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Whole Life vs. Universal Life Insurance

Whole life and universal life insurance have a number of similarities, and both are great options to provide protection to your family members. The main difference lies in their nature: whole life typically remains unchanged- most of the features are guaranteed for life - whereas universal life offers flexibility. With these plans, you can create wealth and save on your yearly taxes. You can compare whole life vs universal life insurance in India online and buy the one that fits your needs.

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Difference Between Whole Life and Universal Life Insurance - Overview

Here is an overview of all the differences between whole life vs universal life insurance in India:

Distinguishing Features Whole Life Insurance Universal Life Insurance
Premium Amount Fixed throughout the policy  Variable except for the fixed component attached to the life cover 
Coverage Benefit Guaranteed death benefits, once selected, can’t be changed Death benefits can be increased or decreased during the policy term 
Rate of Interest The rate of interest associated with the cash value is fixed at the time of policy issuance and accrues annually The rate of interest is subject to changes based on market performance
Cash Value Accumulation Guaranteed, however, may be lower than universal life insurance. Significantly higher returns, however, are subject to market-linked risks.

Disclaimer: Policybazaar does not endorse, rate, or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by an insurer.

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What Is Whole Life Insurance?

Whole life insurance is a type of life insurance that offers financial protection to your family for your entire life, i.e., till the age of 99/100 years. This typically means that even if premiums are payable for a fixed tenure, the assured death benefit remains valid throughout your existence.

A whole life insurance policy ensures that your loved ones are financially secure in your absence, as the insurer provides guaranteed death benefits to the nominee on the death of the policyholder. Such insurance policies are especially important if you have several dependents to look after, want to create a financial legacy, or need some high-value capital for the future.

Key Features of Whole Life Insurance

Here is a list of some key features of these types of life insurance plans:

  • Death and Maturity Benefits: These plans offer death and maturity benefits on the death of the life assured and on the maturity of the policy, respectively.

  • Flexible Premium Payments: These plans have flexible premium payment terms and modes from which you can choose the most suitable way to pay your life insurance premiums online or offline at your convenience.

  • Cash Value Accumulation: Whole life insurance plans accumulate a cash value that offers wealth creation benefits and acts as a savings avenue.

  • Long Term Coverage: The large policy tenure ensures guaranteed financial protection of the family members in the event of the policyholder’s unfortunate demise till the age of 99/100 years.

  • Tax Savings Benefits: You can claim life insurance tax benefits as per the prevailing tax laws under sections 80C and 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Whole Life Insurance

Advantages of Whole Life Insurance
  • The policyholder can rest assured that the dependents will be covered financially after her/his death at any point in the future.
  • Whole life insurance offers level premiums, so you don’t have to worry about the premiums increasing at any point during the policy term.
  • The portion of premiums that goes into a high-interest account accumulates sufficient cash value in the long-term to serve different capital needs. 
  • Loans and dividends that one can avail of against the accumulated cash value make whole life insurance a popular choice among the masses. 
Disadvantages of Whole Life Insurance
  • The above-mentioned advantages make this plan more expensive than a standard term insurance plan.
  • The benefits are significantly more favorable for a young buyer, as the cash value takes time to accumulate.
  • Growth of guaranteed cash value is found to be lower than market-linked investment vehicles. 

Note: Know what is term life policy first and then buy a term plan for your loved ones.

Note: It is suggested to calculate the term plan premium on the term plan calculator online tool by Policybazaar before buying.

What Is Universal Life Insurance?

Universal life insurance is also a permanent life insurance offering dual advantages of savings and protection. This type of permanent life insurance differs from whole life insurance in terms of its flexibility in how much premiums to pay and options to increase/decrease your death benefit amount.

Key Features of Universal Life Insurance

Here is a list of benefits of universal life insurance:

  • Life cover throughout the lifetime of the policyholder

  • The adjustable death benefit amount

  • Option to decide the premium amount 

  • A part of the premium goes into the savings account

  • Option to encash cash value once it reaches a specified limit

  • Cash value may vary depending on market performance

Advantages and Disadvantages of Universal Life Insurance

Advantages of Universal Life Insurance
  • It offers savings opportunities along with life insurance cover for the whole life of the life assured. 
  • Policyholders have the option to increase or decrease coverage amounts keeping in sync with their needs and the rate of inflation.
  • With flexible premium payments, you can now decide how much additional premium you would like to pay above the premium amount fixed for life insurance. 
  • The cash value against the additional premium grows at a guaranteed rate of interest; so there is always potential to earn and save more.  
  • You have the option to take loans and/or make withdrawals against the accumulated cash value. 
Disadvantages of Universal Life Insurance
  • The standard deductions in terms of fees are more than that of whole life insurance.  
  • Premiums are expensive as compared to term life insurance.
  • Policyholders may need to undergo a medical evaluation before increasing the death benefit amount.
  • Growth in the cash value may be subject to market risks if the premiums are invested in a unit-linked fund.  

Whole Life vs. Universal Life Insurance - Key Differences

Here is the main difference between whole life vs universal life insurance in India:

  • In whole life insurance, you get guaranteed death benefits on the death of the policyholder, lower premiums, and cash value accumulation.

  • Universal life insurance offers flexibility instead of guarantees. You can increase or decrease your premiums each year to receive higher or lower returns, which will also ultimately impact the death benefit and cause cash value to fluctuate as well.

Which is Better, Whole Life Insurance or Universal Life Insurance?

The choice between plans depends on your specific circumstances and needs. If you are uncertain about your ideal policy type, consulting with a financial services professional can be beneficial. They can provide insights into various insurance products and features, guiding you through tailoring a strategy personalized to your family’s requirements. Our Policybazaar agents are available to assist you in exploring your options and crafting a customized approach.

Wrapping it Up!

Both whole life and universal life insurance plans are types of life insurance that offer benefits suited to fit the customer's needs. You can assess your family’s requirements and buy the plan that best suits their needs. Before buying, it is suggested that you compare the benefits and features of whole life vs universal life insurance in India to choose the right plan for you.

Note: Check out the best term insurance policy in India and choose one that suits your requirements.

Note: You should also check the benefits of term insurance if you are planning to purchase the term insurance plan.


Premium By Age

Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. This list of plans listed here comprise of insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. For a complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website, www.irdai.gov.in

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