Overview

Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII is a Unit-Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) that combines life insurance with market-linked investing. The plan offers three variants and provides a Return of Mortality Charge (ROMC) at maturity for eligible policies and fund boosters from the 15th policy year. 

Key Highlights

  • Eligibility (Wealth Variant): Entry age ranges from birth (0 years) to 70 years, depending on the premium option and sum assured. The policy term ranges from 10 to 60 years for regular/limited premium policies and 10 to 20 years for single premium policies.
  • Minimum Premium: ₹48,000 (single premium) or ₹12,000 yearly, ₹6,000 half-yearly, ₹3,000 quarterly, and ₹1,000 monthly.
  • Fund Options: Nearly 29 equity, debt, balanced, and liquid funds across five portfolio strategies.
  • Key Features: ROMC, fund booster, family benefit, and flexible payout options. 
  • Keep in Mind: Market-linked returns, 5-year lock-in, and fund management charges of up to 1.35% a year.

ULIPs often promise the best of both worlds: life insurance and market-linked wealth creation. But evaluating them goes beyond looking at loyalty benefits or marketing claims. The real questions are how much you pay in charges, how flexible the plan is, and whether it can deliver better long-term value than simpler alternatives.

Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII (UIN: 116L218V01) is no exception. While it offers features such as the Return of Mortality Charge (ROMC) and fund boosters, these need to be weighed against recurring costs, lock-in requirements, and the opportunity cost of keeping your investments tied to a ULIP.

In this review, we'll examine Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII's charges, benefits, investment options, projected returns, and limitations to help you decide whether it's worth considering.

What Is Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII?

Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII is a non-participating, unit-linked life insurance plan that combines life cover with market-linked investing. You can pay premiums as a single payment or through regular or limited premium options. The plan offers five portfolio strategies and 29 investment funds. 

However, all 29 funds are available only under the Investor Selectable Portfolio Strategy. The remaining four strategies invest in predefined fund combinations and do not allow manual fund selection. The fund lineup is also heavily skewed toward equity and index-based investments, with only three debt-oriented funds: Bond Fund, Liquid Fund, and Individual Short-Term Debt Fund.

At maturity, you receive the fund value. In the event of the life assured's death, the nominee receives the higher of the sum assured or the fund value, subject to a minimum guaranteed death benefit of 105% of the total premiums paid. Policy administration, mortality, and fund management charges apply throughout the policy term.

Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII Variants

Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII is available in three variants. You must choose your variant when purchasing the policy, and it cannot be changed during the policy term. However, you can change your investment portfolio strategy later if permitted under the policy. 

    • Wealth: The standard single-life ULIP designed for long-term wealth creation with life insurance. It is available with single, limited, and regular premium payment options. Since the Child Wealth and Joint Life Wealth variants have different features and benefits, this review focuses only on the Wealth variant.
    • Child Wealth: Designed to help build a corpus for a child's future financial milestones, such as higher education or other long-term goals. Bajaj Life provides a separate sales brochure with the detailed features of this variant.
    • Joint Life Wealth: A single-premium variant that covers two lives under one policy. The second life can be your spouse, child, parent, grandparent, or co-borrower. Since this variant has different features and benefit conditions, refer to its dedicated sales brochure for complete details.

Return of Mortality Charge and Return of Allocation Charge Explained

Return of Mortality Charge (ROMC) Explained

The Return of Mortality Charge (ROMC) is one of the key features of Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII. If you choose a policy term of more than 15 years, keep the policy in force until maturity, and pay all due premiums, the insurer refunds the total mortality charges deducted during the policy term by adding them back to your fund value at maturity. However, the refund does not include any extra mortality loading, and it is not available for surrendered, discontinued, or paid-up policies. 

While this may sound attractive, it's important to understand how it works. Mortality charges are deducted periodically throughout the policy term. Although the amount is returned at maturity, it is returned without any investment gains. 

Since the deducted charges are no longer invested in your chosen funds, they miss out on years of potential market-linked growth. In other words, the real cost isn't just the charge itself, but also the compounding returns you could have earned had that money remained invested.

Is There a Return of Allocation Charge?

No. Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII does not offer a return of allocation charge because the plan does not levy a premium allocation charge in the first place. Unlike some earlier versions of Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal that refunded allocation charges as a loyalty benefit, this version keeps the premium allocation charge at nil, making such a refund unnecessary.

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Charges You Pay Under Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII

Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII levies several charges during the policy term. Here's a quick overview of the key charges you should know before investing.

    • Premium Allocation Charge: Nil.
    • Policy Administration Charge: For regular and limited premium policies, the charge is 1.08% of the annualized premium in the first policy year, 3% from the second to the tenth policy year, and nil thereafter, subject to a maximum of ₹500 per month. For single premium policies, there is no charge in the first policy year, followed by 0.50% of the single premium per year from the second policy year onwards, subject to the same ₹500 per month cap.
    • Fund Management Charge (FMC): Ranges from 0.95% to 1.35% per year, depending on the fund selected. The charge is adjusted in the fund's Net Asset Value (NAV).
    • Discontinuance/Surrender Charge: Applies only if the policy is discontinued during the 5-year lock-in period. The charge reduces with each policy year and is capped as per IRDAI regulations.
    • Miscellaneous Charge: ₹100 per transaction for specified changes, such as fund apportionment or portfolio strategy changes.

Note: While the plan refunds eligible mortality charges at maturity, the Fund Management Charge (FMC) is never refunded. Since it is deducted every year from your fund value, it can have a significant impact on your long-term returns.

Bajaj Life: Performance Metrics

MetricAverage (FY 2024-26)Industry Average
Claim Settlement Ratio99.32%99.00% (mean)
Amount Settlement Ratio (Average FY 2023-25)93.42%94.83% (mean)
Annual Business Volume₹12,791.02 crore ₹3,778.58 crore (median)
Volume of Complaints (Per 10,000 Claims)2.7713.10 (median)
Solvency Ratio3.52x2.00x (median)
Annual Death Claims Paid₹828.11 crore ₹237.24 crore (median) 

Note: The figures shown above represent Bajaj Life's overall insurer-level performance, based on Bajaj Life’s public disclosures and IRDAI annual reports. For more such data, explore the Ditto Data Lab.

Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII: Sample Benefit Illustration

The table below is based on the insurer's sample illustration for a 35-year-old purchasing Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII (Wealth variant) with a 20-year policy term, 10-year premium payment term, an annual premium of ₹1 lakh, and a sum assured of ₹10 lakh.

Brochure Illustration (20-Year Policy)8% Assumed Return4% Assumed ReturnWhat It Means
Total Premium Paid₹10,00,000₹10,00,000Same investment in both scenarios.
Maturity Fund Value₹27,03,951₹14,84,725The fund value forms the largest part of the maturity benefit and depends on market performance.
Return of Mortality Charge (ROMC)₹5,245₹6,049ROMC is a relatively small addition compared with the overall fund value.
Fund Booster₹49,338₹28,588Fund Booster increases with a higher fund value but is available only if policy conditions are met.
Total Maturity Benefit₹27,58,535₹15,19,361Final payout depends primarily on investment performance.
Illustrative Net Internal Rate of Return (IRR)6.65%2.72%Charges reduce the effective return by 1.35% and 1.28%, respectively.

Note: The 4% and 8% figures are gross assumed investment returns prescribed for regulatory illustrations. Based on the insurer's illustration, the corresponding illustrative net IRRs are approximately 2.72% and 6.65%, reflecting the impact of policy charges. 

These are not guaranteed returns. For the complete illustration, assumptions, charges, and policy terms, refer to the Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII sales brochure.

Pros and Cons of Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII

ProsCons
Return of Mortality Charge (ROMC): The plan may return eligible mortality charges at maturity. It does not provide a return of allocation charges because no premium allocation charge is levied.5-Year Lock-In: You cannot fully withdraw or surrender the policy without restrictions during the first five years.
No Premium Allocation Charge: Your entire premium is invested without any upfront allocation charge.Benefits Are Conditional: ROMC and Fund Booster are not available if the policy is surrendered, discontinued, or converted into a paid-up policy.
Fund Booster: Adds extra fund units every five years from the 15th policy year onwards, subject to policy terms.Fund Management Charge (FMC): A recurring annual charge of up to 1.35% that is deducted from your fund value and is never refunded. This can be higher than the expense ratios of many direct mutual funds.
Multiple Investment Choices: Access to nearly 29 funds and five portfolio strategies across equity, debt, and balanced options.Market Risk: Returns are not guaranteed and depend entirely on the performance of the chosen funds.
Flexible Payouts: Maturity and death benefits can be received as a lump sum or in installments.Limited Value of ROMC: Since there is no premium allocation charge, the plan only refunds mortality charges, not other recurring charges.

Who Should Buy Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII?

You can consider buying Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII if you:

    • Want to combine life insurance and market-linked investing in a single product.
    • Have a long investment horizon of 15 years or more and can stay invested until maturity.
    • Are comfortable with market-linked returns and understand that your corpus is not guaranteed.
    • Can pay premiums regularly throughout the policy term to qualify for benefits such as the Return of Mortality Charge (ROMC) and fund booster.
    • Need a ULIP for specific goals, such as a child's education or joint financial planning with your spouse.

Who Should Avoid It?

You should avoid Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII if you:

    • Want to maximize investment returns and life insurance coverage, as a term insurance plan combined with mutual fund SIPs is often more cost-effective.
    • May need access to your money within the 5-year lock-in period.
    • Prefer a simple investment product without insurance-related charges and conditions.
    • Are looking for guaranteed returns instead of market-linked performance.

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Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII
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Conclusion

Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII can be a suitable option if you're looking for a ULIP with long-term investment and life insurance benefits. However, features like the Return of Mortality Charge (ROMC) and fund booster are available only if you stay invested for the full policy term. 

Before investing, compare the plan's costs, charges, and projected returns with a term insurance plan and a mutual fund SIP to determine which option better aligns with your financial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII a good investment plan?

It can be suitable if you want to combine life insurance with market-linked investing and can stay invested for the long term. However, compare it with a term insurance plan and a mutual fund SIP, which may be a more cost-effective option for many investors.

When is the Return of Mortality Charge (ROMC) credited?

The Return of Mortality Charge (ROMC) is credited at maturity, provided the policy term exceeds 15 years, all due premiums have been paid, and the policy has not been surrendered, discontinued, or converted into a paid-up policy.

Which variant is suitable for a child's education goal?

The Child Wealth variant is designed to help build a corpus for a child's future goals, such as higher education. Refer to its dedicated sales brochure for variant-specific features.

Can I withdraw money before five years?

Not as cash in hand. Partial withdrawals are allowed only after five policy years. If you surrender earlier, your fund value, after deducting the applicable discontinuance charge, is transferred to the Discontinued Life policy fund, and your life cover ends immediately. The accumulated amount is paid only after the 5-year lock-in ends. The fund currently earns a minimum guaranteed return of 4% a year, subject to a 0.50% annual fund management charge, so early surrender may result in lower returns.

What is the minimum guaranteed death benefit?

The death benefit is the higher of the sum assured or the fund value, subject to a minimum guaranteed benefit of 105% of the total premiums paid up to the date of death.

Is the maturity amount tax-free?

Not always. The maturity proceeds of a ULIP are tax-free only if the annual premium does not exceed ₹2.5 lakh for policies issued on or after February 1, 2021, and the other applicable conditions under the Income Tax Act are met. If the aggregate annual premium across such ULIPs exceeds ₹2.5 lakh, the gains are taxed as equity capital gains. Since the tax treatment depends on your policy and applicable tax laws, consult a tax advisor before making an investment decision.

Are the tax benefits of Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII the same as term insurance?

Partially. Premiums paid for Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII and term insurance qualify for a tax deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C (now Section 123) of the Income Tax Act (under the old tax regime), subject to the applicable conditions. However, their maturity benefits are treated differently. The death benefit from both products is tax-free under Section 10(10D) (now Section 11).

Which riders can I add to Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII?

You can enhance your policy by adding optional riders, subject to eligibility and additional premium. These include Bajaj Life Linked Accident Protection Rider II (UIN: 116A057V03), Bajaj Life Care Plus Rider (UIN: 116A059V01), and Bajaj Life Linked New Critical Illness Benefit Rider (UIN: 116A060V01)

What is the minimum and maximum sum assured under Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII?

For regular or limited premium policies, the minimum sum assured is 7× the annualized premium (below age 50) or 5× (age 50+). The maximum is 30× the annualized premium. For single premium policies, the limits depend on your age and policy term.

What is the family benefit feature in Bajaj Life Smart Wealth Goal VII?

If an eligible family member is an existing or matured Bajaj Life policyholder, you receive an additional maturity benefit. It equals 0.5% of the average fund value for policy terms below 20 years and 1% for policy terms of 20 years or more. Eligible family members include your spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, parents-in-law, and siblings.

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