It’s now broadly understood that mortgage insurance is an insurance product that often primarily benefits financial institutions. Many consumers buy it in the heat of the moment, feeling compelled to protect a large real estate asset like a home, without conducting a deep financial analysis of how this insurance fits into their broader financial plan.
Mortgage insurance typically comes with several well-known drawbacks, such as covering only the bank’s exposure, with any claim proceeds going directly to the lender rather than the beneficiaries. Additionally, the coverage amount decreases over time, even though the premiums remain constant, which means that as you pay off your mortgage, the value of your coverage shrinks.
Despite these weaknesses, there are situations where mortgage insurance may actually be a better option than a traditional life insurance policy. While this may come as a surprise to some, today, using inputs of insurance experts like Lilibeth Bayeng (Greatway Financial), Dan Boyko (Dan Boyko Insurance Agent), and Kumar Gaurav (Mortgage Architects), we’ll explore a few cases where mortgage insurance can serve a more practical purpose than its reputation suggests.
So let’s start…
1. More Affordable Rates for Smokers in Many Instances
Mortgage insurance often uses blended rates for smokers and non-smokers when calculating premiums. This means that the premiums are typically based on a mix of the risk profiles of both groups, rather than differentiating between smokers and non-smokers like traditional life insurance policies do.
Because mortgage insurance does not require a medical exam or health questionnaire (including smoking status), the premiums are generally higher for non-smokers compared to what they would pay for a life insurance policy where their non-smoking status would be considered.
However, for smokers, mortgage insurance rates can be lower than traditional life insurance rates. This is because traditional life insurance specifically charges higher premiums for smokers, often significantly more than for non-smokers (up to 200%) whereas mortgage insurance effectively “averages out” the risk across all policyholders.
2. Easier Acceptance for High-Risk Individuals
For individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those who are very elderly, obtaining approval for a traditional life insurance policy can be challenging, if not impossible. In these cases, mortgage insurance may be an easier option for ensuring some level of protection for a major asset like a home. Mortgage insurance is typically tied to the mortgage approval process, so as long as the mortgage is approved, the insurance (at least a Guaranteed Policy or, sometimes a Simplified Policy) is granted. This guaranteed or simplified acceptance can be a lifesaver (figuratively) for those who are considered uninsurable by traditional life insurers due to medical reasons.
3. Fast and Convenient Access When You Need All Three: Mortgage Life, Critical Illness, and Disability Insurance
Combined mortgage insurance (which covers life insurance, critical illness insurance (CI), and disability insurance (DI) in one policy) can often be easier to obtain compared to applying for separate traditional life, CI, and DI policies.
Combined mortgage insurance typically has a simplified application process. Instead of filling out multiple applications for each type of coverage, borrowers can often complete a single application that covers all three areas. Also, many combined mortgage insurance policies require less extensive underwriting than traditional standalone policies. This can mean fewer health questions and a reduced likelihood of needing medical exams, making it easier for individuals to qualify. Because of the streamlined process and reduced underwriting, approval times for combined mortgage insurance can be faster, allowing borrowers to secure coverage more quickly.
4. Ease of Financial Management / Simplified Budgeting and Clarity
Having a single policy for mortgage life, critical illness, and disability insurance means that borrowers only need to manage one premium payment each month. This consolidation can significantly simplify budgeting and financial planning.
Managing multiple insurance policies can be cumbersome, requiring borrowers to track various due dates and payment amounts. With a single premium payment, borrowers can streamline their financial responsibilities, making it easier to keep track of their monthly expenses. A single payment allows borrowers to allocate a specific amount in their budget for insurance costs without worrying about varying premiums or multiple payment schedules. This can lead to better financial organization and reduced stress over managing multiple bills.
In addition to that, mortgage insurance premiums are often integrated into the mortgage payment, making them easy to budget for and manage. This simplicity can be beneficial for homeowners who prefer to keep their finances streamlined and avoid the complexities of managing multiple insurance policies with different billing schedules.
Mortgage insurance is directly linked to your mortgage, meaning that in the event of your death, the mortgage is automatically paid off. This offers peace of mind by ensuring that your home is secured specifically, rather than leaving a lump sum for your beneficiaries to handle.
5. Temporary Coverage for Short-Term Needs
For homeowners who only plan to stay in their current home for a short period (such as 2 -3 years), mortgage insurance might be a more practical choice than life insurance. If you only need coverage for the length of the mortgage and don’t require life insurance beyond that, mortgage insurance might be a more suitable and cost-effective option for a limited time.
Another scenario in this category arises when a client has just purchased a property and wants to ensure everything is organized before diving into financial planning. In this case, obtaining mortgage insurance can provide valuable protection during this transitional period, offering peace of mind while they establish their financial strategy and put in place proper insurance products.
When seeking insurance products to protect your real estate assets, partnering with an independent broker is crucial. An independent broker can access a range of policies from various providers, ensuring you have the best options available. Our insurance experts offer a broader selection of solutions than most brokers, enabling us to explore different possibilities and secure better coverage at highly competitive rates.
To get started, simply fill out the life insurance quote form in the sidebar for a no-obligation consultation. We’ll assist you in uncovering the best opportunities for savings.
