10-second summary: All Irish mortgage protection policies clear your mortgage if you die. The real differences are underwriting flexibility, increase options, children’s cover and added benefits. Choosing the wrong insurer first can limit your options.
You already know you need mortgage protection to draw down your loan.
The real question now is simple: which insurer gives you the best outcome for your situation?
All our partners – Aviva, Zurich, Royal London, Irish Life and New Ireland – will clear your mortgage if you die during the term.
That part is standard.
Where they differ is in how they assess medical history, how flexible they are later, what benefits they include, and how much you can increase cover without answering health questions again.
Quick Comparison of the Main Insurers
| Insurer | Waiver of Premium | Increase Option | Children’s Cover | Notable Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviva | No | Yes (event-based, capped) | €5,000 | Digital GP, mental health support, Best Doctors |
| Zurich | Yes | Yes | No standard children’s life cover | Waiver of premium benefit |
| Royal London | No | Yes | €5,000 | Helping Hand support services |
| Irish Life | No | Yes (typically higher limits) | €7,000 | MedCare services |
| New Ireland | No | Yes | €4,000 | Digital GP, physio, counselling |
What Actually Matters When Comparing
Your Health
If you have any medical history, insurers assess risk differently.
Some are more relaxed on BMI.
Some are stricter on a history of cancer.
Some are tougher on anxiety.
If you apply to the wrong insurer first and receive a loading, that decision cannot be undone. Other insurers will ask what terms were previously offered.
That is why who you approach first matters.
If you have a medical history and would like our guidance, please complete our medical questionnaire.
Dual vs Joint Life
If you are buying together, a dual-life mortgage protection policy usually provides better long-term protection. It allows two potential payouts instead of one.
If you’re not married and buying together, we recommend two single life policies to reduce any potential inheritance tax
Conversion Option
This allows you to buy another policy without having to answer medical questions again. Regardless of what happens to your health, this guarantees you can get cover again in the future.
This costs a little extra but is well worth it.
Guaranteed Increase Option
Lets you increase cover after certain life events (insurer specific, but usually marriage, birth/adoption, new/increased mortgage) without answering medical questions.
Waiver of Premium
Zurich currently includes a waiver of premium benefit. If you cannot work due to illness or injury for more than 13 weeks, they cover your premiums for up to one year,
No other major provider includes this on standard mortgage protection.
Next Step
If you are healthy and want to compare prices, use our quote tool.
If you have a medical history or are unsure how insurers will assess you, complete our medical questionnaire first.
We will steer you toward the insurer most likely to give you the right terms.
Editor’s note: First published 2018 | Fully rebuilt in 2026 to reflect current Irish insurer rules, underwriting behaviour and product features.
Written by Nick McGowan, QFA RPA APA
Nick is a qualified financial advisor and founder of Lion.ie, an Irish life insurance and income protection brokerage based in Tullamore. He’s been helping people get fair, transparent cover for over 15 years — and was named Protection Broker of the Year 2022. If you’d like straight answers without the sales pitch, learn more about Nick here.