1. ULIPs offer flexibility:
Flexibility to choose your fund option: Most ULIPs come with a range of equity, debt and balanced fund options to choose from. As a result, you can invest your money as per your risk-appetite and financial needs. ULIPs also give you the opportunity to move your money between different funds in order to help you earn maximum returns.
Flexibility to change your Life Cover: ULIPs give you the flexibility to choose your Sum Assured* at the beginning of your policy. Moreover, some ULIPs allow you to increase your Sum Assured over the term of the plan to suit your protection needs at different stages in your life (E.g. marriage, birth of a child, etc.). *Sum Assured is the fixed minimum amount your nominee receives in your absence.
Flexibility to change your premium amount: ULIPs also allow you to pay a top-up amount, over and above your existing premium. You can use this option to maximize the returns from your investment.
Flexibility to opt for a rider: Riders are optional features you can choose to customise your ULIPs and get additional protection. One of the commonly offered rider is the Unit Linked accident and disability benefit rider. It increases the Life Cover amount that the family receives in case of an accidental death. It also ensures that your Life Cover continues in case of disability caused by an accident. ^Life Assured is the person for whom the life/health insurance policy has been issued.
2. ULIPs offer transparency
The working of charges in ULIPs is transparent and enables you to take informed decisions with the help of the following features:
Benefit illustration: As a customer, it is your right to ask for a sales benefit illustration. It will help you understand the usage of the premiums and the charges deducted during the policy term. It also gives information on the possible growth on the basis of the chosen Sum Assured* and premium. *Sum Assured is the fixed minimum amount your nominee receives in your absence.
Product Brochures and key feature documents: While benefit illustrations play a significant role in explaining the measurable aspects of ULIPs, it is important for you to understand other features and benefits offered by ULIPs. You can go through the product brochure to understand your policy benefits in detail. Once your policy is issued, you will get a key feature document summarizing the key features of the plan. This, along with the product brochure ensures complete understanding of the plan that you have purchased.
Free-look period: Life insurance plans including ULIPs come with a free-look period. This is a 15-day window, during which you can return the policy if you are not satisfied with it. You will be paid back the entire premium after deducting applicable charges as listed in the policy.
Net Asset Value (NAV): It is important to monitor the performance of your policy on a regular basis. To help you do this the company publishes daily NAV updates. NAV is the price at which the units of a fund are purchased. Increase and decrease in the NAV price gives you an indication of the performance of your funds. You can use these updates from our website www.iciciprulife.com to compare fund performances and take informed decisions.
3. ULIPs encourage goal-based savings
You need to save to fulfil your important life goals like buying a home, providing for your children’s higher education or ensuring a comfortable retirement. ULIPs, which are long-term systematic investment options, are one of the most practical ways to do so.
Designed to address key financial goals, ULIPs help you invest your money in a disciplined manner. In the absence of such an approach, there is a risk of your long-term goals being compromised to fulfil short-term needs.
4. ULIPs offer tax benefits
ULIPs are efficient tax saving instruments which offer unmatched tax benefits during all stages of your policy:
Stage 1: Entry Advantage – You receive tax benefits* on your premium payments, under Section 80C and Section 80D
Stage 2: Earnings Advantage – The growth on your money is not taxable*
Stage 3: Exclusive Switching Advantage – You can make completely tax-free* debt-equity Switches**
Stage 4 Exit Advantage – You also receive a tax free* Maturity Benefit# under Section 10 (10D)