Mortgage Protection Quotes Ireland - 2026 Guide

Mortgage Protection Quotes Ireland (2026 Guide)

Shopping for mortgage protection insurance? You're probably wondering what it'll cost, how to compare quotes, and whether you're getting a fair deal. Let's walk through everything you need to know about getting mortgage protection quotes in Ireland in 2026.

What Is Mortgage Protection Insurance?

Mortgage protection insurance is a decreasing term life insurance policy that pays off your mortgage if you die during the policy term. It's legally required in Ireland if you're taking out a mortgage on your primary residence.

The "decreasing" part is important—as you pay down your mortgage, the cover amount decreases to match what you still owe. This makes it cheaper than level term insurance where the payout stays the same throughout.

What Affects Your Mortgage Protection Quote?

Mortgage protection quotes vary massively depending on your personal circumstances. Here's what impacts your price:

Your age is the biggest factor. A 30-year-old will pay considerably less than a 45-year-old for the same cover. The younger you are when you start, the lower your premium.

Your health status matters enormously. Smokers typically pay 2-3 times more than non-smokers. Pre-existing medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease will increase premiums.

Your mortgage amount and term directly affect the cost. A €300,000 mortgage costs more to cover than a €200,000 one. A 30-year term costs more than a 20-year term.

Your occupation can bump up the price if you work in a high-risk job. Construction workers and manual trades often pay more than office workers.

Dual life vs. single life cover makes a difference too. Dual life policies where the policy pays out on the first death are generally cheaper than buying two separate policies.

Why Do Quotes Vary Between Insurers?

You might get quotes from different insurers that differ by hundreds of euro per year. Each insurer uses different underwriting criteria, assesses health risks differently, and offers different policy features. This is exactly why comparing quotes is so important.

What Should You Look for Beyond Price?

Policy Flexibility

Can you convert your mortgage protection to a different type of life insurance later? Some policies offer conversion options if your circumstances change, which can be valuable if you want to keep life cover after your mortgage is paid off.

Serious Illness Cover Add-On

Many insurers let you add serious illness cover to your mortgage protection. This pays out a lump sum if you're diagnosed with specified serious conditions like cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Getting a quote for this alongside your mortgage protection often saves money compared to buying it separately later.

Insurer Financial Strength

You're potentially signing up for 30 years with this company. Check their financial stability ratings and customer service reputation—it matters when you're making a claim.

How to Get Accurate Quotes

Getting meaningful mortgage protection quotes requires having certain information ready:

• Your mortgage details: Loan amount, term, and start date
• Personal information: Date of birth, smoking status, occupation, health status
• Your partner's details if applicable: Same information for dual life policies
• Medical history: Be honest about any conditions or treatments

The more accurate your information, the more realistic your initial quote will be. Nothing's more frustrating than getting a low quote that increases significantly after underwriting.

Broker vs. Going Direct

You have two main options for getting quotes:

Going direct to an insurer means you'll only see that company's pricing. This works if you already know which insurer you want, but you won't know if it's competitive.

Using an insurance broker gives you access to multiple insurers' quotes at once. A good broker can also help navigate complex medical histories or unusual circumstances. They're paid by commission from the insurer, so the service typically costs you nothing extra.

For most people, using a broker makes sense—you get market-wide comparison without extra cost. Just ensure you're working with a broker regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Common Mistakes When Comparing Quotes

Only looking at price: The cheapest quote might have fewer features or come from an insurer with poor claims service. Balance price with policy quality.

Not reviewing your needs: Your circumstances change. That mortgage protection you got at 28 might not fit at 45 when you're remortgaging.

Assuming you can't get cover: If you have health issues, don't assume you're uninsurable. Many conditions are coverable, sometimes with a loading (extra premium). Get a quote anyway.

Questions to Ask When Getting Quotes

• What exactly is covered and excluded?
• Can I convert this policy later without medical underwriting?
• What happens if I move house or pay off the mortgage early?
• Are premiums guaranteed or can they increase?
• How long does the application process take?
• Can I add or remove joint life cover later?

When Should You Get Quotes?

Start looking at mortgage protection quotes once you're serious about buying and know roughly how much you'll borrow. Most quotes are valid for 30-60 days.

Don't leave it until the last minute—if there are medical complications or you need specialist cover, underwriting can take weeks. Your mortgage provider typically requires proof of cover before releasing funds.

The Bottom Line

Mortgage protection quotes in Ireland vary significantly based on your age, health, mortgage amount, and term. The key is to compare quotes from multiple insurers while paying attention to policy features, not just price. The cheapest policy might not be the best value if it lacks flexibility or comes from an insurer with a poor reputation.

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Mortgage Protection Quotes 2026