ULIPs: Their History And Evolution in India

IndiaFirst Life
• 09 Jul, 2025

A Unit-linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) is a smart financial product that gives you two benefits in one; it helps you invest in the market and also provides life insurance coverage. Over the years, ULIPs have gone through several changes in India. At one point, ULIPs were considered costly and too complex. However, thanks to regulatory changes and awareness, they have now become simpler, more transparent, and better suited for long-term goals like retirement and savings. Let’s learn more about the history and evolution of ULIPs in India, why they became popular, and why you might consider investing in one today.

History and Evolution of ULIPs in India

Here are some of the milestones in the evolution of ULIPs in the country.

Beginning

The mainstream history of ULIPs in India can be dated back to the last few decades of the 20th century. However, their acceptance was limited due to high charges and fees. ULIPs really took off in 2000-2001 when the government opened up the insurance sector to private players as well. At the time, ULIPs provided an alternative to traditional endowment and money-back policies, which offered fixed returns but did not allow one to participate in the market.
Criticism

In their early years, ULIPs faced their fair share of criticism. High upfront charges, lack of transparency, and limited investor awareness made them seem complex and expensive. Many private players did try to promote ULIPs but there were still issues related to lock-in period awareness and other aspects.
Changes and Updates

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) took note of these concerns and introduced major changes to ULIP insurance plans around 2010-2015. These new changes brought a capping on the charges, mandated the lock-in period to five years, and ensured that insurers disclosed everything of relevance to the buyer. These changes brought in a new wave in the evolution of ULIPs as they increased investor awareness and confidence regarding ULIPs.
Improvement in Reputation and Awareness

After the changes brought about in 2010-2015, ULIPs became more investor friendly. Companies began offering plans with lower charges, broader fund choices, and improved transparency. ULIPs evolved into smarter financial products, suitable not only for insurance coverage and wealth creation but also for long-term goals like retirement.
Ideal Tool for Long-term Goals

Today, the evolution of ULIPs has made them a top choice for investments as they come with diversified options including equity, debt, and balanced funds. Policyholders are aware of the charges and even get an idea of the potential returns with the mandatory benefit illustrations. Customers can also estimate the returns of their ULIP over a specific period with the help of the ULIP returns calculator.

Why Invest in ULIPs?

Now that you know the history and evolution of ULIPs, let’s look at the benefits that make them an ideal investment tool.

Dual Benefit of Insurance and Investment

ULIPs are unique in that they provide life cover along with market-linked investment opportunities. This allows you to meet two financial needs under one product, leading to less hassle and fewer payments.
Flexibility and Fund Switching

One of the major ULIP benefits is the ability to switch between equity, debt, and balanced funds. Within some ULIPs, you can use this feature without incurring additional charges. You can adjust your investments in response to market fluctuations or changing financial goals.
Tax Efficiency**

Premiums paid towards ULIPs are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, under the old tax regime. Furthermore, subject to certain conditions, the maturity proceeds are exempt under Section 10(10D), making ULIP insurance plans a tax-efficient choice.
Ideal for Long-term Goals

ULIPs are designed with a long-term investment horizon in mind, which makes them suitable for goals like children’s education, home ownership, or even retirement. A ULIP retirement plan can be an effective way to create a sizable corpus while ensuring protection for loved ones. Using a ULIP returns calculator can help you estimate your returns over the period until you reach your goal.
Reasonable Charges and Higher Value Post-2010

Thanks to IRDAI reforms, ULIPs now have capped charges. This ensures that a higher portion of the premium goes into investment. Over time, this can boost returns and help you achieve your goals faster.

The history of ULIPs in India shows how much these plans have changed for the better. What many once considered a complex and costly product is now a simpler, more flexible option for growing your wealth and protecting your family. With ULIP benefits like fund switching, tax savings, and life insurance, they can be a valuable part of your long-term financial plan.

** Tax exemptions are as per applicable tax laws from time to time.

by IndiaFirst Life
Headquartered in Mumbai, IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited (IndiaFirst Life), with a paid-up share capital of INR 754.37 crore, is one of the fastest growing private life insurers in India in terms of New Business IRP in Fiscal 2023. Our key differentiators are our simple, easy-to-understand products that are optimally priced. As of Sept 30, 2023, we offered 30 retail products, 13 group products along with six riders (across retail and group portfolios), along with policies under the PMJJBY scheme, catering to protection, savings, health and retirement needs of our customers, leveraging multiple distribution capabilities and augmenting various investment options. In all propositions under the categories of Participating Plans, Non-Participating Savings Plans, Non-Participating Protection Plans, Unit Linked Insurance Plans, Group Protection Plans, Corporate Funds Plans, Riders & PMJJBY form a complete suite of offerings that help our customers prepare for the certainties of life. Our products are easy to understand and optimally priced with a developed comprehensive risk management framework/policy.