advertising unit linked and/or index linked products as 'investment products'. It has laid out detailed guidelines to be followed by insurers while advertising insurance products.

Are ULIPs better than mutual funds?

In conclusion, ULIPs are a wise investment choice because they offer built-in insurance protection, tax advantages, loyalty rewards, and simple switching options. In addition, mutual funds are attractive because they offer better performance, lower costs, more fund options, and no lock-in period.

What is the death claim in ULIP?

In ULIPs, the death benefit is the payment made to the nominee if you, the insured pass away during the policy period. The family gets the sum assured or the fund value, whichever is larger if the policyholder dies during the insurance period.

Can you withdraw money from ULIP?

ULIPs, or Unit Linked Insurance Plans, are one of the most preferred financial plans. But as ULIPs are long-term plans, you can get the full benefits only after the completion of a 5-year lock-in period. However, to ensure flexibility, ULIP plans allow you to withdraw the corpus amount if and when required.

What happens if you stop paying term life insurance premiums?

Term: If you stop paying premiums, your coverage lapses.

What is the age limit for ULIP?

The minimum age to invest in a ULIP is usually 18 years, while the maximum age limit can vary, typically around 65 years. Income Criteria: Some ULIPs may have a minimum annual income requirement, ensuring that the policyholder can afford the premium payments.

Which is the safest corporate FD?

Top Corporate Fixed Deposit Schemes
  • Shriram Finance Limited FD. Rating. ICRA AA+ Tenure. 1-5 Years. Safety. High. ...
  • LIC Housing Finance FD. Rating. CRISIL FAAA. Tenure. 1-5 Years. Safety. Highest. ...
  • PNB Housing Finance FD. Rating. CARE FAA+ Tenure. 1-10 Years. Safety. High. ...
  • ICICI Home Finance FD. Rating. ICRA MAAA. Tenure. 1-10 Years. Safety.

Is it good to surrender ULIP?

With a ULIP, staying invested can earn higher rewards than surrendering your policy. Remember to do your research and check the associated costs and estimated returns before you invest in a policy.

How do ULIP invest your money?

ULIP offers investors an opportunity to invest towards a life insurance policy and mutual fund with a single plan. The amount which you invest in ULIP is referred to as premiums. This amount is divided into two parts, one of which is invested towards debt, equity or hybrid mutual funds as per the market scenario.

Is ULIP safe?

Wrapping Up. A ULIP is considered a good saving and investment tool that offers insurance coverage and lucrative investment returns. It includes various fund options such as equity, debt, balanced and liquidity funds. You can choose a fund and put your money based on your risk-taking capacity and market analysis.

What is the lock-in period for ULIP?

ULIPs have a mandatory lock-in period of five years. Partial or complete withdrawals are usually permitted only after this period is over. In addition to completing the ULIP lock-in period, you must have paid all premium payments for the first five policy years to be eligible for partial withdrawals.

Does ULIP come under 80C?

The Government of India levies taxes* on the income that you earn. Premiums paid towards life insurance products such as ULIPs are eligible for deduction from taxable income under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 up to ₹ 1.5 lakh per financial year.