UTI ULIP makes Valid Arguments

UTI makes valid arguments in comparison with Insurance ULIPs. But you need to compare it with other Mutual Funds independently.

What are the different charges of a ULIP?

Unit linked Insurance Plans (ULIP) provide the twin benefit of providing the benefits of investing in the stock market and covering your risks. It is important to understand that a Unit Linked Life Insurance product is different from the traditional insurance products and are subject to the risk factors.

The premium paid in Unit Linked Life Insurance policies are subject to investment risks associated with capital markets and the NAVs of the units may go up or down based on the performance of fund and factors influencing the capital market and the insured is responsible for his/her decisions.

Other than the fact that the investment risk in investment portfolio is borne by the policyholder, let us take a look at the different charges in a ULIP.

Particulars	LIC	ICICI Pru	HDFC Standard	Bajaj Allianz
Plan name	Profit Plus	Lifetime Gold	HDFC Unit link	UnitGain Plus Gold
Premium allocation	24%	20%	70%	25%
Mortality Charges (/1000 )	1.80 for age 35	1.46 for age 30	NA	1.74 for age 30
Fund Management Charges	0.75% for Bond 1.50% for growth	0.75 % for preserver to 2.25% for multiplier	0.80%	0.95% for Bond, 1.75 % for growth
Policy Charges	Rs 60 per month in first year, Rs 20 after that.	No other charges, but FMC can be raised to 3.5%	Rs 20 per month for administration	Rs 600 per annum inflating at 5% per annum
Switching charges	4 free, Rs 100 after four	4 free, Rs 100 after four	24 in a year free, Rs 100 after that.	3 free, Rs 100 after that
Miscellaneous charges	Rs 50 for alteration	Switching can increase to Rs 200	Charges for revival, withdrawal, etc at Rs 250 per request.	Rs 100 per transaction for revival, etc

There are a few parameters like the flexibility of premium paying term, the amount of cover available for disability, illness and accident which has a wider variation among the Insurers.

I dislike the heavy premium allocation being charged. Out of the Rs 100 you pay to your Insurer, only Rs 70 odd goes to your investments (Rs30 in case of HDFC!!)

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