Introduction to ULIPs⁺

A Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) is a unique investment instrument with the added protection of life insurance. Through systematic investments and market-linked returns, ULIPs allow you to create wealth for your long-term goals like your dream house, your child's education, your retirement and more. At the same time, it also ensures that your goals are achieved even in case of an unforeseen event, through a life cover.

ULIPs enable you to place your money in various equity or debt funds, as per your risk appetite. While the premiums you pay are deductible from your taxable income under Section 80C, the returns are also tax-free under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Thus, ULIPs are a triple bonanza of monetary security for your family, capital appreciation, and tax savings.

Here’s a clear understanding of how ULIPs work to help you get more value and the above-mentioned benefits.

How ULIPs Work

• To venture into the capital market with ULIPs, you have to pay a premium based on your chosen life coverage
• You can select the premium payment frequency as monthly, half-yearly, or yearly basis your convenience and opt between an upfront, lump-sum payment, and recurring payments on an annual, half-yearly, quarterly, or monthly basis
• One part of your premium goes towards providing you a life cover
• The other larger part of your premium is invested in the stock market via equity, debt, or hybrid funds based on your preferences
• Equities place your money into stocks. Debt funds channel your capital into bonds, government securities, and other low-risk investment tools. Hybrid funds balance the risky yet high return-potential of equities with the stability of debt funds
• The money invested in these funds defines the value of your policy. The longer you stay invested, the better your chances of getting higher returns
• In case of an unfortunate incident during the policy tenure, your nominee will receive the sum assured to fulfill their dreams

Features of Unit Linked Insurance Plans

Investment allocation

ULIPs let you select investment channels according to your risk appetite. You can choose to be aggressive with equities, decide to stay conservative with debt funds, or enjoy the best of both asset classes with balanced funds. You can also direct your future premiums towards the funds of your choice.

Fund switch

If the performance of your selected funds fails to satisfy, or you foresee a change in market conditions, you can switch from one fund type to another. Thus, you can ride out market fluctuations by diverting your investments into debt funds during slowdowns and change back to equities during upswings. All this is available within the same plan, at any time, without any additional costs or charges.

Partial withdrawal

In case of an emergency, you can partially withdraw money from your funds after the five- year lock-in period. The number of withdrawals permitted and the cap on withdrawn amounts depend on the insurance providers.

Top-ups

You can invest a surplus amount over and above your base premium to buy additional units and generate higher revenues.

Many new-age policies like ICICI Pru LifeTime Classic^* offer you these features. Invest today in the right financial plan to achieve your future goals.

Conclusion

With a clear idea of how ULIPs work, you can now make a more informed decision towards this investment avenue. It is beneficial to stay invested for a longer duration. The effect of market volatilities are compensated in the long term. With time, higher percentages of your premiums go into the investment funds, empowering you to achieve all your future goals.