Term Insurance vs ULIP: Features and Benefits

Term Insurance vs ULIP: Features and Benefits

Term Insurance vs ULIP: Compare coverage, returns, premiums, tax benefits, and risk. Understand key differences between term plans and ULIPs to choose the right option for protection or investment goals.


 

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ULIP plans

ULIP plans (Unit Linked Insurance Plans) are smart investment tools that combine life insurance with market-linked growth. You get the dual benefit of protecting your loved ones and building wealth over time. Whether you're saving for a dream goal or just want better returns than traditional plans, ULIPs offer flexibility, transparency, and control. And the best part? You can start small and scale up as you grow.

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  • Invest in ULIP, starting at Rs. 3,000/month*
  • Combine insurance and investment in one plan
  • Choose between equity, debt, or balanced funds
  • Option to switch funds based on market trends
  • Tax benefits under Section 80C and 10(10D)
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Life insurance is not one-size-fits-all. Whether you are focused purely on protecting your loved ones or want to grow wealth while staying insured, the choice between term insurance and ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans) can shape your financial journey.


This guide simplifies everything you need to know — from coverage to cost, tax benefits, and long-term gains — so you can confidently choose the right plan for your needs.

Understand the core difference between term insurance and ULIPs

At first glance, both term plans and ULIPs seem similar — they offer life cover. But the difference lies in what else they offer beyond protection.

  • Term insurance is a pure life cover plan — it is designed to protect your family financially if something happens to you.
  • ULIPs go a step further — they combine insurance with investment in equity, debt, or balanced funds to grow your money over time.

Term insurance vs. ULIP: Compare coverage

Here’s how each plan works when it comes to life cover and financial security.
  • Term insurance: Offers a large sum assured at very affordable premiums. It’s focused only on life protection and doesn’t have maturity benefits.
  • ULIPs: Blend life cover with investment. In case of death, either the sum assured or the fund value (whichever is higher) is paid out.
  • Customisation options: Term insurance plans are straightforward, while ULIPs let you pick investment funds aligned to your risk appetite — equity, debt, or balanced.

Need simple protection? Or flexibility in investments? Compare what works better for your life stage here → Check plans and get quote!

Term insurance vs. ULIP: Compare premiums

Premiums for ULIPs and term insurance vary depending on their structure and benefits. Term plans are cost-effective because they only offer life cover, making them ideal for those seeking pure protection. Conversely, ULIPs have higher premiums because part of the amount is allocated for investments.
  • Term insurance: Offers maximum coverage for the lowest premium. Premiums remain constant throughout the policy term.
  • ULIPs: Premiums are relatively higher as they include insurance and investment. The cost depends on fund selection, market performance, and policy charges.
  • Budget-friendliness: For policyholders with limited budgets, term plans provide high coverage at a lower cost compared to ULIPs.

Pro Tip

Create wealth and meet your financial goals with a ULIP investment plan, start investing from Rs. 3,000/month.

Term insurance vs. ULIP: Compare tax benefits

Both ULIPs and term insurance offer tax-saving advantages, but the scope differs based on their structures. Both plans allow tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. However, ULIPs also offer tax benefits on investment returns, making them attractive for wealth creation.
  • Term insurance: Premiums are deductible up to Rs. 1.5 lakh under Section 80C. The death cover is tax-free under Section 10(10D).
  • ULIPs: Premiums qualify for deductions under Section 80C. Additionally, returns and maturity payouts are exempt under Section 10(10D), provided conditions are met.
  • Dual benefits with ULIPs: Policyholders gain tax savings on both the premiums paid and the returns earned on investment.

Term insurance vs. ULIP: Compare suitability for policyholders

Choosing the right plan depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and how actively you want to grow your money.
  • Term insurance: Ideal if you simply want to protect your family’s future at a low cost, without mixing investments.
  • ULIPs: Great for those who want their insurance to also help grow wealth — like for children’s education, retirement, or future goals.
  • Personalisation: Term plans are fixed and easy, while ULIPs offer flexibility in fund selection based on your comfort with risk.

Have long-term goals in mind? ULIPs can grow with you — explore growth-based plans now and get quote!

What is the investment and growth opportunities in ULIP compared to term insurance?

This is where the two plans truly diverge. Term insurance is purely protective, while ULIPs provide growth potential.
  • Term insurance: Has no investment component. It’s a peace-of-mind plan offering your family a payout if the unexpected happens.
  • ULIPs: Allow capital growth over time through market-linked investments. You can choose how much risk you’re comfortable with — equity for higher returns or debt for safety.
  • Growth outlook: With long-term investing and compounding, ULIPs can help build a significant corpus alongside insurance.

Looking to grow wealth and stay covered? Use ULIP return calculator to see potential gains over 10+ years → Check plans and get quote!

Conclusion

If your main goal is affordable, high-value protection, then term insurance is your best fit. But if you're aiming to grow wealth alongside life cover, ULIPs offer dual benefits. Take a moment to think about your current needs and future aspirations:
  • Are you the sole earner in the family and want to secure their future at minimal cost? → Go for term insurance
  • Do you want to build wealth for life goals while staying protected? → Consider a ULIP

Not sure what suits you best? Compare plans side by side and get personalised quotes instantly!


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Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Which plan offers better coverage?

Term insurance provides better coverage for a lower premium. ULIPs offer moderate coverage alongside an investment component, making them suitable for policyholders seeking both benefits.

How do premiums differ for ULIP and term insurance?

Premiums for term insurance are much lower because it provides pure life cover. ULIP premiums are higher as they include insurance and an investment portion.

Which plan provides better tax benefits?

Both plans offer deductions under Section 80C, but ULIPs provide additional tax benefits on returns and maturity payouts under Section 10(10D).

Can ULIPs offer better returns than term plans?

Yes, ULIPs have the potential to generate returns through market-linked investments, while term plans do not provide any returns apart from death covers.

Which option suits low-risk investors better?

Term insurance is the better choice for low-risk investors, as it involves no market exposure and focuses purely on life protection.

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Disclaimer

*T&C Apply. Bajaj Finance Limited (‘BFL’) is a registered corporate agent of third party insurance products of Bajaj Life Insurance Limited (Formerly known as Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited), HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Bajaj General Insurance Limited(Formerly known as Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited), SBI General Insurance Company Limited, ACKO General Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited, New India Assurance Limited, Chola MS General Insurance Company Limited, Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company Limited, Star Health & Allied Insurance Company Limited, Care Health Insurance Company Limited, Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited, Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited and Manipal Cigna Health Insurance Company Limited under the IRDAI composite registration number CA0101. Please note that, BFL does not underwrite the risk or act as an insurer. Your purchase of an insurance product is purely on a voluntary basis after your exercise of an independent due diligence on the suitability, viability of any insurance product. Any decision to purchase insurance product is solely at your own risk and responsibility and BFL shall not be liable for any loss or damage that any person may suffer, whether directly or indirectly. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions and exclusions please read the product sales brochure & policy wordings carefully before concluding a sale. Tax benefits applicable if any, will be as per the prevailing tax laws. Tax laws are subject to change. BFL does NOT provide Tax/Investment advisory services. Please consult your advisors before proceeding to purchase an insurance product. Visitors are hereby informed that their information submitted on the website may also be shared with insurers. BFL is also distributor of other third party products from Assistance service providers such as CPP Assistance Services Private Limited, Bajaj Finserv Health Limited. etc. All product information such as premium, benefits, exclusions, value added services etc. are authentic and solely based on the information received from the respective Insurance company or the respective Assistance provider company.

Note- While we have made all the efforts and taken utmost care in gathering precise information about the products, features, benefits etc. However, BFL cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damage/loss. We request our customers to conduct their research about these products and refer to the respective products sales brochure and policy/membership wordings before concluding sales.