COMP/DOC/Aug/2021/28/6297

5 Benefits of investing in ULIPs

• Freedom to choose your Life Cover:

  In Unit Linked Insurance Policies, you can choose the amount of Life Cover that you want. In most ULIPs, the minimum Life Cover offered is 10 times your annual premium amount. However, depending on the policy and the insurance company, you can select your Life Cover amount as much as 40 times of your annual premium or even higher.

• Freedom to choose your investment type:

  There are two basic types of funds – Equity Funds, Debt Funds and a mix of both called the Balanced Funds. Equity funds include investments such as buying shares of companies. Debt funds invest in debt instruments. Balanced funds are those funds that invest equal proportions in both equity and debt funds.
  ULIPs allow you to invest in different funds based on your investment goals and risk appetite. For example, if you wish to grow your wealth and don’t mind taking risk on your investment, you can invest in equity funds. Similarly if you wish to get steady returns on your investment, you can invest in debt funds.
  You can also move your money between equity and debt funds by using an option called switch. Most insurance policies offer a fixed number of free switches in a year, and for additional switches, a small fee is charged.

• Liquidity:

  With Unit Linked Insurance Policies, you also get an option called partial withdrawal+, which allows you to withdraw a part of the money invested in your policy. This option helps you to take care of immediate expenses such as, your child’s 10th, 12th or graduation fees, going on a family vacation, in case of emergencies, and more. Partial withdrawals are usually free of cost.

• Goal based planning:

  ULIPs are structured to help you secure your key goals such as the potential for wealth creation, retirement planning or saving for your child’s education. ULIPs also give you the added benefit of knowing that your premium is working towards securing your future goals.

• Tax benefits:

  Under the Income Tax Act, 1961, you can save tax on your hard earned money by investing in a ULIP. You can get tax advantage at different stages of your life insurance policy.
  Stage 1: Entry Advantage – You receive tax benefits^{^} on your premium payments, under the Sections 80C.
  Stage 2: Exclusive Switching Advantage – You can make completely tax-free^{^} debt-equity switches
  Stage 3: Exit Advantage – You also receive a tax free^{^} Maturity Benefit^# subject to conditions of Section 10(10D)

How to choose the best ULIP

ULIPs are a combination of life insurance and investment instruments. Before opting for a ULIP it is important to keep the following things in mind:

• Know the key features:

  ULIPs offer various features like
  • A life cover²
  • An option to switch funds during the tenure of the policy
  • A top-up option to invest surplus money during the policy tenure
  • Partial withdrawal¹ of funds in times of need

You should check the features offered by each plan and choose one as per your needs.

• Evaluate your goals:

  You may have goals, such as buying a house, starting your own venture, your child’s higher education, and more. Evaluating your goals will help you calculate the amount you will need to achieve them.

• Know the ULIP charges:

  There are various charges like policy administration charges, fund management charges, or more that may be included in your plan depending on the fund you select. It is important for you to understand the different charges you may incur in order to select the right plan.

• Check the tax^{^} benefits:

  Premiums paid are allowed as deduction, up to ₹ 1.5 lakh per annum under Sections 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. You should check the tax benefits^{^} available to you while choosing a ULIP.

How does a ULIP work?

ULIPs are a category of life insurance plans that provide you with the benefit of growth of your money along with a life cover. They do this by investing a part of your premium towards a life cover for you, and the rest in funds of your choice. Most ULIPs give you the option to choose from multiple equity and debt funds. You can also invest in a mix of both types of funds as per your risk appetite. The returns from your plan will depend on the performance of the fund chosen by you.

COMP/DOC/May/2022/45/0164