Overview

The ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan is a non-participating Unit-Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) that combines market-linked investments with life insurance. It offers two plan options, flexible investment strategies, guaranteed additions, and partial withdrawals after a five-year lock-in, making it suitable for long-term investors seeking insurance and wealth creation together. 

Key Highlights

  • Two Plan Options: Choose between the Classic and Assured options.
  • Four Investment Strategies: Smart, Systematic Transfer, Return Optimiser, and Self-Managed.
  • Guaranteed Additions: Extra units are added at specified policy anniversaries, subject to policy terms.
  • Flexible Investments: Top up from ₹5,000 and make partial withdrawals after the five-year lock-in period.
  • Flexible Terms: Policy term of 10 to 40 years and premium paying term of 5 to 40 years, with premiums starting at ₹40,000 annually.
  • Optional Riders: Add accidental death, critical illness, waiver of premium, and term insurance riders.
  • Tax Benefits: Available as per the applicable provisions of the Income Tax Act.

The ABSLI Wealth Aspire plan is a Unit-Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) that combines market-linked investments with life insurance. It offers multiple investment strategies, two death benefit options, and long-term wealth-creation features such as guaranteed additions. But is it the right choice for your financial goals? 

In this ABSLI Wealth Aspire plan review, we'll explain its features, charges, benefits, and limitations to help you decide if it's the right ULIP for you or whether you should opt for a term insurance plan.

What Is the ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan?

The ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan (UIN: 109L100V06) is a non-participating ULIP from Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance that combines life insurance with market-linked investments. A part of your premium provides life cover, while the rest is invested in market-linked funds of your choice. 

Since it is a ULIP, your returns depend on the performance of the funds you invest in and are not guaranteed.

ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan Options

1. Classic Option: If the life insured dies during the policy term, the nominee receives the higher of:

  • Basic fund value or basic sum assured (10× the annualized premium).
  • Top-up fund value or top-up sum assured, if applicable.

Partial withdrawals made during the two years before death may reduce the sum assured. However, the death benefit will not be less than the minimum amount specified under the policy, including 105% of the premiums paid, subject to policy terms. The policy ends after the death benefit is paid.

2. Assured Option: If the life insured dies during the policy term, the nominee immediately receives the basic sum assured and any applicable top-up sum assured. Unlike the Classic Option, the policy continues until maturity.

After the death benefit is paid:

  • Life cover ends.
  • ABSLI pays all future premiums.
  • The fund value remains invested and continues to earn guaranteed additions, if applicable.
  • Policy charges continue, except mortality charges.
  • Top-ups, withdrawals, surrenders, and fund switches are not allowed.
  • The nominee receives the fund value at maturity.

If the policy has already become paid-up, ABSLI will not pay future premiums.

ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan: Investment Options and Fund Choices

Smart Option

If you prefer a hands-off approach, this option automatically adjusts your allocation between equity and debt based on your risk profile and the time left until maturity.

Systematic Transfer Option

If you want to reduce market timing risk, this option first invests your annual premium in the Liquid Plus Fund and gradually transfers it to your chosen funds over time.

Return Optimiser Option

If you want to stay invested in equities while protecting gains, this option invests in the Maximiser Fund and automatically transfers profits to the Income Advantage Fund once they cross the prescribed threshold.

Self-Managed Option

If you prefer complete control over your investments, this option lets you build your own portfolio by choosing from 21 funds, including the Maximiser Fund, Pure Equity Fund, Income Advantage Fund, Liquid Plus Fund, and Asset Allocation Fund.

For the complete list of available funds and their objectives, refer to the policy brochure.

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Key Features of the ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan

Some of the key ABSLI Wealth Aspire plan benefits include multiple investment strategies, guaranteed additions, flexible fund choices, and optional riders.

    • Top-Up Premiums: Invest additional amounts anytime during the policy term (except the last five policy years), starting from ₹5,000.
    • Partial Withdrawals: Withdraw up to 25% of the fund value after completing five policy years, subject to policy conditions.
    • Guaranteed Additions: The plan credits extra units to your fund as a reward for staying invested. These additions start from the 6th policy anniversary (11th for Band 1) and range from 0.2% to 1% of the average policy fund value. It also credits 2% to 2.5% of the basic premiums paid over the previous 60 months on the 10th policy anniversary and every 5th anniversary thereafter, subject to policy terms.
    • Tax Benefits: Premiums paid qualify for a tax deduction under Section 123 (previously Section 80C), subject to the applicable conditions under the old tax regime. The death benefit is tax-free under Section 11, read with Schedule II (previously Section 10(10D)). The maturity proceeds are exempt under Section 11, read with Schedule II (previously Section 10(10D)), only if your aggregate annual premium across all ULIPs stays within ₹2.5 lakh. Above that, the gains on the excess become taxable on a capital-gains basis.

Riders Available With the ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan

Ditto’s Key Insight: The waiver of premium rider is the most valuable for most buyers, as it keeps the policy active if the policyholder cannot pay future premiums due to specified events. A critical illness rider can also be useful but should be compared with standalone critical illness plans. If the goal is higher life cover, a standalone term insurance plan is more cost-effective than adding a term rider.

ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan Charges and Premium Illustration

ChargeDetails
Premium Allocation ChargeDeducted before your premium is invested. The charge ranges from 4.5% to 7% in the first policy year and 3% to 5% from the second year onward, depending on your annual premium.
Fund Management Charge (FMC)Ranges from 1.00% to 1.35% per year, depending on the fund selected. It is adjusted in the daily Net Asset Value (NAV).
Policy Administration ChargeDeducted monthly by canceling units from your fund value.
Mortality ChargeCharged monthly based on the life insured's age, gender, and the sum at risk.

Note: We have highlighted only the major charges that have the biggest impact on your policy. Refer to the ABSLI Wealth Aspire plan brochure for the complete list of charges, their applicability, and detailed calculations.

Premium Illustration

The following illustration assumes a 35-year-old male purchasing the classic option with a 30-year policy term, a 15-year premium paying term, and an annual premium of ₹1 lakh.

IllustrationDetails
Investment OptionSelf-Managed Option with 100% allocation to the Maximiser Fund.
Estimated Maturity Value (4% Return)₹26.87 lakh
Estimated Maturity Value (8% Return)₹66.95 lakh

Note: For additional premium illustrations across different policy terms and premium amounts, refer to the ABSLI Wealth Aspire plan sales leaflet. The 4% and 8% returns are only illustrative assumptions prescribed by IRDAI and are not guaranteed. Your actual maturity value will depend on market performance and the applicable charges.

Use the ABSLI Wealth Aspire plan calculator to estimate your premium and projected maturity value.

ABSLI: Performance Metrics

MetricAverage (FY 2024-26)Industry Average
Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR)98.70%99.00% (Mean)
Amount Settlement Ratio (ASR) (FY 2023-25)94.31%94.83% (Mean)
Annual Business Volume₹10,303.08 crore₹3,778.58 crore (Median)
Volume of Complaints (Per 10,000 Claims)1.33 13.1 (Median)
Solvency Ratio1.82x2.00x (Median)
Annual Death Claims Paid₹581.30 crore₹237.24 crore (Median) 

Sources: Public disclosures from the Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance website and annual reports from the IRDAI official website. To explore these metrics in detail, refer to Ditto Data Lab. The metrics shown above are for the life insurer as a whole, not just its ULIP business.

Pros of the ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan

    • Offers two plan options (Classic and Assured) to suit different protection needs.
    • Provides four investment strategies along with access to 21 segregated funds for portfolio customization. 
    • Guaranteed additions reward long-term policyholders by adding extra units to the fund value. 
    • Allows top-up investments and partial withdrawals after the mandatory five-year lock-in, offering greater flexibility. 
    • Offers optional riders for accidental death, critical illness, waiver of premium, and additional term life cover.

Limitations of the ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan

    • As a ULIP, returns are market-linked and not guaranteed. The policyholder bears the investment risk. 
    • The policy has a mandatory five-year lock-in, during which full withdrawals or surrender proceeds are restricted. 
    • Multiple charges, such as premium allocation, fund management, policy administration, and mortality charges, reduce long-term returns. 
    • Policy loans are not available, which may limit liquidity during emergencies. 
    • Understanding and managing the plan can be more complex than investing separately in a term insurance plan and mutual funds due to its multiple investment options, charges, and policy features.

Who Should Buy the ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan?

The ABSLI Wealth Aspire plan is best suited for long-term investors who want to combine market-linked investments with life insurance under a single product. It may appeal to those who can stay invested beyond the five-year lock-in, want the flexibility to choose from multiple investment strategies and funds, and value tax-efficient maturity benefits, subject to applicable conditions.

Who Should Avoid the ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan?

The plan may not be suitable for investors seeking guaranteed returns, those who may need access to their money within the first five years, or anyone who prefers simple investment products with fewer charges. 

It is also not ideal for buyers whose primary goal is maximum life insurance at the lowest cost, as a standalone term insurance plan offers much higher coverage for a significantly lower premium. Additionally, investors who are uncomfortable with market volatility may find the plan unsuitable, as ULIP returns depend on fund performance.

ULIP vs. Mutual Fund: Quick Comparison

ULIP vs. Mutual Fund: Quick Comparison

Why Choose Ditto for Life Insurance?

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ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan
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Conclusion

The ABSLI Wealth Aspire plan offers flexibility through multiple investment strategies, fund choices, and optional riders, making it a suitable option for long-term investors who want to combine market-linked investments with life insurance. 

However, like any ULIP, it comes with market risk, a five-year lock-in period, and several charges that can affect long-term returns. 

Before investing, review the benefit illustration at both 4% and 8% assumed returns, understand the applicable charges, and compare it with the alternative of buying a term insurance plan and investing separately in mutual funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ABSLI Wealth Aspire plan a good ULIP to invest in?

It depends on the buyer's goals. The ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan is best suited for buyers who can invest ₹2 lakh or more annually, stay invested for 15-20 years or longer, value tax-efficient fund switching, and are comfortable with life cover fixed at 10× the annual premium. However, buyers looking for affordable life insurance, those investing close to the ₹40,000 minimum premium, or those who may need the money within 5-10 years are generally better off with a term insurance plan and separate mutual fund investments. For most people, this approach offers higher life cover, greater flexibility, and lower overall costs.

Does the ABSLI Wealth Aspire plan add extra units to my fund for staying invested long-term?

Yes. The plan credits guaranteed additions in the form of extra units from the 6th policy anniversary onward (11th anniversary for Band 1) if the policy remains in force. The additions range from 0.2% to 1% of the average policy fund value (depending on the premium band and policy anniversary). In addition, on the 10th policy anniversary and every 5th anniversary thereafter, the plan credits 2% (Band 1) or 2.5% (Bands 2 & 3) of the basic premiums paid during the previous 60 months.

What happens to my ABSLI Wealth Aspire plan payout if the life insured dies by suicide within a year of buying it?

If the life insured dies due to suicide within 12 months from the policy commencement date or revival, the nominee is entitled only to the policy fund value available on the date the insurer receives the intimation of death, subject to the policy terms and applicable regulations.

Can I switch between the ABSLI Wealth Aspire plan's four investment options without paying extra?

Yes. After the first policy year, you can freely switch between the Smart, Self-Managed, and Systematic Transfer Options, or switch out of the Return Optimiser Option. However, switching into the Return Optimiser Option is not allowed. ABSLI currently charges ₹50 per request for changing the investment option. However, it reserves the right to increase this charge up to ₹500 per request, subject to prior IRDAI approval. Changing the risk profile within the Smart Option and its annual portfolio rebalancing remain free.

Are the 4% and 8% return illustrations shown for the ABSLI Wealth Aspire plan guaranteed returns?

No. The 4% and 8% gross illustrations are only standardized assumptions prescribed by IRDAI to help you understand how the policy may perform under different return scenarios. They are not guaranteed returns, and your actual fund value will depend on market performance.

What critical illnesses are covered under the ABSLI Comprehensive Critical Illness Rider on this plan?

The ABSLI Comprehensive Critical Illness Rider is available in three variants: Silver (10 illnesses), Gold (25 illnesses), and Platinum (64 illnesses). Depending on the variant chosen, it covers conditions such as cancer of specified severity, first heart attack (of specified severity), stroke resulting in permanent symptoms, and major organ/bone marrow transplant, among others. For the complete list of covered illnesses, waiting periods, and claim conditions, refer to the plan brochure.

Should I choose the ABSLI Wealth Aspire plan over a pure term plan with separate mutual fund investments?

It depends on the buyer's priorities. While the ABSLI Wealth Aspire Plan combines life insurance and investments, Ditto recommends buying a term insurance plan first to secure adequate financial protection. Once sufficient life cover is in place, products like ULIPs can be considered for long-term wealth creation. For most people, a term plan combined with mutual funds is a more cost-effective and flexible option.

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