Unit-linked insurance plan
Product offered by insurance companies
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A unit-linked insurance plan is a product offered by insurance companies that, unlike a pure insurance policy, gives investors both insurance and financial investment under a single integrated plan.
History
India
Unit-linked funds insurance plans existed pre-2000. An early adopter for unit-linked insurance plan was launched by Unit Trust of India.[1]
Charges
Unlike traditional insurance policies, unit-linked insurance plans have a list of applicable charges that are deducted from the payable premium.[2]
Providers
There are several public and private sector insurance providers that either operate solo or have partnered with foreign insurance companies to sell unit-linked insurance plans in India.
The public insurance provider include LIC of India while some of the private insurance providers include Aegon Life, Canara, Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance, Reliance Life, SBI Life, ICICI Prudential, HDFC Life, Bajaj Allianz, Aviva Life Insurance, Max life insurance, Kotak Mahindra Life, and DHFL Pramerica Life Insurance. FWU is covering the Europe market.
Tax benefits
Investments in unit-linked insurance plans are eligible for tax benefit up to a maximum of Rs 1.5 lacs under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.[3]
Maturity proceeds are also exempt from income tax. There is a caveat. The Sum Assured or the minimum death benefit must be at least 10 times the annual premium. If this condition is not met, the benefit under Section 80C shall be capped at 10% of Sum Assured while the maturity proceeds will not be exempt from income tax.[3]