Types of ULIP Plans

Learn how ULIPs combine life cover with smart investing, offer fund flexibility, and empower you to grow wealth for your future needs.

Learn how ULIPs combine life cover with smart investing, offer fund flexibility, and empower you to grow wealth for your future needs.

Choosing an investment product can feel challenging when you need to balance financial protection, long-term goals, and changing market conditions. Some products focus only on growth without offering security, while others provide protection but limited wealth-building potential. This is where understanding ULIP plans becomes valuable.

In this guide, we will walk through what a ULIP is, the different types available, how it works, and how to select the right one based on your needs.

Key Takeaways

  • ULIPs combine life insurance coverage with market-linked investment growth

  • Starting early in a ULIP helps maximise long-term wealth accumulation

  • You can switch between equity and debt funds based on your risk comfort level

  • Staying invested for the long term helps reduce the impact of market ups and downs

  • ULIPs offer flexibility and transparency, making them suitable for evolving financial goals

What is a ULIP Plan?

A ULIP (Unit Linked Insurance Plan) is an insurance product that offers you a dual benefit of life cover and investment to achieve long-term wealth creation. The premium paid for this plan is divided into two parts: one part of the premium goes towards life cover, and the remaining sum is invested in the fund of your choice. In ULIP plans, you can invest your money in equity, debt, or both as per your risk appetite. The ROI depends upon the performance of funds.

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Different Types of ULIP Plans

Let's understand the top 10 types of ULIP plans based on funds and structure:

  1. Based on Funds: ULIPs give you the flexibility to choose how your premium is invested. Each fund type carries a different balance of risk and return. You can switch between funds as your financial goals or market conditions change.
  2. Equity Funds: Equity funds invest mainly in stocks. They aim for higher growth over time and are suitable for long-term investors who can handle market fluctuations. These funds carry higher risk, but they offer the potential for better returns if you stay invested for several years.
  3. Debt Funds: Debt funds invest in bonds, government securities, and fixed-income instruments. The focus is on stability and predictable returns rather than high growth. They suit investors who prefer lower risk and want to protect their capital while earning steady returns over the policy term.
  4. Balanced (Hybrid) Funds: Balanced funds split the investment between equity and debt. The equity portion contributes to growth, while the debt portion provides stability. These funds are suitable for moderate risk takers who want a blend of potential returns with controlled volatility in market fluctuations.
  5. Liquid Funds: Liquid funds invest in short-term money market instruments such as treasury bills and certificates of deposit. These funds are suitable for managing short-term financial needs or parking surplus money without locking it away.
  6. Based on Their Structure: The structure of a ULIP influences how the policy manages investment and life cover benefits. Different structures cater to various life goals, including wealth creation, retirement planning, and child education.
  7. Traditional ULIP: Traditional ULIP prioritise life insurance protection and offer limited fund choices. They provide stable, low-risk returns over time. These plans are suitable for individuals who prefer simplicity and want guaranteed coverage along with a conservative approach to investment growth.
  8. Market-Linked ULIP: Market-linked ULIPs invest mainly in equity and market-driven funds. Returns vary based on market performance, offering higher growth potential along with higher risks. These plans are best suited for investors with a long-term horizon and the ability to withstand fluctuating market conditions.
  9. Pension (Retirement) ULIP: Pension ULIPs help you build a retirement corpus over time. The plan focuses on long-term savings, often allowing regular contributions throughout your working years. At retirement, the accumulated amount can provide income security and support your lifestyle needs after you stop working.
  10. Child ULIP: A child ULIP plan is designed to secure your child’s financial future, especially for education or major life milestones. They offer market-linked growth with life cover. Even if something happens to the parent, the plan continues, ensuring the child’s goals remain financially supported.

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Features of ULIP Plans

ULIP is designed to combine insurance protection with investment growth, making it a flexible financial tool for different life stages.

Some key features of a ULIP plan include:

  • Flexible Fund Choices: ULIPs allow you to invest based on your risk comfort. If you prefer steady and low-risk growth, debt funds work well. If you seek higher returns and are comfortable with market fluctuations, equity funds are a suitable option. You can also switch between funds as your goals change.
  • Lock-In Period: ULIP come with a five-year lock-in period, encouraging disciplined savings. Staying invested for longer generally improves your chances of earning better returns. It is suitable for long-term financial goals.
  • Flexible Premium Payment Options: You can choose how to pay your premiums:
    1. Single Pay: one lump sum at the start
    2. Limited Pay: pay for a few years while coverage continues longer
    3. Regular Pay: pay throughout the policy term

This flexibility helps you match the plan with your financial capacity

  • Partial Withdrawals: This offers liquidity once the five-year lock-in ends. You can make partial withdrawals for needs like emergencies or planned expenses. This helps you access funds when necessary while keeping the rest of your investment growing.

How Does a ULIP Plan Work?

Understanding how a ULIP works becomes easier when you follow the complete roadmap from purchase to payout.

Here is a simple breakdown:

  • Choose Your Policy: Start by selecting a ULIP based on your financial goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon.

  • Pay the Premium: You pay regular or one-time premiums. A part goes towards life insurance cover, and the rest is invested in market-linked funds.

  • Fund Allocation: Choose between equity, debt, or balanced funds. You may switch funds anytime based on market conditions or changing goals.

  • Track Your Growth: The value of your policy varies as per the performance of the chosen funds. Your statement will reflect units purchased and the current NAV.

  • Maturity or Claim: If you survive the policy term, you receive the fund value as a maturity benefit. In case of an unfortunate event, your nominee gets the life cover amount.

Who Should Consider Buying a ULIP Plan?

A ULIP plan is suitable for individuals who want to grow their wealth while ensuring life protection under one policy. It is especially helpful for:

  • Young professionals who want to start early and benefit from long-term market growth

  • Single or primary earners who want life cover along with disciplined investment planning

  • Individuals with long-term goals such as children's education, marriage, or buying a house

  • Self-employed individuals or entrepreneurs seeking both financial protection and wealth-building options without relying on employer benefits

  • Salaried individuals in urban and semi-urban regions who want market-linked growth with the flexibility to switch funds when required

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Did You Know?

In FY25, ULIPs contributed approximately 42% to certain insurers’ portfolios, indicating robust demand and a large market share


Source:
Money Control

iSelect Guaranteed Future Plus

How to Choose the Right ULIP Plan?

Below are some steps that can help you select the best ULIP for your needs:

  • Determine your Financial Objectives: It is important to clearly define your financial goals, such as wealth creation, retirement planning, home ownership and more. This can help you align the ULIP to your goals effectively.
  • Evaluate your Risk Appetite: ULIPs offer a range of funds, including equity, debt and balanced funds. Your choice of funds will depend on your risk appetite. For instance, equity funds are considered high-risk investments, whereas debt funds are considered low-risk investments. Balanced funds strike a balance between the two.

    You must assess your risk tolerance for investments and choose a ULIP that matches your comfort level.
  • Compare Fees and Charges: ULIP have premium allocation, fund management and policy administration charges. These fees can vary from plan to plan. Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly understand and compare the various fees associated with these plans and select the most cost-effective one.
  • Check Fund Options: ULIPs offer a diverse range of investment funds to cater to different investment goals and risk appetites. Equity funds allocate most of their portfolio to stocks. In contrast, debt funds primarily invest in fixed-income assets like government and corporate bonds, along with money market instruments. Lastly, hybrid funds invest in a mix of equities and debt instruments to provide a balanced approach to risk and return.

    You need to evaluate different investment funds to build a well-diversified ULIP portfolio tailored to your needs.
  • Compare Lock-in Period: ULIPs have a lock-in period of five years. During this duration, your investment remains locked, and you cannot make partial withdrawals. You must carefully understand the terms and conditions of the plan, particularly regarding the lock-in period, and evaluate your liquidity needs to avoid any hassles later.
  • Carefully Read Policy Documents: It is essential to review the policy documents, including terms, conditions, features, exclusions, inclusions, benefits, and more, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the plan. The best ULIP investment plan offers transparency, ensuring you understand how the plan works and can make well-informed decisions.
  • Compare Fund Performance: Along with the choice of funds, you must also analyse the performance of the funds within the ULIP. This allows you to understand their return rate and confirm if they align with your investment objectives.
  • Check Out the Tax Benefits: Investing in ULIP offers tax benefits. You can claim a deduction on your ULIP premiums of up to ₹ 1.5 lakh per annum, subject to conditions prescribed under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Additionally, the maturity benefit is exempted subject to conditions prescribed under Section 10(10D)* of The Income Tax Act, 1961, which further maximises your tax efficiency.

Why Canara HSBC Life Insurance?

Choosing the right ULIP plan becomes easier when you have a provider you can trust. Here’s what makes Canara HSBC Life Insurance a reliable choice:

  • Strong and Trusted Background: The company is backed by established financial institutions, offering stability, credibility, and confidence in long-term investment and protection.

  • Consistent Claim Support: A strong track record of transparent and timely claim settlements ensures your loved ones receive the benefits without stress or delays. We offer a claim settlement ratio of 99.43%.

  • Wide Choice of ULIP Plans: Whether your goal is wealth creation, child education planning, or retirement readiness, you can find a ULIP option suited to different financial journeys. We offer various ULIP plans, including the Promise4Growth Plan, Secure Invest Plan, and Wealth Edge Plan, to help you grow, protect, and future-proof your wealth.

  • Flexibility to Personalise Your Plan: You can choose fund options, switch between equity and debt funds, add riders, and select premium payment modes, making the plan adaptable to your needs.

  • Seamless Digital Experience: From comparing plans to managing investments, the entire process is simple, accessible, and easy to manage online.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right ULIP plan is ultimately about striking the right balance between wealth creation and financial security. Whether you seek disciplined long-term savings, market-linked growth, or flexible fund switching options, ULIPs provide a structured approach to building your financial future. Start early, stay invested, and review your fund strategy regularly to maximise your returns and meet your long-term goals confidently.

Establish a dependable financial safety net that safeguards your family's future.

 

Glossary

  1. Riders: Add-on benefits you can include in your insurance plan to increase coverage
  2. Corporate Bonds: Company-issued debt securities that offer fixed interest returns
  3. NAV: Net Asset Value is the price of one unit of a fund, based on total assets minus liabilities
  4. Lock-in Period: The minimum time your investment must remain before withdrawal is allowed
  5. Equity: Investment in company shares with higher growth potential and higher risk
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Uncertain About Insurance

FAQs

Your premium is invested in market-linked funds. The value of your plan grows based on the performance of these funds over time.

Yes. Premiums paid may qualify for tax benefits under Section 80C, and maturity benefits may also be tax-efficient as per prevailing tax laws.

Partial withdrawals are allowed after the 5-year lock-in period, making it useful for long-term financial planning.

Yes, especially for those who want guided investing with flexibility. You can start with balanced funds and switch later if needed.

If premiums are not paid during the lock-in period, the policy shifts to a discontinuance fund. You can revive it within the allowed revival period.

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