What is Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance (MRTA)?
Definition of Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance
Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance (MRTA) is an insurance policy designed to protect individuals and their families in the event of their death or terminal illness during the term of their mortgage loan.
The coverage amount of MRTA decreases over time, in line with the outstanding loan balance.
This means that as the mortgage loan is being paid off, the coverage amount reduces accordingly.
MRTA provides peace of mind to borrowers by ensuring that their outstanding loan will be fully paid off in the event of an unfortunate incident.
History of MRTA
MRTA was developed as a response to the need for mortgage protection.
It became particularly popular during the housing boom in the late 20th century when more people were taking out large mortgage loans.
Lenders recognized the importance of protecting their loan commitments, and insurance companies saw an opportunity to provide a specialized product tailored to meet this need.
Today, MRTA continues to be a common form of mortgage protection worldwide.
Key Features of Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance (MRTA)
MRTA offers several key features that make it a valuable insurance product for homeowners.
Some of these features include:
- Policy Term: MRTA is typically offered for the same duration as the mortgage loan, ensuring that the coverage aligns with the loan repayment period.
- Reducing Coverage Amount: The coverage amount decreases over time in line with the outstanding loan balance. This ensures that the full loan amount will be covered in the event of the policyholder’s death or terminal illness.
- Mortgage Level: MRTA coverage is tied directly to the mortgage loan, providing protection specifically for the outstanding loan amount.
- Flexibility: MRTA can be tailored to meet individual needs, allowing policyholders to choose the coverage amount and policy term that best suits their circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- MRTA Definition:
- MRTA is an insurance policy protecting individuals and families during a mortgage loan’s term.
- Coverage decreases with the outstanding loan balance, ensuring full repayment upon death or terminal illness.
- History of MRTA:
- Developed in response to mortgage protection needs, popularized during the 20th-century housing boom.
- Key Features of MRTA:
- Aligned policy term with mortgage duration.
- Decreasing coverage synced with the loan balance.
- Directly tied to the mortgage loan.
- Flexible, customizable to individual needs.
- Benefits of MRTA:
- Ensures full loan payoff upon policyholder’s death or terminal illness.
- Provides peace of mind for homeowners.
- Affordable premiums compared to other insurances.
- Streamlined claims process for financial security.
- Eligibility for MRTA:
- Requires an outstanding home loan.
- Eligibility based on age, health, and financial status.
- Coverage for death or terminal illness during the policy term.
- Factors Affecting MRTA Premiums:
- Influenced by premium amount, housing loan type, loan amount, coverage level, mortgage payments, and more.
- Different insurers, interest rates, and refund options impact premiums.
- Calculating MRTA Premiums:
- Consider loan package, sum assured, total premiums, outstanding loan, payment terms, rate options, and premium options.
- Choose a suitable mortgage insurance plan.
- Comparing MRTA Premiums:
- Evaluate MRTA against other insurance types.
- Request quotes from multiple insurers, considering coverage, terms, and reputation.
- MRTA vs. Other Mortgage Insurance:
- MRTA vs. decreasing term insurance: MRTA offers decreasing coverage with additional benefits.
- MRTA vs. level term insurance: MRTA covers decreasing mortgage balance.
- MRTA vs. whole life insurance: MRTA is cost-effective for mortgage protection.
- Critical Illness Cover with MRTA:
- Critical illness cover offers lump sum payout for serious health issues.
- Combined with MRTA, enhances financial security for medical expenses and mortgage protection.
Benefits of Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance
MRTA offers several benefits to policyholders, including:
- Mortgage Protection: MRTA ensures that the outstanding mortgage loan will be fully paid off in the event of the policyholder’s death or terminal illness. This provides financial security for the policyholder’s family.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that the mortgage is protected provides peace of mind to homeowners, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their life and financial planning.
- Affordable Premiums: MRTA premiums are typically lower compared to other types of insurance, making it an affordable option for homeowners.
- Simplified Claims Process: MRTA claims are usually straightforward, with the insurance company paying out the remaining loan balance directly to the lender. This helps to alleviate any financial burden on the policyholder’s family.
Eligibility for MRTA
To be eligible for MRTA, the policyholder typically needs to have an outstanding home loan.
The policyholder’s eligibility will depend on factors such as their age, health, and financial circumstances.
MRTA provides coverage in the event of the policyholder’s death or terminal illness during the policy term.
The payout from the insurance policy can be used to fully settle the outstanding loan, providing financial security for the policyholder’s home and family.
Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance (MRTA) is a valuable insurance product that provides peace of mind and financial protection for homeowners.
By ensuring that the outstanding mortgage loan will be fully paid off in the event of the policyholder’s death or terminal illness, MRTA offers a valuable safety net for individuals and their families.
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MRTA – Types of Insurance in Singapore Like Home Loan Premium
Factors affecting MRTA premiums
Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance (MRTA) is a type of insurance that provides coverage for your home loan in the event of your untimely death or permanent disability.
The premiums for MRTA are influenced by several factors, including:
- Premium: The amount you pay for your MRTA coverage is a key factor in determining your premiums. Generally, the higher the premium, the higher the coverage, and vice versa.
- Housing Loan: The type of housing loan you have, such as HDB loan, bank loan, or private mortgage, can impact your MRTA premiums. Different lenders may have different requirements and conditions.
- Loan Amount: The total amount of your home loan also affects the MRTA premiums. Generally, the higher the loan amount, the higher the premiums.
- Insurance Coverage: The extent of the insurance coverage you choose for your MRTA policy will have an impact on the premiums. Higher coverage levels will result in higher premiums.
- Mortgage Payments: The amount and frequency of your mortgage payments can impact the MRTA premiums. The longer the loan tenure or the higher the monthly payments, the higher the premiums.
- Loan Repayments: The outstanding balance on your housing loan at any point in time will affect the MRTA premiums. As the loan balance decreases, the premiums may decrease as well.
- Outstanding Housing Loan: The remaining balance on your home loan determines the coverage required, which in turn affects the MRTA premiums.
- Insurance Company: Different insurance companies may have different pricing structures and underwriting criteria, which can result in varying premiums for MRTA coverage.
- Loan Interest Rate: The interest rate on your housing loan may also impact the MRTA premiums. Higher interest rates could lead to higher premiums.
- Refund: Some MRTA policies may offer a refund of premiums if you sell your property or terminate the policy before the end of the tenure. This factor can affect the overall cost of the coverage.
How to calculate MRTA premiums
Calculating MRTA premiums involves considering several factors, including:
- Loan Package: The specific loan package you choose will determine the sum assured, which is the maximum benefit amount payable upon a claim.
- Sum Assured: The sum assured represents the coverage amount of the MRTA policy. It is usually equivalent to the outstanding loan amount.
- Total Premiums Paid: This refers to the total amount you will need to pay over the entire duration of the MRTA policy.
- Outstanding Loan: The remaining balance on your housing loan will impact the sum assured and the premiums.
- Premium Payment Terms: The duration for which you need to pay the premiums, such as monthly, annually, or in a lump sum, affects the calculation.
- Rate Options: Different rate options, such as level rate or adjustable rate, can affect the premiums.
- Premium Options: The flexibility to choose among various premium payment options, such as single premium or regular premiums, can impact the overall cost.
- Annual Premium: The annual premium is determined based on the sum assured, the loan tenure, and other factors. It represents a yearly cost for the MRTA coverage.
- Suitable Mortgage Insurance Plan: It is crucial to select a mortgage insurance plan that suits your needs and budget. Comparing different options and understanding the terms and conditions is important to make an informed decision.
Comparing MRTA premiums from different insurers
When comparing MRTA premiums from different insurers, consider the following factors:
- MRTA vs. other types of insurance: Assess whether MRTA is the most suitable type of insurance for your needs, or if other options such as term life insurance or whole life insurance may be more appropriate.
- Comparing MRTA quotes: Request quotes from multiple insurers and compare the premiums, coverage levels, and terms of the MRTA policies.
- Types of insurance: Look at the types of insurance offered by different insurers and assess their reputations and track records in the industry.
- Outstanding home loan: Consider the remaining balance on your home loan and ensure that the MRTA coverage is sufficient to cover the outstanding loan amount.
- Insurance application process: Assess the ease and efficiency of the insurance application process, including the required documents and the turnaround time.
- Insurance cover mortgage payments: Ensure that the MRTA coverage includes provisions to cover your mortgage payments in the event of death or permanent disability.
- Additional mortgage insurance: Some insurers may offer additional coverage options, such as critical illness or disability riders, which can provide extra protection for your mortgage.
- Affordable life insurance: Consider the overall affordability of the MRTA premiums and assess whether they fit within your budget and financial goals.
Comparing MRTA premiums from different insurers can help you find the best coverage at the most competitive price.
It is essential to assess your individual needs and consult with a professional advisor to make an informed decision.
MRTA vs. Other Types of Mortgage Insurance Product
MRTA vs decreasing term insurance
When it comes to mortgage insurance, there are various options available.
One common type is decreasing term insurance, which is often used to cover the outstanding loan amount.
This type of insurance typically decreases in value over time as the mortgage balance decreases.
However, it does not provide coverage for terminal illness or other additional benefits.
On the other hand, Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance (MRTA) offers the same decreasing coverage for the outstanding loan but also provides additional benefits such as terminal illness coverage.
This makes MRTA a more comprehensive option for protecting your mortgage.
MRTA vs level term insurance
Another type of mortgage insurance is level term insurance, which provides a fixed sum insured throughout the policy term.
This type of insurance is often used to ensure that your mortgage is fully covered in the event of your death.
While level term insurance can provide financial protection for your mortgage, it does not specifically cover the reducing mortgage balance over time.
MRTA, on the other hand, is specifically designed to cover the outstanding loan amount and decrease in line with your mortgage balance.
This ensures that you have adequate coverage that aligns with your mortgage repayment schedule.
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MRTA vs whole life insurance
Whole life insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for the entire lifetime of the insured person.
It offers a cash value and can be used as an investment vehicle.
While whole life insurance can provide financial protection and even have a surrender value, it may not be the most cost-effective option for covering your mortgage.
MRTA, on the other hand, is specifically designed to provide mortgage protection and ensure that your outstanding loan is covered.
This targeted coverage can be more cost-effective and provide the necessary financial security for your mortgage.
In summary, MRTA offers several advantages over other types of mortgage insurance products.
It provides coverage specifically tailored to the decreasing mortgage balance, includes additional benefits such as terminal illness coverage, and is designed to be more cost-effective than other insurance options.
When considering mortgage insurance, it is important to evaluate your specific needs and requirements to determine which option is the best fit for you.
Critical Illness Cover with MRTA – Decreasing Term
What is critical illness cover?
Critical illness cover, also known as critical illness protection, is a type of insurance scheme that provides financial protection in the event of a serious health issue.
It typically offers a lump sum payout upon diagnosis of a critical illness such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure.
This payout can be used to cover medical expenses, replace lost income, or pay off outstanding debts, including your mortgage.
One of the main advantages of critical illness cover is that it provides a wide range of coverage, offering protection against a variety of illnesses and health conditions.
In addition to the lump sum payout for critical illnesses, some policies also provide an illness benefit, which pays out a smaller amount for less serious ailments.
Benefits of critical illness cover with MRTA
When combined with Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance (MRTA), critical illness cover can provide even greater financial security.
MRTA is a type of life insurance that pays off the outstanding amount on your mortgage in the event of your death, ensuring that your family is not burdened with mortgage repayments.
By adding critical illness coverage to your MRTA policy, you can receive a lump sum payout if you are diagnosed with a critical illness.
This payout can be used to cover medical expenses, make necessary modifications to your home, or provide financial support during your recovery period.
In addition, some critical illness cover policies also offer benefits for terminal illness, providing a payout if you are diagnosed with a condition that is likely to result in death within a certain time frame.
Some policies may also include additional benefits such as a funeral benefit, offering further financial assistance to your loved ones in the event of your passing.
How to choose a critical illness cover with MRTA
Choosing the right critical illness cover with MRTA requires careful consideration of your individual needs and circumstances.
While it is possible to purchase these insurance products without seeking advice, it is recommended to consult with a financial advisor who can help you navigate the options and find the best coverage for your specific situation.
When selecting a policy, it is important to ensure that the critical illness coverage is sufficient to pay off your mortgage in full.
Consider any additional benefits that may be included, such as a critical illness rider, which provides coverage for more severe conditions, a permanent disability rider, offering financial protection in the event of disability, or a premium waiver rider, which allows you to stop paying premiums if you become critically ill or disabled.
Ultimately, critical illness cover with MRTA can provide invaluable peace of mind, protecting your family from the risk of losing their home and offering financial security during challenging times.
Buying MRTA in Singapore
Are you considering purchasing Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance (MRTA) in Singapore? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Understanding the ins and outs of MRTA is crucial before making a decision.
Here are some key points to consider:
How to compare MRTA quotes from different insurers
When searching for MRTA coverage, it’s essential to obtain quotes from various insurance companies.
Factors to look out for when comparing quotes include coverage limits, additional benefits, and the reputation of the insurer in Singapore.
Seek advice from professionals who specialize in insurance in Singapore to ensure you make an informed decision.
Things to consider when buying MRTA
Several factors need consideration when purchasing MRTA.
First, examine your loan arrangement and ensure MRTA is suitable for your property loan.
Additionally, make sure the policy covers not only the outstanding mortgage payments but also other financial obligations in the event of total and permanent disability.
Consider whether a joint-life policy is a better option for you and whether you require any optional benefits or additional coverage.
How to apply for MRTA
Applying for MRTA is a straightforward process.
If you wish to terminate your policy early, you can choose to buy a new one or simply request a refund of the remaining premiums if you have paid off your mortgage.
Joint policies are also available for couples who have co-owned their property.
Make sure to choose an MRTA plan that aligns with your needs and financial commitment, and consider the different premium options available.
MRTA ensures that you and your loved ones are financially secure in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
By understanding how to compare quotes, what to consider when buying, and how to apply for MRTA, you can make an informed decision that provides you with peace of mind.
Note: It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the policy contract, as each insurer may have different coverage options and features specific to their offerings.
Remember, finding the right MRTA plan for your needs requires careful consideration and research.
Seek professional advice to ensure you make the best decision for you and your family’s financial security.
Conclusion
Don’t have to worry about losing your home with MRTA
In conclusion, Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance (MRTA) is a valuable insurance policy that provides protection and peace of mind to property loan borrowers.
By financially safeguarding your home loan, MRTA ensures that your family will not face the risk of losing their home in the event of your death or disability.
One of the key benefits of MRTA is that it is a long-term commitment, providing coverage throughout the entire duration of your loan.
This means that you don’t have to worry about renewing the policy every few years or facing gaps in protection.
Once you have taken out MRTA, your home loan will be protected until it is fully paid off.
Additionally, MRTA offers the option for early termination of the policy.
Should you choose to sell your property or pay off your loan early, you have the flexibility to terminate the policy.
However, it’s worth noting that early termination usually involves high fees and may result in receiving less than the total premiums paid.
Final thoughts on the importance of MRTA as a protection scheme
MRTA is an essential protection scheme for anyone who has taken out a property loan.
By ensuring that your home loan is covered, MRTA provides financial security to your loved ones in the event of your death or disability.
When considering MRTA, it’s important to understand the limits of coverage and the policy’s terms and conditions.
It’s recommended to seek advice from a qualified financial advisor who can guide you in choosing the right MRTA plan for your specific needs.
Overall, MRTA offers peace of mind, knowing that your family will be able to keep their home even if the unexpected happens.
By investing in MRTA, you’re protecting your biggest asset and ensuring a secure future for your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance (MRTA)?
Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance, or MRTA, is an insurance policy specifically designed for individuals who are taking a home loan or mortgage. It provides financial protection to the policyholder and their family in the event of death or total permanent disability (TPD) during the loan tenure.
How does Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance work?
Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance works by decreasing the coverage amount over time, in line with the outstanding mortgage amount. In the event of death or TPD, the insurance payout will be used to settle the remaining loan balance, ensuring that the family does not have to worry about losing their home due to financial difficulties.
Is Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance the same as life insurance?
Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance is a type of life insurance policy, but it is specifically tailored for individuals who have taken a home loan. It provides coverage for the outstanding mortgage amount and ensures that the loan will be paid off in the event of death or TPD.
Can I purchase Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance for a property in Malaysia?
Yes, Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance is available for properties in Malaysia. Many insurance companies offer MRTA insurance as part of their product offerings to homeowners in Malaysia.
What is the difference between Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance and Level Term Assurance?
Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance is specifically designed to cover the outstanding mortgage amount, which decreases over time. Level Term Assurance, on the other hand, provides a consistent coverage amount throughout the policy term. It can be used to cover a wider range of financial commitments and does not specifically cater to home loans.
Who administers Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance in Singapore?
Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance in Singapore is typically administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). The SDIC is a public institution that oversees the deposit insurance scheme in Singapore and provides regulatory oversight to ensure the stability of the financial system.
Is it mandatory to have Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance when taking a home loan?
Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance is not mandatory when taking a home loan, but it is highly recommended. Having MRTA insurance provides financial security for both the policyholder and their family, ensuring that the loan will be paid off in the event of an unfortunate occurrence.
Can I purchase a new mortgage insurance policy if I already have Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance?
Yes, you can purchase a new mortgage insurance policy even if you already have Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance. It is important to review your insurance needs regularly and consider additional coverage if necessary, especially if you have taken on new financial commitments or have changes in your life circumstances.
What is TPD in the context of Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance?
TPD stands for Total Permanent Disability. In the event that the policyholder becomes totally and permanently disabled during the loan tenure, the insurance payout will be used to settle the remaining loan balance, providing financial relief during this challenging time.
Can I get financial advice when considering Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance?
Yes, it is highly recommended to seek financial advice when considering Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance or any other investment or insurance product. A financial advisor can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and help you make an informed decision about your insurance coverage.








