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In Unit Linked policies, the investment risk in investment portfolio is borne by the policyholder. ...Read More

ULIP Returns in 15 Years

A 15-year ULIP is a long-term investment option that offers a combination of investment and insurance benefits. It allows you to invest in a mix of equity and debt funds, while also providing you with life insurance coverage. The longer you stay invested, the better your returns will be.

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Understanding ULIP Returns in 15 Years

15 Years ULIP Returns
February 06, 2026

 

In this policy, the investment risks in the investment portfolio is borne by the policyholder

Most young people today want to invest and grow their wealth. We’re sure you have several dreams you’d like to achieve. Smart financial decisions today enable you to meet your goals. A Unit-Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) helps you invest for the future while protecting your family’s finances in the present. Let’s learn more about ULIPs and how a ULIP investment for 15 years can help you achieve your goals.

What Is a 15-Year ULIP Policy?

A 15-year ULIP policy is a life insurance plan that also works like an investment account, two benefits packed into one. You commit for a fixed 15-year term, and during this period, your premiums serve two purposes: protection and wealth creation.

Here’s how it works. Each premium you pay is divided; one part covers life insurance charges, and the remaining amount is invested in market-linked funds. These funds can be equity, debt, or a mix, depending on your comfort with risk. That choice is yours, depending on your goals and risk appetite level.

To understand how this builds over time, imagine making an investment of ₹5,000 per month. If you make an investment of this amount for a time period of 10 years and the investment grows at an assumed rate of 8%, then the value by the end of 15 years could be around ₹13.52 lakh. However, the total amount you invested would be ₹6 lakh. If the growth rate is 10% instead, the value may rise to about ₹16.63 lakh.

How Does a 15-Year ULIP Policy Work?

A 15-year ULIP follows a simple cycle, i.e., pay, invest, grow, and mature.

Every time you pay a premium, it is split into two parts. One part provides life cover. The rest is invested in funds of your choice. Such investments get converted into units based on the current NAV, which has a direct impact on your ULIP NAV performance and total portfolio value.

Your money is managed by professional fund managers who manage asset allocation and strategy. But you still guide the journey, choosing between options such as equity ULIP 15 years for higher growth potential or debt ULIP returns for relative stability. Given that it is market-associated, your fund value moves daily, impacting market-linked ULIP returns and ULIP performance over the long-term period.

Remaining invested matters. Over a long time, ULIP compounding benefits, disciplined contributions and regular ULIP fund performance analysis shape ULIP growth over a period of 15 years. This long-term investment ULIP approach ultimately determines ULIP maturity value after 15 years and realistic 15-year ULIP returns, even after accounting for ULIP returns after charges.

Why Choose a 15-Year ULIP Policy?

Why do many investors look at a ULIP through a 15-year lens? Because time plays a big role in how market-linked investments behave.

A 15-year term lines up well with long-term life goals such as building a corpus, planning out future milestones or maintaining life cover alongside investments. This longer duration permits potential ULIP growth over a period of 15 years, where market cycles, patience and ULIP compounding benefits can influence total outcomes. Also, it supports more stable long-term ULIP performance compared to very short holding periods.

ULIPs also bring structure. Regular premiums create a disciplined investing habit, making them part of a ULIP wealth creation plan rather than occasional market participation. Investors can review ULIP fund performance analysis, adjust allocations between equity and debt options, and track ULIP NAV performance, shaping realistic ULIP return projections over time.

That said, 15-year ULIP returns and overall ULIP investment horizon returns depend on market behavior, fund choices, and individual risk profile. Outcomes differ, so suitability varies from one investor to another.

  • Market-linked Returns

    ULIPs allow you to invest in market-linked debt and equity instruments. They could potentially provide high returns, helping you meet your goals.

  • Flexibility

    ULIPs provide lots of flexibility. You can choose the sum assured and the investment avenues based on your risk appetite. Most plans today also let you make fund switches to make the most of market fluctuations.

    This flexibility extends to various investor profiles, with options like ULIP for NRI catering to non-resident Indians. Some insurance companies limit the number of changes you can make, so choose a plan accordingly.

  • Life Coverage

    Your ULIP policy offers life coverage, providing your loved ones with financial security and stability, regardless of what happens to you.

  • Long-term Investment

    The longer you stay invested, the more time you have to let your money grow. Your ULIP returns in 15 years will be much better than returns over five or ten years. Such long-term investments assist you in building financial discipline while enabling you to achieve your goals with long-term investment frames.

How to Maximise ULIP Returns in 15 Years?

Improving ULIP returns in 15 years is less about predicting markets and is linked more with how consistently you can manage the journey. Think of it as a behaviour-driven framework where discipline, time and well-informed decisions shape outcomes.

An approach which is long-term in nature supports stronger ULIP growth over 15 years through regular monitoring, thoughtful fund choices, and patience, which influences ULIP performance. Return optimisation in a ULIP wealth creation plan happens in a gradual manner. Remaining aligned with your risk profile, assessing ULIP fund performance and being aware of how market-linked ULIP returns evolve across cycles matters a lot.

Over a full ULIP investment horizon, compounding, consistency and measured adjustments play an essential role in shaping up realistic ULIP return projections and total portfolio stability.

Start Early

Starting early extends your investment duration, strengthening ULIP compounding benefits over time. A longer horizon permits contributions to grow in a steady manner and smooths the effect of market fluctuations. This supports a more stable ULIP investment horizon for returns.

Early starters might even find premiums that are more manageable over time. While risk remains, beginning sooner ameliorates the probability of balanced long-term ULIP performance through time-related averaging.

Stay Invested for the Long Term

Staying invested across the complete term permits participation in multiple market phases, which supports ULIP growth over a span of 15 years. Exiting early can hamper the compounding effect and have an impact on the total ULIP maturity value post-15 years.

Consistent premiums, as well as policy continuity, assist in maintaining the structure of a long-term investment ULIP. Short-term volatility influences ULIP NAV performance. However, long-term discipline tends to shape broader outcomes.

Utilise Fund Switching Strategically

Fund switching is a planning tool and not frequent trading. Over time, retail investors might shift gradually between equity, balanced or debt options based on changing risk tolerance levels and time horizons.

This approach supports steady ULIP fund performance analysis and alignment with long-term goals rather than reacting to short-term movements. As switches are limited, thoughtful adjustments assist in managing market-linked ULIP returns throughout different life stages.

Align investments with your financial goals.

Clear goals give proper direction to a ULIP wealth creation plan. No matter whether you are planning for education, future security or long-term savings, timelines influence how you balance equity and debt exposure.

Reviews on a periodic basis ensure investments remain lined up as priorities change. This supports a more consistent ULIP return projection. Goal-based planning encourages structured decisions as well as minimises reactive behaviour, which strengthens total ULIP investment horizon returns over time.

How Are 15-Year ULIP Policy Return Rates Calculated?

The 15-year ULIP returns projection depends on how well the investment works for you and is assessed with the daily updation of Net Asset Value. To simplify planning, investors can refer to a ULIP return calculator to understand how different fund allocations and premium amounts interact over the long term.

ULIP Fund Investment

The premiums allocated for market-linked assets are invested in diverse funds of your choice, such as equity, debt, or balanced funds. How well the investment performs impacts the expected returns from ULIP in 15  years. 

Net Asset Value (NAV)

The value of each fund unit is Net Asset Value or NAV. The formula to calculate the NAV is:

Net Asset Value (NAV)= (Total Value of Assets- Liabilities) /Number of Outstanding Units.

The NAV is calculated daily to track the fund's performance and the potential value of your investment.

15-Year Return

You can calculate the annualised return rate with the formula:

CAGR = {[(Current NAV / Initial NAV) ^ (1 / Number of years)] - 1} * 100.

The current value is the future value (i.e., the predicted value at the end of 15 years). Initial NAV is the unit value at the time of purchase, and the number of years is 15 years. 

The ULIP returns in 15 years depend on the funds’ choice and the ULIP charges collected. 

ULIP Flexibility

ULIP offers certain flexibility that works to your advantage. It allows you to change your investment strategy to align with the market trend, your financial goals, and risk tolerance levels.

Key Factors Affecting ULIP Returns in 15 Years

You should be aware of the following pointers for an informed decision concerning ULIP investments:

Market Fluctuations

The market dynamics change the graph of ULIP returns over 15 years. Equity funds fetch high returns but are risky. Debt funds are less risky and generate lower but stable returns.  Understanding the market sentiments and investing prudently can be a game-changer. 

Choosing the Right Funds

The right fund selection is crucial to minimise market-linked investments losses. Select funds to align with your goals and risk appetite. Review and readjust periodically for building wealth with ULIPs over 15 years. 

Charges That Impact Returns

You incur several charges for ULIP investments. They are — policy administration charges, fund management charges, premium allocation fees, and mortality charges. These charges impact your overall returns. Choosing a ULIP fund with minimum charges enhances the overall returns.

FAQs on ULIP Returns in 15 years

Q. Can I withdraw my ULIP investment before 15 years? 

Yes. Partial withdrawals are allowed in your ULIP investments after the 5-year lock-in period. Part withdrawals impact the maturity value as they reduce the overall returns. Consider this aspect before you pull out funds from ULIP before maturity. 

Q. What are the average ULIP returns over a 15-year period? 

ULIPs with a 15-year timeline plan have the potential to fetch annualized returns of 10% to 12%, depending on market conditions and fund performance. Regular premium payments and long-term investments enhance the probability of higher returns.

Q. How do market conditions impact ULIP returns in 15 years?

The market conditions impact ULIP returns in 15 years. A booming market enhances the NAV and fetches higher returns, while a weaker market reduces the NAV and the returns as well. 

Q. How to calculate ULIP maturity value after 15 years? 

Consider the NAV of the units at the end of 15 years, i.e., on maturity and the number of units held. Multiplying the NAV by the number of units held gives the maturity value. However, the ULIP charges must be considered to arrive at the maturity value. 

Q. Are ULIP returns in 15 years sufficient for long-term goals?

ULIPs held for longer periods are suitable financial tools to achieve long-term financial goals, such as retirement planning, buying a home, etc. The returns are ploughed back to generate more returns. This compounding effect helps your money grow exponentially in 15 years, making the ULIP returns in 15 years sufficient for long-term goals.

Q. Is it safe to rely on ULIP returns from the last 15 years for planning? 

The past growth trends of ULIP funds can be a road map to understanding the fund's performance before investing. However, considering the current market position and the fund performance is crucial for an informed decision to achieve the desired returns.

Q. What is the return of ULIP in 15 years?

There is no fixed number, and that is important to understand first. ULIP returns in 15 years depend mainly on market performance, the type of funds selected (i.e., equity, debt or balanced), policy charges, and how consistently premiums are paid.

Because ULIPs are market-linked in nature, returns are influenced by ULIP NAV performance and total fund management. Equity-linked options might show higher growth potential over a long period. Debt funds tend to move in a steady manner. Your fund switches, risk profile and how long you stay invested even shape your long-term ULIP performance.

A 15-year horizon allows time for market cycles and ULIP compounding benefits to play out, which can support meaningful ULIP growth over a period of 15 years. Still, outcomes differ for every retail investor. So, returns are not assured and reflect market behaviour as well as individual investment decisions.

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Francis Rodrigues Francis Rodrigues

Francis Rodrigues has a decade long experience in the insurance sector, and as SVP, E-Commerce and Digital Marketing, HDFC Life, manages the online sales channel, as well as digital and performance marketing. He has had hands-on experience in setting up sales channels and functional teams from scratch over a career spanning 2 decades.

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** The returns mentioned is the 5-year benchmark return percentage of Nifty Alpha 50 index data as of April 30, 2025, and is not indicative returns of HDFC Life’s Top 300 Alpha 50 fund(SFIN:ULIF07828/02/25Alpha300Fd101) Source:https://www.niftyindices.com/Factsheet/Factsheet_Nifty_Alpha50.pdf

18. Save 46,800 on taxes if the insurance premium amount is Rs.1.5 lakh per annum and you are a Regular Individual, Fall under 30% income tax slab having taxable income less than Rs. 50 lakh and Opt for Old tax regime.

In unit linked policies, the investment risk in the investment portfolio is borne by the policyholder. The Unit Linked Insurance products do not offer any liquidity during the first five years of the contract. The policyholders will not be able to surrender/withdraw the monies invested in Unit Linked Insurance Products completely or partially till the end of fifth year.

Unit Linked Life Insurance products are 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. The name of the company, name of the brand and name of the contract does not in any way indicate the quality of the contract, its future prospects or returns. Please know the associated risks and the applicable charges, from your insurance agent or the intermediary or policy document of the insurer. The various funds offered under this contract are the names of the funds and do not in any way indicate the quality of these plans, their future prospects and returns.

Life Insurance Coverage is available in this product. Unit Linked Funds are subject to market risks and there is no assurance or guarantee that the objective of the investment fund will be achieved. The premium shall be adjusted on the due date even if it has been received on advance.

ARN - ED/02/26/31031