A Unit-Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) comes with the dual benefit of insurance and investment, in which risks in the investment portfolio are borne by the policyholder. While one part of a ULIP plan’s premium offers life insurance cover, the rest offers the investment benefit. The best ULIP plan has both insurance and investment components that help you create a lump sum and support your goals financially....Read More
With Max Life Investment Plans
Written by
Reviewed by
Unit linked insurance plans (ULIPs) offer the double benefit of investment and life insurance. The premium paid for ULIP is severed into 2 parts. One part is predetermined for your life cover, and the remaining is invested in the fund of your choice.
In other words, investing in one of the best ULIPs provides a flexible approach to investment planning. ULIPs help you safely balance your fund with equity and debt components, with options to switch as the market changes. At the same time, a Unit linked insurance plan protects your investments and life goals while offering financial coverage.
High Growth Fund
(SFIN: ULIF01311/02/08LIFEHIGHGR104)
Investment Group: Equity
Risk Profile | Very High'
Fund 5 year Returns
13.62%
Benchmark 5 year Returns
9.39%
Nature of Fund
An open-ended equity multi-cap fund focussing on midcaps.
Investment Strategy
This multi-cap fund focuses on mid-cap equities; meaning it invests in companies with long-term high growth potential in terms of capital value assets. At least 70% of the Fund corpus is invested in equities, with the rest invested in government securities, corporate bonds and money market instruments. Hence, the risk involved is relatively higher.
Secure Plus Fund
(SFIN: ULIF01628/04/09LIFESECPLS104
Investment Group: Debt
Risk Profile | Low
Fund 5 year Returns
7.38%
Benchmark 5 year Returns
7.85%
Nature of Fund
An open-ended debt fund allowing investments for preferred duration, with the preference for government securities.
Investment Strategy
Through Systematic Transfer Plan (STP), Lifecycle Based Portfolio and Trigger Based Portfolio strategies, this Fund is designed to help investors protect their investment with a higher proportion of sovereign papers by the Government of India’s implicit guarantee for repayment of principal and interest. This Fund invests in debt instruments such as Government Securities, Corporate Bonds, Money Market Instruments etc. authorised by IRDAI for investment. The Government of India/ State Governments, Corporate and banks primarily issue it. No investment is made in equities.
Growth Super Fund
(SFIN: ULIF01108/02/07LIFEGRWSUP104)
Investment Group: Equity
Risk Profile | High
Fund 5 year Returns
10.96%
Benchmark 5 year Returns
10.96%
Nature of Fund
An open-ended equity fund focussing on large caps.
Investment Strategy
It is primarily an equity-oriented fund. At least 70% of the fund corpus is always invested in equities. The rest is invested in debt instruments in government, corporate and money market papers.
Growth Fund
(SFIN: ULIF00125/06/04LIFEGROWTH104)
Investment Group: Equity
Risk Profile | High
Fund 5 year Returns
8.47%
Benchmark 5 year Returns
9.71%
Nature of Fund
An open-ended hybrid fund with the equity portion focused on large caps.
Investment Strategy
This fund offers investments across multiple asset classes including Equities, Government Securities, Corporate Bonds and Money Market Instruments. The portfolio will contain a minimum of 20% with an upper limit of 70% invested in stocks. Remaining assets are allocated to debt instruments from Government, corporate and financial instruments.
Balanced Fund
(SFIN: ULIF00225/06/04LIFEBALANC104)
Investment Group: Balanced
Risk Profile | Medium
Fund 5 year Returns
7.90%
Benchmark 5 year Returns
9.13%
Nature of Fund
An open-ended hybrid fund investing in a mixture of debt instruments and equities.
Investment Strategy
This fund invests primarily in debt instruments, including Government Securities, Corporate Bonds, Money Market Instruments etc. Government of India/ State Governments and to some extent in Corporate Bonds and Money Market Instruments issue it. Up to 40% of its corpus can also be placed into equities, with a minimum requirement of 10% and up to a maximum of 40%.
Conservative Fund
(SFIN: ULIF00325/06/04LIFECONSER104)
Investment Group: Debt
Risk Profile | Low
Fund 5 year Returns
7.22%
Benchmark 5 year Returns
8.32%
Nature of Fund
An open-ended hybrid fund investing predominantly in debt instruments.
Investment Strategy
Conservative Fund invests primarily in debt instruments including Government Securities, Corporate Bonds, Money Market Instruments etc. The Government of India/ State Governments and to some extent in Corporate Bonds and Money Market Instruments issue it. The Fund corpus invested is up to 15% in equities.
Secure Fund
(SFIN: ULIF00425/06/04LIFESECURE104)
Investment Group: Debt
Risk Profile | Low
Fund 5 year Returns
6.82%
Benchmark 5 year Returns
7.83%
Nature of Fund
An open-ended debt fund that invests across duration.
Investment Strategy
This fund invests in debt instruments including Government Securities, Corporate Bonds, Money Market Instruments etc. authorised by IRDAI. The Government of India/ State Governments, Corporate and banks issues it. No investment is made in equities.
Diversified Equity Fund
(SFIN: ULIF02201/01/20LIFEDIVEQF104)
Investment Group: Equity
Risk Profile | High
New Fund
Nature of Fund
An open-ended equity multi-cap fund focussing on large and mid-caps.
Investment Strategy
The purpose of this fund is to invest at least 70% in equities across the entire market capitalisation range, primarily targeting large and mid-cap stocks from various companies to provide investors with long-term growth opportunities while preserving investment liquidity.
Money Market Fund II
(SFIN:ULIF02301/01/20LIFEMONMK2104)
Investment Group: Debt
Risk Profile | Low
New Fund
Nature of Fund
An open-ended liquid fund that invests only in money market instruments.
Investment Strategy
The purpose of the fund is to deliver returns linked to Money Market levels through a portfolio with minimal interest rate and credit risk to provide a high level of safety of capital.
Dynamic Bond Fund
(SFIN: ULIF02401/01/20LIFEDYNBOF104)
Investment Group: Equity
Risk Profile | Low
New Fund
Nature of Fund
An open-ended debt fund that invests for a duration with focus on corporate bonds.
Investment Strategy
The fund generates higher returns by investing in high-quality and safe debt instruments including Government securities, corporate bonds and money market instruments. The aim is to maximise returns by focusing on the portfolio’s safety and liquidity.
Sustainable Equity Fund
(SFIN: ULIF02505/10/21SUSTAINEQU104)
Investment Group: Equity
Risk Profile | High
New Fund
Nature of Fund
An open-ended equity fund investing in companies complying with ESG principles.
Investment Strategy
The fund aims to focus on investing in select companies that operate with social and environmental responsibility while following governance standards.
Pure Growth Fund
(SFIN: ULIF02630/12/22PUREGROWTH104)
Investment Group: Equity
Risk Profile | High
New Fund
Nature of Fund
Investments in this fund will specifically exclude companies dealing in Banking, Alcohol, Tobacco products, etc. (For details, please refer to the Sales Literature).
Investment Strategy
The fund provides medium- to long-term returns to the investors by actively managing portfolio through investment in equities, cash, and money market instruments. The fund will not invest in companies that derive significant share of income from sectors such as Alcoholic beverages, Tobacco and tobacco products, certain animal produce, Gambling, Banking & Financial Services, and Entertainment (cinema, TV, etc.).
Note: Returns are 5-year Compounded Annualised Growth Rate (CAGR). Past performance is not indicative of future performance. The Star rating is the Overall Rating. Rating and returns are as on 30th April ,2023.
The Above mentioned Fund returns are after deduction of Fund Management Charges (FMC).
In unit-linked insurance plans, the policyholder bears risks associated with the investment portfolio. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. The linked insurance products do not offer any liquidity during the first five years of the contract. The policyholder cannot surrender/ withdraw linked insurance products’ investment amount completely or partially for five years. Returns are 5-year Compounded Annualised Growth Rate (CAGR). Rating and returns are as on 30th April 2023.
© 2020 Morningstar. All Rights Reserved. The information, data, analyses and opinions (“Information”) contained herein: (1) include the proprietary information of Morningstar and its content providers; (2) may not be copied or redistributed except as specifically authorised; (3) do not constitute investment advice; (4) are provided solely for informational purposes; (5) are not warranted to be complete, accurate or timely; and (6) may be drawn from fund data published on various dates. Morningstar is not responsible for any trading decisions, damages or other losses related to the information or its use. Please verify all of the Information before using it and don’t make any investment decision except upon the advice of a professional financial adviser. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The value and income derived from investments may go down or up.
The ‘Morningstar Overall Rating’ is a quantitative assessment of a fund’s past performance — both return and risk — as measured from one to five stars, with one (1) being the lowest and five (5) being the best as on 10th November 2022.
Under a unit linked insurance plan (ULIP), the investment risk in the portfolio is borne by you (as a policyholder.) The primary purpose of buying the best ULIP is to secure your loved ones financially against any unforeseen events.
Buying the best unit linked insurance plan or ULIP in India is a viable strategy to grow your savings through market-linked funds while creating a financial backup for your family. Investing in a ULIP is beneficial if you want:
Investing in the best ULIP plans for the long term can be a smart decision for you because of the following factors:
A unit linked insurance plan or ULIP is suitable for all salaried and self-employed individuals with dependents who seek a long-term insurance plan that offers the combined benefit of wealth creation and life insurance under a single policy.
You can invest in the best ULIP plan in India to secure your retirement, children’s higher education, or any other financial goals. Furthermore, though ULIPs are market-linked insurance plans, you can purchase a ULIP plan even if you are not much savvy with the equity market and wish to avail of long-term capital appreciation on your money.
Types of ULIPs
Investing in the best unit linked insurance plan or ULIP allows you to accumulate wealth in a personalised manner, wherein you can maximise your savings as per your financial disposition and risk appetite to support different life goals. Different types of ULIP plans that may cater for your financial needs include:
Purchasing the best ULIP plan for wealth creation helps you accumulate the desired wealth within a specific period basis market returns. ULIPs for wealth creation are suitable for you if you wish to contribute a portion of their earnings towards ensuring long-term financial stability.
Here are a few things that you must keep in mind while choosing the best unit linked insurance plan (ULIP) in India:
The best ULIP gives you the option to invest in various debt and equity funds. Equities help provide high growth potential returns for the long-term basis market returns. The debt options offer higher protection to your wealth against market changes. You must choose a ULIP as per your goals and risk tolerance.
The best ULIPs are designed to help you meet your long-term financial goals, such as your children's higher education or your retirement. Furthermore, the best ULIP also provides a financial safety net for your family in case something happens to you. Thus, you must select the right life insurance coverage amount to secure your loved ones against financial instability in your absence.
Given the fact that the best unit linked insurance plans (ULIPs) help in wealth creation, it is prudent that you remain invested in ULIP policies for an extended period. A ULIP has a lock-in period of 5 years, and you can make partial withdrawals by surrendering or cancelling the policy after that. Also, investing in the best ULIP for a long term can help you maximise your wealth through compounded returns.
The best ULIP in India enables you to avail of significant tax savings as per the various sections of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Here are the tax exemption benefits that are available under a ULIP:
The primary purpose of the best unit linked insurance plan or ULIP is to help you avail of maximal wealth appreciation on your ULIP investment through different market-linked instruments and returns. At the same time, the ULIP provides comprehensive life insurance coverage benefits to you and your loved ones throughout the policy tenure.
You can switch between the available equity and debt fund options under your unit linked insurance plan or ULIP at any time during the Policy Term. You can make up to a fixed number of switches within a financial year without incurring any additional charges. To know whether your chosen ULIP plan offers free switches, please refer to the policy document.
When you invest in the best ULIP, you may redirect your future premiums between different available funds options at any time. You would have to quote your Policy Number and specify the fund(s) to which you want to redirect the premium. You may also specify the percentage of premium you wish to allocate to each fund.
All ULIPs have an initial lock-in period of 5 years. You can make a fixed number of partial withdrawals from the accumulated fund value without incurring any additional charges after the completion of the lock-in period.
On maturity of the ULIP policy, you become eligible to avail of an amount equal to the accumulated fund value as a maturity/ survival benefit.
In case of untimely demise at any time within the ULIP policy tenure, your family will receive the ULIP insurance benefit as per the policy terms and conditions.
The best ULIPs help you boost your accumulated wealth through loyalty additions, at the end of each policy year. A specific percentage of the fund value under the ULIP is added to your policy earnings through the creation of additional units. Loyalty Additions are offered under the following plans by Max Life Insurance –
When you invest in the best ULIP, the insurer may also provision wealth boosters along with loyalty additions. In these wealth boosters, an additional percentage of the fund value under the ULIP is added to your accumulated wealth by creating additional units at the end of each policy year. Wealth boosters are offered under the following plans from Max Life Insurance –
Given below are several ways through which you can opt to manage your ULIP funds:
As ULIP offers the dual benefits of life insurance and investment, you can claim a tax exemption (up to INR 1,50,000) applicable for life insurance products under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
If the premium paid towards unit linked insurance plan or ULIPs exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh, then the returns will be taxable. The rate of tax will depend on the ULIP composition.
Here are the various types of ULIP funds you can invest in:
A ULIP calculator is primarily a tool developed to help you determine the maturity amount under a unit linked insurance plan, based on your expected future investment value and returns under the ULIP policy. Online ULIP calculators have different features to estimate the future value of your chosen ULIP plan investments and expected returns, which in turn, helps you compare various ULIP plans. In other words, you can use a ULIP calculator to make rational investment decisions based on a comparative cost-benefit analysis of a ULIP plan. Such ULIP calculators help determine the maturity amount by assuming several factors. Please consult your financial advisor before investing.
Max Life Insurance offers the following unit linked insurance plan or ULIP variants:
Max Life Fast Track Super Plan (A Unit Linked Non-Participating Individual Life Insurance Plan, UIN: 104L082V04 ) is a ULIP that offers a simplistic and safe approach to diversify your investments with multiple fund options. The ULIP helps you:
Max Life Platinum Wealth Plan (A Unit Linked Non Participating Individual Life Insurance Plan, UIN: 104L090V04)
is an ideal ULIP that helps you accumulate and grow your savings so that you achieve your long-term goals quickly. With this offline ULIP, you can maximise your hard-earned money through market-linked returns and additional wealth boosters while protecting your family's future, even in your absence. The Platinum Wealth ULIP helps you:
Max Life Online Savings plan – Variant 1(A Unit Linked Non Participating Individual Life Insurance Plan, UIN: 104L098V05)
provides the dual benefit of lump sum payout for your goals and financial protection during emergencies. The ULIP gives you the flexibility to choose from a wide range of funds to suit your investment style and choice of policy term while simultaneously saving on investment taxes. Max Life Online Savings Plan – Variant 1 offers the following features and benefits:
Max Life Online Savings Plan – Variant 2(A Unit Linked Non Participating Individual Life Insurance Plan, UIN: 104L098V05)
provides a lump sum payout payable immediately on death, followed by regular payouts in the form of Family Income Benefit and the total Fund Value on maturity. Furthermore, all outstanding premiums after the date of death of the Life Insured will be funded by the Company. Max Life Online Savings Plan – Variant 2 offers the following features:
Flexibility to choose Policy Term - from 5 years to 30 years
Max Life Shiksha Plus Super Plan(A Unit-Linked Non-Participating Individual Life Insurance Plan, UIN: 104L084V04)
helps you secure a fund for your child's future education and back their dreams. The ULIP helps provide financial support whenever needed. Max Life Shiksha Plus Super Plan offers the following features and benefits:
Max Life Forever Young Pension Plan (A Unit-Linked Non-Participating Individual Pension Plan, UIN - 104L075V03)
helps you create savings for retirement years while safeguarding you from the equity market’s volatility. You can also get additional annuity plan benefits to safeguard your loved ones against unforeseen events so that you all are covered during those times. Max Life Forever Young Plan offers the following features:
Unit Linked Plans or ULIP serves the primary purpose of wealth appreciation on your ULIP investment via different market-linked instruments and providing life cover. ULIP plan can be bought online is quick and simple steps. Mentioned below is the step-to-step guide to buy ULIP online:
Let us take a closer look at the different ULIP charges offered by Max Life Insurance:
The Premium Allocation Charge is expressed as a percentage of the premium received and is levied against the allocation of variable premium amounts against different fund options.
This is a charge levied as a percentage of the value of assets and shall be appropriated, usually daily, by adjusting the Net Asset Value (NAV) of the Fund. The rate to be levied will be equal to the annual rate, as given above, divided by 365 and multiplied by the number of days that have elapsed since the previous unit valuation date.
This is a charge expressed as a percentage of premiums paid for all variants and is levied at each monthly anniversary by cancelling proportionate units starting from the date of commencement of the policy.
Mortality charge is levied for providing risk cover to the Life Insured during the Policy Term. This charge is unisex and is levied on the attained age of the Life Insured on the Sum at Risk, and these charges are guaranteed for the entire Policy Term.
This charge shall be levied on the Fund Value at the time of Discontinuance of Policy or effecting Complete Withdrawal (Surrender), whichever is earlier.
A maximum of twelve Switches are allowed in any policy year and are free of charge. Switches may be permitted during the settlement period.
A maximum of six Premium Redirections are allowed in each policy year and are free of any charge.
After the first five policy years, a maximum of two partial withdrawals are allowed in a policy year and are free of any charge. No partial withdrawal will be permitted during the period of discontinuance and settlement period.
Here is a summary of the different charges for ULIPs from Max Life Insurance:
| Charges / Plans | Premium Allocation Charge | Fund Management Charge | Policy Administration Charge | Mortality Charges | Surrender / Discontinuance Charge | Switch Charge | Premium Redirection Charge | Partial Withdrawal | Rider Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Life Fast Track Super Plan | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Max Life Platinum Wealth Plan | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Max Life Online Savings plan – Variant 1 | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Max Life Online Savings Plan – Variant 2 | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Max Life Shiksha Plus Super Plan | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
For more details about the applicable ULIP plan charges, you can refer to the individual policy leaflets.
ULIP is a popular investment option in India. However, with such popularity comes a lot of misconceptions. Here are some of the myths surrounding investment in ULIP:
Many believe that ULIPs carry more risk, as they invest in market-linked instruments. Even though market-linked instruments do not guarantee returns because these are affected by market fluctuations, they are not a risky investment if made mindfully.
If risks are one of your greatest concerns, you can also go for minimal-risk instruments.
Debt funds, particularly, are safer as they invest in government securities and government bonds.
Any ULIP that allows you to maximise your savings through regular market-linked investments while offering a robust life insurance cover to you and your family is the best for you. After comparing different ULIP options available and using a ULIP calculator, estimate which ULIP offers the desired investment-cum-insurance benefits.
Investing in a ULIP provides sustainable long-term benefits. Therefore, if you are a salaried or self-employed individual, it is advisable that you invest in a ULIP the moment you start earning an income and choose a policy tenure that extends throughout your working years. This will help you maximise your returns under the ULIP while ensuring that your family members are protected against life's uncertainties at all times.
Both Mutual funds and ULIPs offer market-linked returns on your investment. However, ULIPs offer certain advantages over mutual funds as follows:
With a ULIP, you can avail significant investment returns as per your risk appetite and financial disposition, while protecting your loved ones from the uncertainties of life.
At the same time, a ULIP helps you lower your tax liability, by leveraging tax-saving deductions and exemptions on both premium payable and ULIP maturity/ death benefit.
Almost every ULIP in India offers long-term wealth-creation opportunities. The earlier you invest in a ULIP the better chances you have to maximise your returns during the investment period. ULIPs allow you to protect your loved ones throughout your working years with insurance cover while providing significant returns on your market-linked returns to support your goals and life post-retirement.
You may choose to surrender/ discontinue your ULIP investment. When you choose to cancel your ULIP investment, you may have to pay Surrender/ Discontinuance Charges and forgo a significant portion of your accumulated returns and the life cover benefit will also cease to exist. Thus, cancellation/ discontinuance of your ULIP investment is not advisable.
All ULIPs have an initial lock-in period of 5 years, wherein all ULIP charges are levied on your investment. Once the lock-in period completes, you can choose to make a fixed number of partial withdrawals from your ULIP in a given financial year as per the terms and conditions of the plan.
All ULIPs have an initial lock-in period of 5 years.
Under a ULIP, you can choose from different fund options for investing as per your risk appetite and existing market conditions. The total financial worth of the units owned by you (as the policyholder) is known as the Fund Value. Fund Value can be calculated for a particular day by multiplying the number of units held by you with the Net Asset Value (NAV) of each unit.
There are different charges levied under a ULIP, including Premium Allocation Charges, Fund Management Charges, Policy Administration Charges, Mortality Charges, Surrender/ Discontinuance Charges, Switch Charges, Premium Redirection Charges, and other Miscellaneous Charges.
The fund value or the total financial worth of the units owned by you (as the policyholder) can be calculated by multiplying the number of units held by you with the Net Asset Value (NAV) of each unit. The NAV is subject to daily variations, i.e. it changes daily depending on the existing market conditions.
The NAV or Net Asset Value is essentially the value of your total holdings. The NAV is calculated by adding the holdings under the plan, as on a given day, and deducting all applicable charges.
A ULIP allows you to avail of maximal returns by allocating your investment to different equity and debt instruments whose values are subject to market changes.
However, the risk associated with ULIP investment is significantly lowered because you have the flexibility to switch between aggressive and more conservative fund options available under the ULIP, depending upon your risk tolerance and market conditions. This way, you can take steps to minimise your risk and protect your investments from market volatility.
AUM or Asset Under Management is described as the total market value of investments or assets managed by the life insurance company on behalf of its investors. AUM represents the overall market value of a particular fund option – combining the value of the asset and capital.
Returns are not guaranteed in ULIP as the investments depend on market fluctuations. However, you can maintain investment safety by choosing debt funds. Additionally, risk can also be adjusted by staying invested in the long run.
The premium you pay is allocated towards life cover and investment. After investing in a life cover, the remaining premium is used to make investments in funds. This investment is made according to your choice. Once you decide these funds, the fund manager invests the amount in the best market options available under chosen fund type.
Most insurance providers allow you to track your ULIP fund performance through their online portal. However, you can also calculate the fund value using a ULIP calculator. The same can be calculated manually by multiplying the NAV of the fund with the number of units held.
The major difference between ULIP and traditional plans is that ULIP is more than just an insurance product. ULIP is also an investment instrument. No other life insurance plan invests the premium in market-linked instruments.
Additionally, ULIPs have a shorter lock-in period, whereas other plans have a lock-in period till maturity.
According to the latest guidelines, the maturity amount due to the subscriber would be tax-free – given the aggregate annual premium is less than INR 2.5 lakh a year. Capital gains tax would be applicable if the premium is above INR 2.5 lakh.
ARN NO: PCP/UP/010623
“There was a time when I felt uncomfortable the moment anyone discussed stock markets and mutual funds. I am still not sure how they work. However, a friend of mine had invested in Max Life ULIP plans, and he encouraged me to explore the same. I am glad that I took his advice seriously. Max Life ULIP is one of the best investment plans in the market with complete flexibility to invest in debt and equity funds as and when required.”
Mr. Shinde
“Dear Max Team, My policy no. is XXXXXXXXX, Siddhant suggest me a ulip plan. Wonderful experience with one of the best ulip plan from max life.”
Ramiz Khalif
“It's been a wonderful experience with max life for advising ulip best plan. Also special thanks to Mr. Deepak Raiswal, for being supportive in fullfilling any requirements related to policy.”
Hina Kalra
4.3
Was the Information Helpful?
Very Good
ULIP full form is Unit Linked Insurance Plan, which is a multi-faceted life insurance product…
Read More
A Unit-Linked Insurance Plan is the right choice of investment for several reasons. People who are…
Read More
ULIPs give you the dual benefit of saving for various life stage goals along with an insurance…
Read More
Save tax up to Rs. 46,800##
Life cover
We would like to hear from you
Let us know about your experience or any feedback that might help us serve you better in future.
Do you have any thoughts you’d like to share?