Mortgage Protection: Flexibility and Benefits Beyond Your Mortgage

If you're a homeowner, it's likely that your mortgage is one of your biggest financial commitments. But what happens to that mortgage, or more importantly your family, if you were to pass away unexpectedly? That's where Mortgage Protection Life Insurance comes in. While many people believe that this type of insurance only provides a decreasing death benefit that matches the amount of the outstanding mortgage, and is paid directly to the lender, the truth is that there are much more flexible options available today.

The most common option is term life insurance. With term insurance, you can choose the length of the term (typically 10, 15, 20, or 30 years) and the death benefit amount. This allows you to customize your coverage to fit your individual needs. For example, if you owe $456,000 on a 30-year mortgage, you might choose a 30-year term policy with a death benefit that matches the amount of your mortgage.

But term life insurance also offers additional benefits beyond just mortgage protection. One of these benefits is the Accelerated Benefit Rider, also known as "Living Benefits." This rider allows you to access a portion of your death benefit if you're diagnosed with a terminal illness, chronic illness, or critical illness.

• Terminal illness benefits, allow you to receive a portion of your death benefit if you're diagnosed with a terminal illness and have a life expectancy of 12-24 months or less.
• Critical illness benefits, provide a lump-sum payment upon diagnosis of a critical illness, such as cancer or heart attack.
• Chronic illness benefits, allow you to access a portion of your death benefit if you're unable to perform at least two activities of daily living or require substantial assistance due to a chronic illness.

This benefits can help cover expenses related to your illness and provide you with financial security during a difficult time.

In addition to mortgage protection life insurance, it's also important to consider disability insurance to protect your family and home. Disability insurance can provide income replacement if you become unable to work due to a covered illness or injury. This can be especially important if your family relies on your income to make mortgage payments or other household expenses. Disability insurance can also help cover medical expenses related to the covered illness or injury.

As an alternative to term life and traditional disability insurance, Accidental Death and Disability insurance can also be used to provide mortgage protection. This type of insurance pays out a benefit if you're disabled or die as a result of an accident. While it may not offer the same level of coverage as term life insurance, it can be a more affordable option.

Finally, it's worth noting that there are many life insurance products available today that can help those who may have health problems or a history of major health problems such as diabetes, cancer, etc. With advances in medicine and underwriting practices, it's now possible for many people to obtain affordable life insurance coverage that meets their needs regardless of preexisting medical conditions.

So if you're a homeowner, don't assume that Mortgage Protection Life Insurance is limited to decreasing term policies. Explore your options and find the coverage that's right for you. With the right policy in place, you can protect your home and your family's financial future.