Home Loan Insurance
Borrowers should manage their finances carefully, but it’s important to know that home loan insurance is not mandatory. Banks, NBFCs, or housing finance companies do not require borrowers to purchase a home insurance plan. Regulatory bodies like the RBI and IRDAI confirm that obtaining home loan insurance is optional when taking a loan from any financial institution.
Meaning of Home Loan Insurance
Home Loan Insurance, also called a Home Loan Protection Plan (HLPP), is a financial safeguard offered by banks, NBFCs, and housing finance companies. Under this plan, the insurer pays off the outstanding home loan amount in case of unforeseen events, such as the borrower’s death.
This loan insurance for home loans ensures that the borrower’s family is not burdened with repaying the loan or at risk of losing the home. The policy term usually matches the home loan tenure, providing continuous protection.
The home loan insurance cost depends on factors like the loan amount, tenure, and age of the borrower, making it a valuable and affordable way to secure both your home and your family’s future.
Importance of Home Loan Insurance Cover
Lenders want to protect their funds and avoid bad debts, which is why home loan mortgage insurance is crucial. If a borrower passes away, especially if they are the primary earner, the lender could face significant losses.
Home loan insurance plans ensure that the outstanding loan amount is covered in such circumstances. This protection is vital for borrowers, as it guarantees that their family will not face financial hardship or risk losing their home due to unpaid loans. Borrowers can choose from standard plans or enhanced plans with additional features and higher coverage through riders.
Key Features of Housing Loan Insurance
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Lump Sum or EMI Payment: Premiums for housing loan insurance can be paid as a one-time lump sum or included in the monthly loan EMI, making it convenient for borrowers.
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Joint Borrower Coverage: Home loan insurance plans cover all co-applicants on the loan. If one of the insured borrowers passes away, the remaining loan is taken care of.
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Riders and Add-ons: While basic home loan insurance plans cover the borrower’s death, riders allow additional protection for critical illnesses like heart attack, cancer, or accidental injuries. Some add-ons also cover disability or unemployment for up to six months of EMI payments.
Housing loan insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring your family is financially secure even in unexpected situations.
Home Loan Insurance: Protecting Your Investment
Taking a home loan is a long-term financial commitment, often spanning 25 to 30 years or more. Life is unpredictable, and unforeseen circumstances—such as sudden retirement, critical illness, or loss of the primary earner—can make it difficult to pay EMIs on time.
In such cases, the burden of repaying the loan may fall on dependent family members. Failure to meet EMI obligations could lead to the lender taking possession of the home or other collateral, putting a valuable family asset at risk.
To safeguard your home and your family’s financial security, planning ahead is essential. Investing in home loan insurance or loan insurance for home loan ensures that even in unexpected situations, the outstanding loan is covered, and your family can continue living in their home without financial stress.
Why is home loan insurance important for lenders?
Lenders offer home loans expecting timely repayments. However, if the borrower faces unexpected events like death, disability, or inability to pay, the loan repayment is at risk. Home loan insurance protects both the borrower and the lender by ensuring that the outstanding loan amount is covered in such unforeseen situations.
Why is home loan insurance important for borrowers?
Home loan mortgage insurance is crucial for borrowers as it protects their family in case of the borrower’s death, disability, or job loss. It ensures that the responsibility of repaying the loan does not fall on family members during unforeseen events.
Coverage and premiums for home loans insurance vary depending on the insurer and policy terms. Borrowers should compare different policies and use a home loan insurance premium calculator to find the plan that best fits their needs.
Key Points to Know:
- Home loan mortgage insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended.
- Premiums are typically a percentage of the loan amount and paid annually.
- Policies usually have a maximum coverage limit.
- The type of policy may depend on the borrower’s age, occupation, and health.
This insurance provides peace of mind by securing both your home and your family’s financial future.
Best Home Loan Insurance Plans in India
When choosing a home loans insurance plan, borrowers can opt for different types of coverage:
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Hybrid Cover Plan: The insured amount remains fixed during the first year and gradually decreases from the second year onwards, in line with the reducing balance of the home loan.
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Level Cover Plan: The coverage amount stays constant throughout the entire loan tenure, offering consistent protection even as the outstanding loan decreases.
While term insurance and home loans insurance provide similar benefits, there are notable differences between housing loan insurance and standard home insurance.
Benefits of Home Loan Insurance:
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Tax Benefits: Premiums paid for home loan protection plans are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C.
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Affordable: Many policies allow the premium to be paid in one lump sum or added to your loan amount, reducing the immediate financial burden and enabling EMI-based repayment.
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Protection: In the event of the borrower’s death or inability to repay, the insurance ensures the family does not face financial stress or risk losing the home.
A suitable home loan insurance plan provides peace of mind by safeguarding both your home and your family’s financial future.
How are home loan insurance plans different from other insurance schemes?
Home loans insurance plans differ from other insurance schemes as they are tailored to protect the borrower’s home loan amount. Unlike life insurance policies, home loan insurance policies have a decreasing sum assured, which means the payout decreases over time as the loan amount decreases. Moreover, these policies have a fixed term and cover only the loan amount and not the borrower’s life. The following table provides a comparison between home loans insurance and other insurance schemes:
| Insurance Scheme | Coverage | Term | Payout |
| Home Loan Insurance | Home loan repayment | Fixed | Decreasing the UM assured based on the outstanding loan amount |
| Life Insurance | Life cover for the entire life of the insured | Fixed or lifelong | Fixed sum assured |
| Health Insurance | Hospitalization expenses | Annual or multi-year | Based on policy terms and conditions |
| Vehicle Insurance | Vehicle damage and third-party liabilities | Annual or multi-year | Based on policy terms and conditions |
Difference between a home loan insurance and a home insurance
| Feature | Home Loan Insurance | Home Insurance |
| Purpose | Protects the borrower’s home loan repayment in case of unforeseen events such as death, disability, or job loss. | Protects the property and its contents against natural disasters, theft, or damage. |
| Mandatory | Not mandatory, but highly recommended. | Mandatory for most home loans as it safeguards the lender’s investment. |
| Charges | Calculated based on loan amount, tenure, and borrower’s age. | Based on property value, location, and type of coverage |
| Coverage Focus | Ensures the family is not burdened with loan repayment in case of unforeseen events. | Covers repair or replacement costs of the property and belongings. |
| Planning Tools | Borrowers can use a home loan insurance premium calculator to estimate costs. | Property insurance calculators may be used to estimate premiums |
| Recommendation | Compare various home loan insurance plans to choose the best policy. | Compare different property insurance policies for comprehensive coverage. |
Home Loan Insurance Calculator
A home loan insurance calculator helps borrowers estimate the home loan insurance cost based on the loan amount, interest rate, tenure, and other factors. This tool makes it easy to compare different loan insurance for home loan policies and choose the one that fits your needs and budget.
For example, if a borrower has a home loan of INR 50 lakh at an interest rate of 7% for 20 years, they can use an online calculator to estimate their insurance premium. By entering details such as loan amount, interest rate, tenure, age, and income, the calculator might show a premium of INR 5,000 per year.
With this estimate, borrowers can compare multiple loan insurance for home loan policies and select the best coverage at an affordable home loan insurance cost. This ensures informed decisions and financial protection for the family in case of unforeseen events.
Home Loan Insurance Premium Calculator
A home loan insurance premium calculator is a tool that helps borrowers estimate the amount of premium they would have to pay for the insurance policy. The calculator takes into account the loan amount, loan tenure, interest rate, and other factors to provide an accurate estimate of the premium amount.
For example, let’s say a borrower takes out a home loan of Rs. 50 lakh for a tenure of 20 years with an interest rate of 7.5%. They opt for a home loan insurance policy that offers coverage for the entire loan amount. Using a home loan insurance premium calculator, the borrower can estimate their premium amount.
Assuming the insurance premium rate is 0.5%, the calculation would be as follows:
Loan amount = Rs. 50 lakh Insurance premium rate = 0.5% Premium amount = (Loan amount x Insurance premium rate)/12 months x 20 years
Substituting the values, we get:
Premium amount = (50,00,000 x 0.5%)/12 x 20 Premium amount = Rs. 20,833 per annum
Therefore, the borrower would have to pay a premium of Rs. 20,833 per annum for the home loan insurance policy. The premium amount may vary depending on the insurance policy, loan amount, tenure, and other factors.
Best Home Loan Insurance Policy in India
There are several insurance providers in India offering home loan insurance policies. The best policy for an individual borrower depends on their specific needs and budget.
| Insurance Provider | Premium Amount | Coverage | Features | Customer Reviews |
| HDFC Ergo | Starts at Rs. 2,500 per annum | Covers loan repayment in case of death, disability, or job loss | Optional add-ons available | Positive reviews for prompt claim settlement |
| ICICI Lombard | Starts at Rs. 2,500 per annum | Covers loan repayment in case of death, disability, or job loss | Optional add-ons available | Positive reviews for the easy application process |
| SBI General | Starts at Rs. 2,000 per annum | Covers loan repayment in case of death, disability, or job loss | Optional add-ons available | Mixed reviews for the claim settlement process |
| Bajaj Allianz | Starts at Rs. 3,000 per annum | Covers loan repayment in case of death, disability, or job loss | Optional add-ons available | Positive reviews for comprehensive coverage |
It is important to note that the premium amount may vary based on the borrower’s age, loan amount, and other factors. Therefore, it is advisable to use a home loan insurance calculator to estimate the premium amount accurately. Additionally, borrowers should read the policy documents carefully and compare different policies before making a decision.
Home Loan Insurance Charges
Home loan insurance charges refer to the premium amount that borrowers have to pay for the insurance policy. The premium amount depends on factors such as the loan amount, loan tenure, interest rate, and the borrower’s age and health.
| Insurance Provider | Premium Rate per Year |
| HDFC Life | Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 8,500 |
| ICICI Pru | Rs. 3,500 – Rs. 10,000 |
| SBI Life | Rs. 3,000 – Rs. 9,000 |
| Bajaj Allianz | Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 7,500 |
How to Avail Home Loan Insurance?
When applying for a home loan, borrowers usually have the option to purchase home loan mortgage insurance. Most financial institutions offer it alongside your housing loan, often as part of the loan package.
While it is highly recommended to consider housing loan insurance for financial protection, it is important to note that insurance is not mandatory to secure a home loan. The idea that you must buy insurance to get a loan is a common misconception.
To make the best decision, research and compare different home loan insurance plans. Choose a policy that fits your specific needs rather than accepting the first option offered by the lender. This ensures your family and investment are adequately protected.
What are the Advantages of Obtaining Home Loan Insurance?
- Home loan insurance provides a lump sum payout that can be used to clear the outstanding balance of your home loan, offering financial security for your family.
- Borrowers can also enjoy tax benefits under Sections 80C and 80D of the Income Tax Act, as estimated using a home loan insurance cost calculator.
- With an additional premium, the plan may cover medical emergencies such as disability or serious illnesses, enhancing protection under the loan insurance for home loan.
- A single home loan insurance plan can cover all co-borrowers on the same loan, ensuring everyone is protected.
- Premiums can be paid either as a one-time lump sum or included in the total loan amount, allowing repayment through annual or monthly EMIs. Borrowers can also choose to convert part of the insurance premium into a lump sum to manage their home loan insurance cost alongside EMIs effectively.
When Should You Get House Loan Insurance Coverage?
Mortgage insurance provides an additional layer of protection, but it is not required to be purchased in conjunction with your home loan. Lenders will attempt to persuade you to take out a loan because they do not want to take the risk of incurring a possible debt if you fail to make your payments on time. Regulatory agencies such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have not made the purchase of home loan insurance mandatory, instead leaving it entirely up to the buyer’s decision.
When taking out a house loan, you are not required to purchase home loan insurance. On the other hand, this kind of insurance becomes necessary as a method of protecting your funds and valuables. As a prospective insurance buyer, it is important to remember to do your research before deciding whether property insurance is mandatory for a home loan. Financial companies may attempt to sell you insurance to increase their profits, but you must choose the policy that best meets your requirements.
Additionally, you are not required to get insurance immediately after receiving a loan. You may get the insurance at a later date via another financial institution or bank, or through one of the many insurance-selling websites. Home loan insurance, as a result, gives you much-needed peace of mind by protecting you and your family from any unexpected occurrences.
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What are Home Loan Protection Plans, And How Do They Work?
HLPP stands for Home Loan Protection Plan, and it is a kind of insurance plan. In the case of the borrower’s death, the insurance company will pay any outstanding balance on the term insurance for the home loan with the bank or lender, as specified in the policy. The duration of the insurance is often the same as the duration of the loan. As a result, a borrower may ensure that his or her family will not be forced to leave their home owing to non-payment of a home loan after the borrower’s death.
Please keep in mind that a House Loan Protection Plan is not the same as property or home insurance. Property insurance protects you against dangers to your property or house, such as earthquakes, fires, floods, storms, theft, and other natural disasters. Homeowners’ or property insurance may be required in certain cases. As a result, the terms of the house loan agreement will be quite clear in this regard.
Are Home Loan Protection Plans Required to Be Purchased by All Borrowers?
There is no need to obtain a home loan protection plan in conjunction with a house loan by law, the Reserve Bank of India, or the Indian Real Estate Development Authority (IRDA). Even the acquisition of a term insurance policy is not required. The acquisition of an insurance policy is entirely at the choice of the customer, who cannot be coerced into purchasing such policies by anybody.
For the sake of protecting their interests, banks may adopt a different approach in this respect. A provision in the loan agreement must specify whether or not the company’s internal policy requires that insurance be purchased.
Home Loan Protection Plans Advantages
- In the tragic event of the loan borrower’s death, the insurance company pays the loan amount to the lender/bank on his or her behalf. The excess amount is paid to the policyholder’s beneficiary, who is usually his or her spouse.
- Other riders, such as critical sickness or disability riders, may be added on as well. In such a circumstance, your loan amount is protected not only in the event of your death, but also in the event of a serious sickness or permanent handicap. However, such riders will increase the premium amount.
- A single life insurance policy may provide coverage for all of the borrowers under a joint loan. There is no need to obtain a separate home loan insurance for each borrower in this situation.
When taking out a house loan, you are not required to purchase home loan insurance. On the other hand, this kind of insurance becomes necessary as a method of protecting your funds and valuables. As a prospective insurance buyer, it is important to remember to do your research before deciding. Financial companies may attempt to sell you insurance to increase their profits, but you must choose the policy that best meets your requirements. If you want help from authorized insurance advisors, you can certainly find help on NoBroker. Just leave a comment below this article, and our executive will be in touch with you soon.
How NoBroker Helps You
Buying a home and managing a home loan can feel complicated — but NoBroker makes it simple and stress-free. Here’s how NoBroker helps you when it comes to home loan insurance and protection:
- Expert Guidance: NoBroker’s financial experts help you understand the importance of home loan insurance and recommend plans suited to your needs and budget.
- Compare Multiple Insurers: You can easily compare home loan insurance options from top banks and insurance providers — all in one place.
- Transparent Process: No hidden charges or confusing terms — NoBroker ensures you get honest information to make the right decision.
- Quick Assistance: If you’re unsure which policy to choose, simply leave a request on NoBroker, and their loan advisor will contact you with personalized recommendations.
- End-to-End Support: From applying for a home loan to choosing the right insurance cover, NoBroker assists you through every step, ensuring a smooth and secure home-buying journey.
Conclusion
Home loan insurance is more than just an add-on — it’s a smart financial safety net that protects both your family and your dream home. In case of unforeseen events like death, disability, or job loss, the insurance ensures your loved ones don’t face the burden of repaying the loan or the risk of losing their home.
While this coverage isn’t mandatory, it’s highly recommended for anyone taking a long-term home loan. With the right plan, you can secure peace of mind, knowing that your home and your family’s future are safe, no matter what life brings.



