Close

Buy a Life Insurance Plan in a few clicks

Now you can buy life insurance plan online.

Kotak e-Invest Plus

Insurance and Investment in one plan.

Kotak T.U.L.I.P

A plan that works like a term plan, and Earns like ULIP Plan

Close

Get a Call

Enter your contact details below and we will get in touch with you at the earliest.

  • Select your Query

Thank you

Our representative will get in touch with you at the earliest.

Partial Withdrawal in ULIPs

A partial withdrawal from your ULIP is a feature that allows you to access a portion of your investment money without having to surrender the entire policy. It is a valuable feature designed to provide liquidity, but it comes with a critical rule: you can only start making withdrawals after the mandatory 5-year lock-in period. ULIP is a long-term investment plan that also offers life insurance, and the partial withdrawal in ULIP facility is your emergency cash window into that investment.

  • 6,617 Views
  • Updated on: Aug 21, 2025
Invest in your Future

How Does Partial Withdrawal Work?

A part of the premium you pay for your ULIP provides life insurance coverage. The insurer invests the remaining amount in the financial instruments you select as per your capacity to bear market fluctuations. The pooled investment from all investors in a ULIP is divided into units. Each unit is assigned a price, known as the Net Asset Value (NAV). It is the price at which investors can purchase and sell ULIP units. The NAV goes up when the value of the underlying funds increases.

Based on the premium you pay, units are assigned to you. You can encash some of those units after the lock-in period of the ULIP start date, the first five years. The amount you receive depends on the total NAV of the number of units redeemed.

Premium Allocation

If you invest in a ULIP, you must pay a fixed premium. Part of the premium is used to provide coverage for income replacement, while the remaining part is invested in various capital market funds.

Withdrawal Of Funds

Part of the premium that gets invested is further divided into units. ULIP partial withdrawal allows you to redeem some of those units in case of any emergency.

Limits on Partial Withdrawals

After understanding what is partial withdrawal in insurance, let us explore the limits imposed on it. Partial withdrawals from ULIP are very flexible, but there are rules that must be followed to keep the policy in action. The main restrictions are:

  • 5-Year Lock-In Period: You can only make a withdrawal after the policy has been active for five years and all premiums for that time have been paid.
  • Minimum Age: The life assured (the person covered by the policy) must be at least 18 years old to make a partial withdrawal.
  • Maximum Withdrawal Amount: Insurers limit the amount you can withdraw in a policy year to a percentage of the fund value, which is usually around 20%.
  • Minimum Fund Balance: Your policy must keep a minimum fund value even after the withdrawal. This is usually equal to one year’s worth of premiums or another pre-set amount. If the fund value falls below this level, a withdrawal request will be denied.

When can We Withdraw from ULIP?

Policyholders have the option to make partial withdrawals from their ULIPs after the lock-in period. The lock-in period is typically five years from the date of purchase. During this period, no withdrawals are allowed. After the lock-in period expires, policyholders can make partial withdrawals from the fund value while the policy remains in force. ULIP Partial withdrawal rules allow policyholders to access a portion of their invested amount without surrendering the policy entirely. The exact rules and limits for partial withdrawals vary among insurance companies and specific ULIP plans.

What is the Lock-in Period for ULIP?

According to the Insurance Regulatory Authority of India, ULIPs have a five-year lock-in period during which you cannot withdraw funds. These plans are meant to encourage long-term investments and ensure stability. This life insurance plan offers benefits for both insurance and investment. The lock-in period prevents you from withdrawing funds and provides you higher returns. If you withdraw before the lock-in period ends, you will be charged with surrender fees.

How Much Amount is Allowed for Partial Withdrawals?

The upper threshold is approximately 25% of your fund’s current value upon withdrawal, with the requirement that a minimum of one year’s premium remain within the fund. To illustrate, consider a scenario where an individual purchases a ULIP policy.

For example, consider a scenario where an individual has purchased a ULIP policy. After a lock-in period of five years, the policy’s fund value stands at ₹3 lakh, with an annual premium of ₹50,000 and a sum assured of ₹6 lakh. In this context, a quarter of the fund value translates to ₹75,000. By withdrawing ₹75,000, it becomes feasible to execute a partial withdrawal, given that an amount equivalent to one year’s premium (i.e.,₹ 50,000) remains within the fund.

What is the Impact on the Sum Assured?

When you withdraw from your ULIP fund, the fund value and the sum assured decrease by the withdrawn amount. However, this reduction in the assured sum is temporary and lasts two years. After these two years, the sum assured will automatically revert to its original amount. Consequently, opting for a partial withdrawal will not adversely affect your ULIP policy in the long run.

It is crucial to remember that the automatic restoration of the sum assured is contingent upon two conditions: refraining from making any additional withdrawals within two years and maintaining the regular payment of due premiums.

Therefore, the sole scenario in which a partial withdrawal from your ULIP policy could have a prolonged impact is if the policyholder passes away during the two years following the withdrawal. The reduced sum assured will be disbursed to the nominee in such an instance.

FAQs on Partial Withdrawal in ULIP


1

When can I make a partial withdrawal from my ULIP?

You can only partially withdraw from your ULIP after the five-year lock-in period. The maximum and minimum withdrawal amounts differ from policy to policy.



2

Is there a limit to the amount I can withdraw?

Partial withdrawal in ULIP policies vary between insurers. You can withdraw up to 10% or 20% of the accumulated funds. Exceeding the limit can lead to the termination of your coverage.



3

How many partial withdrawals are allowed in a year?

Partial withdrawals are allowed thrice a year after the lock-in period only if you are above 18 years of age.


4

Will partial withdrawal affect my ULIP coverage?

Partial withdrawal in ULIP decreases the sum assured by that amount, which is automatically restored in two years if you don’t withdraw. If the policyholder dies during those 2 years, his nominee will be given the amount.


5

Are there any charges associated with partial withdrawal?

Charges associated with partial withdrawal vary from one policy to another. Some insurers charge for withdrawals, and some don’t.

6

Can I withdraw funds from both the equity and debt portions of my ULIP?

Yes, you can withdraw funds from the equity and debt portions of your ULIP only after the lock-in period of five years ends.

Amit Raje
Written By :
Amit Raje

Amit Raje is an experienced marketer who has worked in various Fintechs and leading Financial companies in India. With focused experience in Digital, Amit has pioneered multiple digital commerce in India. Now, close to two decades later, he is the vice president and head of the D2C business department. He masters the skill of strategic management, also being certified in it from IIMA. He has challenged his challenges and contributed his efforts in this journey of digital transformation.

Amit Raje
Reviewed By :
Prasad Pimple

Prasad Pimple has a decade-long experience in the Life insurance sector and as EVP, Kotak Life heads Digital Business. He is responsible for developing user friendly product journeys, creating consumer awareness and helping consumers in identifying need for life insurance solutions. He has 20+ years of experience in creating and building business verticals across Insurance, Telecom and Banking sectors

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

Kotak e-Invest

Download Brochure

Features

  • Return of Mortality Charges*$
  • Enhanced Protection
  • Multiple Plan Options
  • Zero Premium Allocation Charges
  • Tax Savings^

Ref. No. KLI/22-23/E-BB/521

T&C

Buy Online

The information herein is meant only for general reading purposes and the views being expressed only constitute opinions and therefore cannot be considered as guidelines, recommendations or as a professional guide for the readers. The content has been prepared on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other sources believed to be reliable. Recipients of this information are advised to rely on their own analysis, interpretations & investigations. Readers are also advised to seek independent professional advice in order to arrive at an informed investment decision. Further customer is the advised to go through the sales brochure before conducting any sale. Above illustrations are only for understanding, it is not directly or indirectly related to the performance of any product or plans of Kotak Life.

Grow your wealth effortlessly with our ULIP plan options now!