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A ULIP (Unit Linked Insurance Plan) is a dual-purpose financial product that provides life insurance protection along with market-linked investments. The premiums you pay are divided between providing life cover and investing in various fund options, such as equity, debt, or balanced funds.
The beauty of a ULIP insurance plan lies in its flexibility. You can switch funds based on market performance or changing goals. Whether you want to build a retirement corpus or create wealth for your child’s education, ULIPs can help. Most plans also offer tax benefits under Section 80C and Section 10(10D).
These are ideal for long-term investors who want both protection and growth. With the ability to track fund performance and adjust your portfolio, ULIP investments provide more control than traditional insurance plans.
● Ideal for goal-based financial planning like retirement or a child’s education
● Transparent structure with regular fund performance updates
● Option to make partial withdrawals after the lock-in period
When selecting the best ULIP plan for investment, it’s crucial to compare various aspects such as funds, charges, tenure, and performance. Below is a helpful breakdown:
| Comparison Criteria | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Financial Objectives
|
Match the ULIP’s long-term potential with your goals (retirement, child’s future). |
| Risk Appetite
|
Choose equity (high risk), debt (low risk), or balanced funds accordingly |
| Fund Options
|
Look for a range of funds (equity, debt, hybrid) for portfolio diversification. |
| Charges & Fees
|
Compare fund management, premium allocation, and administration charges. |
| Lock-in Period
|
Ensure you’re comfortable with the 5-year lock-in and your liquidity needs. |
| Fund Performance
|
Review past performance of available funds to assess consistency in returns. |
| Tax Benefits
|
Verify Section 80C and 10(10D)* benefits for tax savings. |
| Policy Transparency
|
Read policy documents to understand terms, benefits, and exclusions. |
Looking for the best ULIP in India? Explore our top-performing ULIP plans that balance returns, protection, and flexibility, tailored for various life goals.
Go to the ULIP plans section on the ABCD website or open the ABCD app on your phone.
Browse different plans and compare them based on fund options, charges, features, and return potential.
Estimate your future returns by entering your premium amount, policy term, and investment strategy into the ULIP calculator.
Enter basic personal information, select sum assured and tenure, then upload KYC documents for verification.
Complete the online payment securely. Your ULIP policy will be issued instantly with 24x7 access to fund performance, switches, and policy details through the ABCD app.
Before you start investing in ULIPs, ensure you qualify and have the necessary documents.
Pick a plan that fits your needs
Share the required personal details
Select sum assured, riders, payment cycle, etc.
Go through the coverage and exclusions
Complete payment and submit documents
Go through the coverage and exclusions
Complete payment and submit documents
As per the Income Tax Act, 1961
How to claim
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ULIPs are not a one-size-fits-all product. They’re designed for individuals with specific financial goals, investment discipline, and a long-term mindset. Their flexibility in fund choices and premium redirection further enhances suitability across different life stages and income groups. Here's who can benefit the most from investing in ULIPs:
ULIPs are ideal for salaried individuals who seek tax benefits and want to build a retirement or emergency corpus.
HNIs can use ULIPs for diversified, tax-efficient wealth building over time, especially due to fund switching and market-linked returns.
Parents can plan long-term educational goals or a financial cushion for their children through disciplined ULIP investments.
Those new to financial products can benefit from the dual advantage of insurance and investment with controlled risk.
Before choosing a ULIP insurance plan, it’s essential to do a thorough evaluation of your financial goals, risk profile, and investment horizon. Here's a detailed breakdown of the main factors you should consider before investing in a ULIP:
ULIPs are best suited for long-term financial goals spanning 10–15 years to truly benefit from compounding and market growth.
Your comfort with equity or debt investments will determine the right fund mix—choose based on your ability to handle volatility.
Align your ULIP investment with specific goals like retirement planning, buying a house, or funding your child’s higher education.
Evaluate premium allocation charges, fund management fees, mortality charges, and administrative fees that impact net returns.
Check the past performance of available funds and assess if the ULIP allows sufficient flexibility to switch or redirect investments.
Get tax deductions up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C and tax-free maturity under Section 10(10D), subject to prevailing conditions.
Invest in equity, debt, or hybrid funds to grow your money over time based on your risk profile and market trends.
ULIPs offer life insurance coverage to ensure your family's financial safety in your absence.
You can choose your premium amount, fund allocation, and switch between funds based on your goals.
Partial withdrawals are allowed after the 5-year lock-in, offering flexibility for urgent financial needs.
Yes, ULIP investments carry certain risks as they are market-linked instruments. Your investment returns in ULIPs will largely depend on the performance of the funds chosen, be it equity, debt, or balanced options. Here are some of the key risks involved—and how you can mitigate them:
Fund value may fluctuate with market movements, especially if you invest in high-risk equity funds.
Unlike PPFs or FDs, ULIPs don’t guarantee returns. Growth depends entirely on how well the underlying assets perform.
A mandatory 5-year lock-in means no partial withdrawals or fund access in the short term.
Invest in balanced or debt funds for stability, review fund performance regularly, and avoid exiting early for better outcomes.
One of the key attractions of ULIP plans is their tax efficiency. ULIPs offer tax benefits both at the time of investment and at maturity—making them one of the few financial instruments that provide an Exempt-Exempt-Exempt (EEE) benefit. Here’s how you benefit:
You can claim a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh on your annual premium paid towards the ULIP plan.
Subject to conditions, the final payout you receive on maturity is completely tax-exempt.
By investing consistently over the long term, you not only save taxes annually but also grow your wealth without future tax liabilities.
Investing ₹1 lakh annually for 10 years can reduce your taxable income each year and the maturity corpus will be tax-free if conditions are met.
Flexibility is one of the biggest strengths of a ULIP policy. It allows policyholders to actively manage their investment based on evolving financial goals, market movements, or life events. Let’s look at how ULIPs offer flexibility:
You can switch between equity, debt, or hybrid funds based on market conditions or your financial goals—often without additional charges.
You can redirect future premium payments into different funds without changing your existing investment or policy structure.
After the 5-year lock-in period, you can withdraw money for emergencies or important life events without disrupting your entire plan.
ULIPs are versatile products with multiple variations that can suit different investors. Broadly, they can be categorised based on the type of death benefit and the type of investment fund. Here are the major ULIP categories:
Pay either the fund value or sum assured, whichever is higher to the nominee in case of policyholder’s death.
Pay both the fund value and sum assured to the nominee, making it more beneficial in terms of death benefits.
Suitable for aggressive investors seeking high returns.
It invests in low-risk, easily redeemable assets.
Ideal for conservative investors focused on capital preservation.
Offer a mix of equity and debt for moderate risk and stable growth.
A ULIP calculator is a useful tool that helps you estimate your potential returns before investing in a ULIP plan. Here's how you can use it effectively:
Start by entering the ULIP premium amount you plan to invest annually. This premium will be split between investment and life cover.
Select an estimated rate of return based on your preferred fund type—equity, debt, or balanced. Equity funds may offer higher returns but carry more risk, while debt funds are more stable.
Next, choose how long you wish to stay invested and the life insurance cover you want under the ULIP.
The calculator will display the projected maturity value of your ULIP and the internal rate of return (IRR).
You can now compare different ULIP plans to choose one that aligns with your financial goals and risk appetite.


ULIP, or 'Unit Linked Insurance Plan' is a market-linked insurance plan that offers both life insurance and investment opportunities. A part of the premium is used to pay a lump sum of money to your beneficiaries in case of your untimely demise during the term of the policy, and the remaining part of the premium is invested in a variety of funds, such as equity funds, debt funds, or a combination of both. You will receive the fund value when the policy matures.
ULIP returns are calculated based on the Net Asset Value (NAV) of the underlying fund and the number of units allocated to your policy. When you pay a premium, a portion goes toward life cover, and the rest is invested in equity, debt, or hybrid funds. Over time, the fund's performance determines the NAV.
The value of your investment at any point is: ULIP Value = Number of Units × NAV
Charges such as fund management fees, mortality charges, and policy administration fees are deducted periodically, which can affect the overall return. ULIP calculators use your inputs like premium, tenure, fund type, and expected return to estimate the maturity amount.
ULIPs and FDs serve different purposes. ULIPs offer market-linked returns with life insurance cover, making them suitable for long-term wealth creation and protection. Fixed Deposits (FDs), on the other hand, provide guaranteed returns with low risk but do not offer insurance benefits or market growth potential. If you’re looking for tax-saving, higher potential returns, and long-term investment, ULIPs may be better. But if safety, liquidity, and stable returns are your priority, FDs could be more appropriate. Your choice depends on your financial goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon.
Yes, ULIPs offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, allowing deductions up to ₹1.5 lakh on the premium paid. Additionally, the maturity proceeds are tax-free under Section 10(10D), provided the annual premium does not exceed ₹2.5 lakh (as per latest tax rules).
However, if the premium crosses this limit, the maturity amount may be taxable as capital gains. ULIPs also offer tax-free fund switches between equity and debt options. Always check current tax rules or consult a financial advisor before investing to understand the full scope of benefits.
Here’s a complete picture of how a ULIP works:
1. Premium payment: The policyholder pays a regular premium to the ULIP plan.
2. Fund allocation: A portion of the premium is allocated towards life insurance coverage, and the rest is invested in funds of the policyholder's choice, such as equity, debt, or a mix of both.
3. Fund performance: The performance of the funds depends on market conditions and the underlying assets.
4. Charges: ULIPs have charges such as premium allocation charges, mortality charges, fund management charges, and surrender charges.
5. Life insurance coverage: ULIPs offer life insurance coverage, providing financial security to the policyholder's family in case of their death.
6. Investment options: ULIPs offer various investment options, such as equity funds, debt funds, balanced funds, and others. The policyholder can choose the type of fund based on their risk appetite and financial goals.
7. Flexibility: Policyholders can choose the type of funds they want to invest in based on their risk appetite and financial goals. Additionally, policyholders can switch between funds according to market conditions or their financial objectives.
8. Lock-in period: ULIPs have a lock-in period of five years, which means the policyholder cannot withdraw the funds before the end of the lock-in period.
9. Partial withdrawals: Policyholders can make partial withdrawals after the completion of the lock-in period to meet any financial emergencies.
Like any other insurance plan, purchasing a ULIP comes with a few charges. They are as follows:
• Premium allocation charges: A one-time charge deducted from the premium to cover policy issuance and administration costs.
• Mortality charges: The cost of life insurance coverage deducted from the premium based on the policyholder's age, health, and life expectancy.
• Fund management charges: The cost of managing the funds invested in the ULIP plan is deducted from the fund value as a percentage of the total assets under management.
• Policy administration charges: The cost of administering the policy is deducted from the premium.
• Surrender charges: A deduction from the fund value if the policyholder surrenders the ULIP plan before the end of the lock-in period. Surrender charges are typically high in the initial years of the policy and reduce over time.
• Switching charges: A charge levied when the policyholder switches between funds.
Aditya Birla Capital (ABSLI) currently offers nine ULIPs:
• ABSLI Fortune Wealth Plan: 2 plan options with Guaranteed Additions. 5 investment options and a choice of 18 funds
• ABSLI Platinum Gain Plan: 3 premium bands + flexibility to pick from 5 different investment strategies and 18 fund options. Wealth Boosters + Loyalty Additions
• ABSLI Smart Growth Plan: 5 investment strategies and 16 funds + Flexibility for fund switching + Wealth boosters and loyalty additions + Return of mortality charges at maturity
• ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan: 2 plans and 4 investment options + Flexibility for partial withdrawals + Guaranteed additions + Flexibility to add top-ups
• ABSLI Wealth Secure Plan: 3 investment options + Guaranteed additions + Flexibility to add top-ups + Surrender Benefits
• ABSLI Wealth Assure Plus: 5 investment strategies and 16 funds + Premium waiver on critical illness + Guaranteed additions + Custom benefits with riders
• ABSLI Fortune Elite Plan: Flexible premium paying terms + Partial withdrawal benefits + Guaranteed additions + Maturity benefits
• ABSLI Wealth Max Plan: Invest once and get benefits for the full policy term + Guaranteed additions + Top-up options + 16 funds under the self-managed option
• ABSLI Wealth Infinia: Return of mortality and premium allocation charges + Systematic withdrawal facility + Wealth boosters and loyalty additions + 5 investment strategies and 16 funds
ULIP is a great investment option for someone looking for protection and wealth creation in one plan. Here are some of its most popular features and benefits:
• Dual benefits: ULIPs offer both life insurance coverage and investment opportunities. This means that you can get financial protection for your loved ones and grow your wealth at the same time.
• Flexibility: ULIPs offer flexible investment options. You can choose the type of funds to invest in based on your risk appetite and financial goals. You can also switch between funds as needed.
• Wealth creation: ULIPs have the potential to provide higher returns than traditional insurance products due to their investment component. This makes them a good option for individuals who want to grow their wealth in the long term.
• Transparency: ULIPs offer transparency in terms of their investment performance, charges, and fees. This helps you make informed investment decisions.
• Financial discipline: ULIPs encourage financial discipline as you need to pay regular premiums towards the policy. This can help you develop the habit of saving and investing.
• Tax benefits*: ULIPs offer tax benefits* under the Income Tax Act of India. You can get a tax deduction on the premiums you pay, and the maturity or death benefit you receive is also tax-free.
Yes, partial withdrawal is generally allowed in ULIPs after the completion of the lock-in period, which is typically five years. You can withdraw a portion of the accumulated fund value while keeping the policy active. The specific rules, limits, and conditions for partial withdrawals may vary depending on the plan and the terms of the policy.
It's important to note that partial withdrawals can impact the future growth of the investment and the overall policy value. Additionally, there may be a minimum and maximum limit on the amount that can be withdrawn, and some ULIPs may impose charges or fees for partial withdrawals. You should carefully review the terms and conditions of your ULIP policy and consult with the insurance provider or advisor before making a partial withdrawal to ensure you understand the implications and available options.
In ULIPs, fund switching is a feature that allows you to reallocate your investments among different available funds according to your changing financial goals and risk tolerance. To initiate a fund switch, you simply need to inform your insurance provider or access the policy's online portal. You can choose the specific funds to which you want to transfer your investments, and the provider will facilitate the switch. This flexibility enables you to adapt your ULIP portfolio to match evolving market conditions and your investment preferences over time, helping you make the most of your investment in alignment with your financial objectives.
You can make a claim for your ULIP in the following 7 steps:
Step 1 - Gather the required documents: This includes your policy document, death certificate (for the death benefit claim), proof of identity, proof of age, proof of address, and bank account details (for electronic fund transfers).
Step 2 - Contact us: You can reach us by phone, email, through our website, or by visiting a branch office, and inform us if you want to file a claim.
Step 3 - Get the claim forms: We will provide you with the claim forms that you need to fill out. We can either send the physical form via post, or you can download it from our website, or collect it from a branch office.
Step 4 - Complete the claim forms: Be sure to fill out the forms accurately and completely. Include all of the required information, such as your policy number, personal details, etc.
Step 5 - Submit the claim forms and documents: You can submit your claim forms and necessary documents by post, email, through our website, or at a branch office.
Step 6 - Track your claim: Once you submit your claim, you can track its status through our website or by contacting our customer support. Be prepared to provide additional information or documents if requested.
Step 7 - Receive your benefits: Once your claim is approved, your payout will be processed according to your chosen option.
ULIP riders are additional benefits that can be added to the base ULIP for a nominal additional cost. Some common ULIP riders are:
• ABSLI Accidental Death Benefit Rider Plus: Provides 100% of the rider sum assured as an additional lump sum amount in case of death due to an accident of life insured.
• ABSLI Waiver of Premium Rider: Waives off all future premiums of the base plan and the attached riders throughout the rest of the premium payment in case of a diagnosis of 4 specified major illnesses, disability, or death.
For further details regarding the above-mentioned riders, please refer to the respective rider brochure(s) available on our website.
ULIPs are best suited for investors with a medium- to high-risk appetite and a long investment horizon. This is because ULIPs invest a portion of the premium in equity funds, which have the potential to generate higher returns over the long term. However, equity funds are also more volatile than debt funds, so investors should be comfortable with risk before investing in a ULIP.
ULIPs are also a good option for investors who are looking for both insurance and investment. ULIPs offer life insurance coverage, which can protect your loved ones financially in case of your untimely demise. Additionally, ULIPs offer tax benefits* under the Income Tax Act of India.
To maximise ULIP returns, policyholders should choose a balanced portfolio of funds that includes both equity and debt funds. Additionally, regular monitoring of the portfolio and diversification can help maximise returns from ULIPs in India.
Even though ULIP returns are subject to tax based on the policyholder's income tax slab, the maturity or death benefit received under the ULIP is tax-free under Section 10(10D)** of the Income Tax Act.
Yes. According to Section 80(C) of the Income Tax Act 1961, you can get tax deductions for premiums paid on ULIP plans, with a limit of either the actual paid amount or ₹1.5 lakh, whichever is lower. Additionally, if you've included a critical illness rider, you can also claim deductions under Section 80(D).
Yes, if the premium that you pay towards ULIPS exceeds ₹ 2.5 lakh, then the returns that you get will be taxed. The rate of tax will depend on your ULIP composition.
Yes, you can choose to cancel your ULIP within the five-year lock-in period.
SIPs and ULIPs differ significantly. SIPs don’t give you life coverage, whereas ULIPs provide it. Similar to mutual funds, ULIPs allocate a portion of your investments to various funds, aiming for higher returns. The remaining premium serves as life insurance coverage.
Some of the most common myths around ULIP are as follows
- ULIPs are costly
- ULIPs are risky
- ULIPs are not flexible
- ULIPs give low returns
- Your life cover could be reduced in ULIPs
Aditya Birla Capital offers IRDAI-approved ULIP plans. Features, returns, and tax benefits vary by policy. This content is educational, not financial advice. Read policy documents carefully. Tax benefits under Sections 80C and 10(10D) depend on prevailing laws; consult a tax advisor. ABCD is not liable for decisions based on this information. Visit https://www.adityabirlacapital.com/ for details.