In case of MFs there are only 3 types of charges applicable -

1. Entry Load - It can be avoided if u invest directly to ur MF bypassing ur MF agent.
2. Exit Load - It can also be avoided by remaining invested for certain time period in that particular plan.
3. Fund Management Charge - It`s charged as a %age of total assets under the plan. Normally it varies from 0.25% to 2.5% depending upon type of funds (Debt to Eq.) as well as expertise of fund co. for a same set of MF plans, lower FMC Plan is always advisable for investment.

In case of ULIP following 4 types of charges are applicable.
1. Prem. allocation Charge - It may vary from as low as 1% to as high as 65-70% of your first year prem. & reduced year after year or may remain same at a constant level say 4% or 5%.
2. Mortality Charges - It`s the basic cost of insurance & again it varies among Insurance Cos.
3. Policy admin charges - Some ULIPs charge as low as 20 Rs. per month where as some charge as high as 200-300 Rs. per month. Again not constant among Insurance Cos.
4. Fund Management charges - From 0.5% to 2.5% depending upon the type of Fund (debt to Equity).