Is the Risk Involved in ULIPs the Same as Equity Shares?

Is the Risk Involved in ULIPs the Same as Equity Shares?

Risk in ULIPs is typically lower than in standalone equity investments. Learn the details and ways to manage risk concerns

2025-10-01

3734 Views

17 minutes read

Key Takeaways:

  • ULIPs carry market-linked risks but offer fund-switching flexibility based on your risk appetite.

  • Unlike direct equity shares, ULIPs provide a diversified investment approach.

  • Risk in ULIPs is typically lower than in standalone equity investments due to balanced fund options.

  • ULIPs are ideal for long-term wealth creation with risk management options.

People who are solely dependent on their income for their well-being are more likely to face a financial crisis in the case of an unfortunate event. You can generate wealth and live a peaceful life through financial planning. All you have to do is put some money in an investment channel that ensures the financial security of your family while keeping your financial needs in mind.

So if you want to grow your wealth within a certain period, then a savings investment is the best option for you. However, to initiate this, you first need to choose the right investment option. Though there are numerous investment channels available in the market, if you are a beginner, then it's good to invest in a risk-averse option.

 

What is a ULIP?

ULIP, also known as a Unit Linked Insurance Plan, is a market-linked investment product that allows you to invest money across multiple asset classes. As compared to other traditional life insurance plans, ULIP is different as it is linked to the risk factor. This savings-cum-protection plan is considered the best investment option among investors as it helps you to maximise your savings by investing money in multiple investment funds. 

Although before investing in a ULIP plan, you need to understand that these funds are based on stock market investment. Therefore, they are prone to risks which could affect the return on investment with the market fluctuation.

Get Expert Guidance for Your Retirement & Investments

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 Holder Name

Policy No.

Policy Number

Address of the Policyholder as per records

Address

Unclaimed Amount

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.

Kinds of Investments a ULIP Offers

The good part is that you get to choose from different types of funds and switch between them as per your needs. You can just assign the amount of your savings to these funds as per your risk appetite. The types of investment funds include - debt funds, equity funds, and balanced funds, among others. 

If you are reluctant to take risks, then you can invest in debt funds as they involve less risk. On the other hand, equity funds are liquid in nature. Equity Funds or growth funds are ideal for generating long-term returns. So if you are ready to take risks, then investing in equity funds can be a great option as it will help you get good returns when the market performs well. Equity funds usually deal with company shares and have a good growth rate, and are riskier than other asset classes.

Although before investing in any of these shares, you need to evaluate certain things. The allocation of equity/debt funds varies across companies. Also, you have the right to choose your fund as per your risk appetite. And the return you get from the investment depends majorly on the type of fund you choose. 

ULIPs also provide you with the flexibility to choose and switch funds between debt and equity for no or little extra cost. If the market is performing badly, you can invest in debt funds, but if the market is performing well, then you can switch from debt funds to equity funds. 

On the whole, the risk factor in case of ULIP investment depends totally on the market conditions. Therefore, you need to be updated on the current market scenarios so that you are well aware of the trends and can switch funds accordingly.

ULIP vs Equity Shares: Understanding the Risk

Let’s now directly address the question: Is the risk involved in ULIPs the same as equity shares? Not quite. Here's why:

Criteria

ULIPs

Equity Shares

Risk Exposure

Controlled by choice of fund

Fully exposed to market volatility

Diversification

In-built through fund managers

Depends on investor's portfolio choices

Insurance Cover

Yes (life cover included)

No insurance component

Fund Switching

Available

Not applicable

Regulation & Structure

Regulated by IRDAI, structured and goal-based

Regulated by SEBI, purely market-driven

trivia-img

Did You Know?

ULIP maturity benefits are taxed at 10% as LTCG if the annual premium is above ₹2.5 lakh, but death proceeds remain tax-free.

 

Source: India Today

 

Promise for Growth Plus -Grow your welth

Things to Keep in Mind Before Investing in ULIPs

Planning to pick a ULIP plan? Consider the following points for a wise choice:

  • Your investment horizon: ULIPs work best for long-term goals (5–10 years).

  • Your risk appetite: Conservative? Stick to debt or balanced funds.

  • Charges involved: ULIPs have fund management, premium allocation, and mortality charges. Review them before investing.

  • Fund performance: Monitor it regularly and switch based on market trends.

Conclusion

While ULIPs do carry market-linked risks, especially when you choose to invest in equity funds, the flexibility they offer makes them different from direct equity shares. You get the dual advantage of insurance and investment. Plus, you also get the freedom to switch between funds based on market performance and personal risk appetite.

With options like Canara HSBC Life Insurance’s top-selling ULIP plans, the investment experience becomes even more rewarding and tailored. Our Guaranteed Assured Income Plans offer:

  • 3 plan options to suit different goals

  • Life cover plus guaranteed benefits

  • Return of total premiums at maturity

  • Early income payouts from the 2nd policy year

Further, the iSelect Guaranteed Future Plus by Canara HSBC Life Insurance ensures:

  • 4 plan options for varied life stages

  • Life cover along with guaranteed benefits

  • Accidental death benefit

  • Premium protection cover

If you're looking for a balanced investment vehicle that grows wealth and secures your future, ULIPs from Canara HSBC Life Insurance could be a wise choice. Start today!

 

Glossary

  1. Premium Funding: A benefit offered by insurance companies to continue premiums if the policyholder passes away
  2. Lock-in Period: The minimum time before ULIP funds can be withdrawn
  3. LTCG: Profit earned from selling an asset like stocks or property after holding it for a long period
  4. Risk Appetite: The level of risk an investor is willing to take
  5. Fund Switch: It is an option to move money between ULIP funds
glossary-img
Uncertain About Insurance

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

What Is ULIP & Why Do People Invest in It?
18 Feb '26
917 Views
7 minute read
Understand ULIPs, how they work, their benefits, charges, tax rules, and why investors choose ULIPs for long-term wealth creation.
Read More
Ulip
Partial Withdrawal from ULIPs: Steps, Limits & Eligibility
11 Feb '26
3889 Views
6 minute read
ULIPs allow partial withdrawals under certain conditions. Learn the limits, steps and eligibility for partial withdrawals with Canara HSBC Life Insurance.
Read More
Ulip
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of ULIP Plan?
22 Jan '26
1921 Views
7 minute read
Know the key disadvantages of ULIPs, including charges, risks, and lock-in. Learn tips to manage and reduce ULIP investment drawbacks.
Read More
Ulip
How to Read the Benefit Illustration of Your ULIP Plan?
10 Jan '26
900 Views
7 minute read
Benefit illustrations are documents which give you a detailed idea about what is in store for you when you buy a ULIP plan. Here’s how you can read the benefit illustration of your ULIP plan.
Read More
Ulip
Understand Financial Jargon: Breaking Down Complex Terms
02 Jan '26
1266 Views
7 minute read
Confused by investment terms? Learn the meaning of key financial concepts, including Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs), and use a ULIP calculator to estimate returns easily.
Read More
Ulip
Switching ULIP Funds During Market Crashes: Easy Guide
31 Dec '25
830 Views
8 minute read
Protect your investment during downturns. Learn when and how to switch ULIP funds with a three-step playbook designed to minimise risk and safeguard growth.
Read More
Ulip
Single vs Regular Premium ULIP: Which Should You Choose?
26 Dec '25
1253 Views
6 minute read
Discover the difference between single-premium and regular-premium ULIP plans, and how to choose the right payment mode for your investment and protection goals.
Read More
Ulip
ELSS Tax Saving vs ULIP: Tax Benefits & Key Differences
25 Dec '25
8333 Views
17 minute read
Compare ELSS and ULIP to understand ELSS tax benefits, tax-saving potential under Section 80C, returns, lock-in period, and suitability
Read More
Ulip
ULIP vs Traditional Life Insurance: Key Differences
22 Dec '25
5884 Views
6 minute read
Understand the difference between ULIPs and traditional life insurance plans in terms of returns, risk, flexibility and suitability for long-term goals.
Read More
Ulip