A Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) is a product offered by insurance companies that unlike a pure insurance policy gives investors the benefits of both insurance and investment under a single integrated plan. Unit Linked Plans refer to Unit Linked Insurance Plans offered by insurance companies. These plans allow investors to direct part of their premiums into different types of funds (Equity, Debt, Money market, Hybrid etc.)

History :-

The first ULIP was launched in India in 1971 by Unit Trust of India (UTI) with the Government of India opening up the insurance sector to foreign investors in 2001 and the subsequent issue of major guidelines for ULIPs by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) in 2005, several insurance companies forayed into the ULIP business leading to an over abundance of ULIP schemes being launched to serve the investment needs of those looking to invest in an investment cum insurance product.

Working Principle :-

 A ULIP is basically a combination of insurance as well as investment. A part of the premium paid is utilized to provide insurance cover to the policy holder while the remaining portion is invested in various equity & debt schemes. The money collected by the insurance provider is utilized to form a pool of fund that is used to invest in various markets 

instruments  (debt & equity) in varying proportions just the way it it done for mutual funds. Policy holders have the option of selecting the type of funds or a mix of both ( debt and equity) based on their investment need and appetite. Just the way it is for mutual funds, ULIP policy holders are also allotted units and each unit has a net asset value (NAV) that is declared on a daily basis. The NAV is the value  based on which the net rate of returns on ULIPs are determined. The NAV varies from one ULIP to another based on market conditions and the funds performance.

Features :-

ULIP policy holders can make use of features such as top-up facilities, switching between various funds during the tenure of the policy, reduce or increase the level of protection, options to surrender, additional riders to enhance coverage and returns as well as tax benefits.

Types :-

There are variety of ULIP plans to choose from based on the investment objectives of the investor, his risk appetite as well as the investment horizon. Some ULIPs play it safe by allocating a larger portion of the invested capital in debt instruments while others purely invest in equity. Again, all this is totally based on the type of ULIP chosen for investment and the investor preferance and risk appetite.

Charges :-

Unlike traditional insurance policies, ULIP schemes have a list of applicable charges that are deducted from the payable premium. The notable ones include policy administration charges, premium allocation charges, fund switching charges, mortality charges and a policy surrender or withdrawal charge. Some insurer also charge " Guarantee Charge" as a percentage of Fund Value for built in minimum guarante under the policy.

Risks : -

Since ULIP returns are directly linked to market performance and the investment risk in investment portfolio is borne entirely by the policy holder, one needs to thoroughly understand the risks involved and one's own risk absorption capacity before deciding to invest in ULIPs.

Providers : -

There are several public and private sector insurance providers that either operate solo or have partnered with foreign insurance companies to sell nit linked insurance plans in India. The public insurance providers include LIC of India, SBI Life and Canara Life while some of the private insurance providers include ICICI Prudential, HDFC Life, Bajaj Allianz, Aviva Life Insurance & Kotak Mahindra Life.

Advantages : -

(1) ULIP have limited liquidity. One needs to stay invested for a minimum   period of time as specified in the policy before redeeming the units.

(2) ULIP gives you flexibility to invest as per your risk profile, financial  commitments and convenience. You can choose to invest either in  equity or in debt or in hybrid fund and even change your investment    strategy. Unit Linked Plans offer you a wide range of flexible options 

     such as   -- 

         (a)  The option to switch between investment funds to match your changing needs.

         (b) The facility to partially withdraw from your fund, subject to     charges and conditions.

         (c) Single premium additions to enable the policy holder to invest  additional sums of money (over and above the regular premium) as and when desired, subject to conditions.

(3) Market Linked Returns :  ULIP give you an opportunity to earn market-  linked returns as part of the premiums are invested in market linked funds which  invest in different market instruments including debt instruments and equity in varying proportions.

(4) Life Protection, Investment and Savings : ULIP offer the twin benefits     of life insurance and savings at market-linked returns. Thus you have     the opportunity to invest you money to earn higher returns, while     taking care of your protection needs. Investing in unit linked plans    helps to inculcate a regular habit of saving and investing. Which is    important for building wealth over the long term.

(5)  All ULIPs offer Tax benefits under section 80C upto a maximum of     Rs.1,00,000/-