Skip to main content
5 mistakes to avoid when buying a ULIP

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying A ULIP

Avoid the most common ULIP buying mistakes to make better investment decisions and maximise returns while securing long‑term financial goals.

Written by : Knowledge Centre Team

2026-02-12

1085 Views

5 minutes read

ULIPs are a popular financial instrument that come with two-pronged benefits of insurance and investment. ULIPs can fulfill the two financial goals of financial protection for one’s family as well as wealth creation.

However, it is important to ensure that a ULIP fits into your investment strategy before you make it a part of your financial portfolio. However, to make the most of your ULIPs investment, you need to take care to avoid certain errors that might hamper your ability to maximize benefits.

Why Avoiding ULIP Mistakes Matters for Investors?

Here are some common errors to avoid when purchasing a ULIP:

  • Not taking into account your risk-exposure: ULIPs are market-linked instruments which means that you can benefit from exposure to equity for higher returns. However, it is advised to choose the allocation of funds in tune with your risk-taking ability as well as how far your life goals are. Do not randomly allocate funds in equities since higher returns come with proportionate risks as well. You can choose between equity and debt as per your preference as well as switch from one fund to another if you are looking for safety. Be aware of the various choices available to you to allow for the flexibility of investing. 
  • Stay invested for the long run: This is one of the most important mistakes to avoid when buying ULIP. If you stop paying the premium anytime during the policy period, the insurance cover becomes null and void. If premium payment ceases before the 5 year lock-in period, you still won’t be able to withdraw it and the amount payable at the end of 5 years will be computed on the net asset value of the year in which premium was stopped. Also, various charges related to the policy will be deducted. Staying invested for the long run helps you average out the various charges as well as create a significant financial corpus. 
  • Not taking into account your unique goals and objectives: A ULIP that suits one investor may not align with the goals of another. Choose a plan that is in line with your financial responsibilities, long term plans, risk appetite and liquidity needs in the future. Go for a hybrid fund if you are looking for the safe returns or an aggressive hybrid fund if you are willing to take a risk in the equities market. It is advisable that you list your financial priorities before beginning your hunt for the right ULIP and then go about picking one that meets these requirements. 
  • Failing to account for ULIP charges: Since ULIPs are a part-insurance, part-investment instrument, there are certain fees and charges that will be levied, in addition to the premium you pay. When choosing your preferred ULIP, it is essential that you take such charges into consideration while calculating your total outgo. After the introduction of new guidelines from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India ( the IRDAI), investing in a ULIP has become even more cost-effective. This investment tool with a dual benefit of investment with insurance, now comes with reduced premium allocation, administration, fund management and administration charges. ULIP charges are now capped at 3%. However, it is still crucial that you weigh the effect these charges will have on your finances and compare the charges levied across different plans. 
  • Investing only for insurance cover: It is always better to buy a pure life cover such as a term plan to protect you and your family from any uncertainties in the future. Not only do they come cheap, but also provide coverage in tune with your requirements. Insurance cover in a ULIP is usually 10 times the annual premium paid by you. It may or may not be sufficient for you. Moreover, the insurance benefit is no longer available if you stop paying your premiums for any reason. Hence, it is not wise to think of a unit-linked insurance plan as a substitute for life insurance.

ULIPs are an alternative investment option that you can utilize as per your needs to create wealth for the long term. The Promise4Growth Plus from Canara HSBC offers different portfolio strategies and fund choices to help you customize your policy as per your needs. Not only this, you can choose from death benefit options as well as switch and redirect funds to benefit from movements in the market.

So whether you are looking to fund your children’s education abroad, save for your retirement or fulfill any other long term goals that you may have, ULIPs can help you achieve them with ease.

Get a Personalised ULIP Plan for Wealth Creation & Protection

Please enter correct name Please enter the Full name
Please enter valid mobile number Please enter Mobile Number
Please enter valid email Please enter Email

Enter OTP

An OTP has been sent to your mobile number

Didn’t receive OTP?

Application Status

Name

Date of Birth

Plan Name

Status

Unclaimed Amount of the Policyholder as on

Name of the policy holder

Policy No.

Address of the Policyholder as per records

Unclaimed Amount

Error

Sorry ! No records Found

.  Please use this ID for all future communications regarding this concern.

Request Registered

Thank You for submitting the response, will get back with you.

Thank you for your interest in our product. Our financial expert will connect with you shortly to help you choose the best plan.

Disclaimer - This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited or any affiliated entity. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. You should consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances before taking any action based on the content provided herein.

Recent Blogs

Stop ULIP Premium Before 3 Years? Know the Impact
Stop ULIP Before 3 Years? Penalties, Lock-in & Fund Rules
19 June '26
952 Views
7 minute read
Can you stop ULIP before 3 years? Know lock-in rules, penalties & what happens to your funds if you discontinue early.
Read More
Ulip
Sum Assured in ULIP Plans
What Is Sum Assured in ULIPs? Meaning, Examples & Key Differences
19 June '26
2015 Views
7 minute read
What is sum assured in life insurance? Understand its meaning, importance & how it differs from maturity amount.
Read More
Ulip
What Is ULIP
What Is ULIP Plan? Full Form, Meaning & Benefits (2026)
19 June '26
1933 Views
7 minute read
What is ULIP? Learn its meaning, full form, benefits & why investors choose ULIPs for tax savings and long-term wealth creation.
Read More
Ulip
Why Not To Invest In Ulip Thum Desktop
ULIP Pros & Cons: Benefits, Risks & Should You Invest?
19 June '26
1927 Views
7 minute read
Is ULIP a good investment? Compare ULIP advantages, disadvantages, benefits & risks to make an informed decision.
Read More
Ulip
What Happens If You Stopped Payment of Premiums in ULIP?
What Happens If You Stop ULIP Premium? Lock-in & Fund Rules
19 June '26
1089 Views
7 minute read
What happens if you stop ULIP premiums? Learn about lock-in period, penalties, and how discontinued policy funds work.
Read More
Ulip
6 Best One Time Investment Plans in India
6 Best One-Time Investment Plans in India for High Returns in 2026
19 June '26
1220 Views
12 minute read
Looking for the best one-time investment plans? Discover top options in India offering high returns for different goals.
Read More
Ulip
What is NAV?
What Is NAV in Insurance? Meaning, Full Form & Examples
19 June '26
1896 Views
7 minute read
What is NAV? Learn its meaning, full form, calculation & how it affects your investment value in simple terms.
Read More
Ulip
ULIP Tax Benefits 2026
ULIP Tax Benefits & Taxation 2026: 80C, 10(10D) Explained
19 June '26
3938 Views
7 minute read
Explore ULIP tax benefits under Section 80C & 10(10D). Know tax-free limits, exemptions & how ULIPs help you save tax.
Read More
Ulip
Key ULIP Charges to Understand Before You Invest
10 ULIP Charges Explained: Allocation, FMC & Hidden Costs
19 June '26
1015 Views
6 minute read
Learn about ULIP charges including allocation, fund management & policy fees. Know how costs impact your returns.
Read More
Ulip

Unit Linked Insurance Plans - Top Selling Plans

Canara HSBC Life Insurance offers online ULIP plans that blend life insurance protection with investment growth, helping you build wealth while securing your family's future.

Wealth Today, Protection Always

Promise4Growth Plus
  • Life Cover up to 100 Years
  • 13 Fund Options
  • Fund Switching Option
  • Waiver Of Premium

Secure Your Future with Confidence

SecureInvest
  • Life Cover up to 100× Annual Premium
  • 12 Fund Choices
  • Automated Portfolio Strategies
  • Maturity Booster

Invest Smart, Live Smart

Wealth Edge:
  • Flexible Premium Options
  • Multiple Fund Allocations
  • Systematic Withdrawals
  • Premium Waiver Benefit