Student loan insurance is a type of insurance policy that can help borrowers manage their student loan debt. It works by providing coverage that makes the required monthly student loan payments on behalf of the policyholder if certain events occur.
Student loan insurance has risen in popularity and availability in recent years as student loan debt has dramatically increased. There are now over 44 million borrowers who collectively owe $1.5 trillion in student loan debt in the U.S. alone. This crushing debt burden has made finding ways to manage student loans a priority for many borrowers.
Student loan insurance offers a way for borrowers to transfer some of the risk of being unable to repay their loans due to unexpected life events. Policies can provide coverage for events like job loss, disability, death, and in some cases, simply becoming unable to afford the monthly payments. If one of these triggering events occurs, the insurance provider will step in to make the loan payments so the borrower avoids going into default.
Some of the major student loan insurance providers include Tuition.io, Prodigy Finance, LendEDU, and SoFi. While policies and coverage options can vary, they aim to provide borrowers with peace of mind and an added financial safety net when facing student loan debt.
Pros of Getting Student Loan Insurance
Student loan insurance provides valuable protection and peace of mind for your education investment. Here are some of the key benefits:
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Protection if you can’t repay loans due to death, disability, unemployment etc. – The major benefit of student loan insurance is that it can pay off your remaining loan balance if you experience an unexpected life event that prevents you from repaying your loans. This includes death, permanent disability, and in some cases even unemployment after graduation. This can provide financial security for you and your family.
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Coverage for private and federal student loans – Student loan insurance policies can cover both federal and private student loans. This is important since private student loans don’t offer the same protections and deferment options as federal loans. Insurance can fill in the gaps.
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Option to customize coverage based on your needs – Insurers offer policies with different coverage amounts, terms, and premium costs. You can opt for just death/disability protection or add other benefits like unemployment. This allows you to customize a policy to your budget and specific concerns.
Cons of Getting Student Loan Insurance
Taking on student loan insurance can seem appealing to provide financial protection in case you can’t repay your loans. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider as well.
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Extra Monthly Expense: Student loan insurance comes at an added cost on top of your existing monthly student loan payments. Depending on the policy, premiums can range from 0.5% to 2% of your total loan balance. This extra recurring expense can add up over time.
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May Not Cover All Situations: While student loan insurance provides protection in certain circumstances like death or disability, most policies have restrictions on what they will cover. For example, many won’t cover unemployment or provide coverage if you go back to school. Make sure to read the fine print.
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Restrictions on Payouts: Insurance companies place limits and caps on the amount they will pay out for a claim. There may be a lifetime maximum payout or restrictions on pre-existing conditions. Claims may also only cover your monthly loan payments but not the total balance.
Before taking on the additional cost of student loan insurance, think carefully about your budget and research what situations would be covered. Make sure you understand any limitations so you aren’t surprised later if you need to file a claim. The extra monthly premium may not be worth it depending on your circumstances.
Types of Student Loan Insurance Policies
There are several main types of insurance policies that can help protect student loan borrowers:
Death and Disability Insurance
Death and disability insurance will pay off your remaining student loan balance if you pass away or become permanently disabled. This ensures the financial burden of the loan does not fall on your family. Most life insurance policies include disability coverage as well.
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment insurance helps make your monthly student loan payments if you lose your job. It provides temporary coverage, usually up to 12 months. This gives you time to find a new job without damaging your credit or going into loan default.
Co-Signer Release Insurance
If a parent or other co-signer helped you qualify for private student loans, co-signer release insurance will cover the loan if you are unable to make payments. After making a certain number of on-time payments, the co-signer can be released from the loan obligation.
Accident and Sickness Insurance
Accident and sickness insurance helps cover student loan payments if you become seriously ill or injured. It provides financial protection for temporary medical leave or health issues. Most policies cover critical illness, hospitalization, and even pregnancy.
Major Providers of Student Loan Insurance
Student loan insurance is offered by a handful of private companies that specialize in this type of coverage. Here are some of the top providers:
Guard.me
Guard.me offers student loan insurance plans that cover the outstanding balance on your loans if you experience total disability or death. Plans start at $39 per month. Key features include:
- Coverage up to $200,000
- Option to insure federal and private student loans
- Benefits paid directly to lender
- No medical exam required
Allstate
Allstate’s student loan protection plan is designed to pay off federal or private student loans if you pass away or become disabled. Monthly premiums vary based on the loan amount and your age. Notable features:
- Coverage up to $300,000
- Spouse and child riders available
- Policy can be converted to permanent life insurance
- Minimum coverage period of 5 years
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo offers student loan insurance as an add-on to your existing student loans. The cost is a percentage of your total loan amount. Benefits include:
- Pays loan balance in event of death or disability
- Covers federal and private student loans
- Easy enrollment when taking out a Wells Fargo student loan
- Rates range from 0.25% – 0.75% of loan amount
Ascendium
Ascendium is one of the few lenders that provides student loan insurance automatically on their private student loans. The cost is included in the loan’s APR. Key perks:
- No underwriting required
- Covers death and disability
- Benefit is capped at original loan amount
- Automatically cancels after loan is paid off
Eligibility Requirements for Coverage
To qualify for student loan insurance, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility criteria set by the insurance provider. Here are some of the main requirements to be aware of:
Credit Score Thresholds
Most student loan insurance providers will check your credit score to determine if you qualify for coverage. Each company sets their own credit score cutoff, but you can generally expect to need a score of 660 or higher. Some insurers may approve applicants with scores as low as 600, while others require 680+ for the best rates. The higher your credit score, the better chance you have of approval.
Income Requirements
Your income will also be verified to make sure you earn enough monthly to afford the insurance premiums. Requirements vary by insurer, but you’ll likely need a minimum annual income of $24,000-$30,000 to qualify. Steady verifiable income is important, as you don’t want to fall behind on premium payments. Self-employed borrowers may need 2+ years of consistent income history.
Health Conditions
Most student loan insurance policies require you to be in good health to qualify. Serious pre-existing conditions like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and mental illness often disqualify applicants. Minor conditions may be accepted, but could result in higher premium costs. You’ll need to disclose any medical issues on your application, and may need to provide records from your doctor. Student loan insurance is not a replacement for health insurance.
Meeting these eligibility criteria is key for approval. Be sure to confirm specific requirements with the insurance provider before applying. This can help avoid disappointment if you don’t qualify for coverage.
Costs of Student Loan Insurance
The costs of student loan insurance can vary greatly depending on the type of policy, amount of coverage, and insurance provider. However, there are some general guidelines for what to expect:
Premium Costs
Premiums are usually charged monthly and range anywhere from $20 to $100+ per month depending on the coverage amount. Expect to pay around 0.2% to 0.8% of your total loan balance annually. So for example:
- $20,000 total loan balance = $40 to $160 per month
- $50,000 total loan balance = $100 to $400 per month
Some insurers may offer discounts for things like signing up early in your student career, bundling with other policies, or maintaining good grades.
Deductibles
Most policies have an annual deductible ranging from $250 up to $2,500. This is the amount you’ll pay out-of-pocket before coverage kicks in. There may also be a per-claim deductible.
Other Costs
In addition to premiums and deductibles, be aware of other potential costs:
- Application/enrollment fees – usually $25 to $100
- Late fees if you miss a payment
- Cancellation fees – around $50 if you cancel the policy
Shop around and read the fine print to fully understand costs. Student loan insurance can end up being pricey, so weigh the costs vs. benefits.
Claims Process for Student Loan Insurance
Filing a claim on your student loan insurance policy can provide financial relief if you experience an unexpected event covered by your policy, such as becoming disabled or losing your job. Here’s what you need to know about the claims process:
How to File a Claim
The first step is to notify your student loan insurance provider that you need to submit a claim. This is typically done by calling the provider’s claims department or submitting a claim form online. Be prepared to provide details about the event prompting your claim.
You may need to work with your doctor or employer to provide documentation supporting your claim. For disability claims, your doctor will need to complete forms verifying your diagnosis, treatment, and inability to work. For job loss claims, your former employer will need to provide documentation showing your involuntary unemployment.
Required Documentation
Exact documentation requirements vary by policy and claim type, but some common documents include:
- Doctor’s statement for disability claims
- Former employer verification for job loss claims
- Loan statements showing your outstanding student loan balances
- Pay stubs and unemployment paperwork
Your insurer may request additional documentation as they review your claim. Be sure to submit any requested documents promptly to avoid delays.
Timeline
Many policies state the insurer will make a claim determination within 30-90 days after receiving all required documentation. However, claims can take longer to resolve if there are any complicating factors. For loan forgiveness benefits, the insurer pays part or all of your remaining loan balance after the covered event. Just be sure to notify your insurer right away and provide complete documentation. This will help expedite the review and approval of your benefits.
Alternatives to Student Loan Insurance
Student loan insurance is not the only option for managing student loan debt. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Income-Driven Repayment Plans
Income-driven repayment plans allow you to make monthly payments based on your income and family size. These plans can lower your monthly payments and provide payment relief if you lose your job or have a lower income. The downside is you may pay more interest over the life of the loan.
Student Loan Refinancing
Refinancing replaces your existing federal or private student loans with a new private loan at lower interest rates. This can help you pay off your loans faster and save money on interest. Be aware you will lose federal protections like income-driven repayment and deferment options. Make sure to compare rates across multiple lenders. Refinancing works best for those with good credit and income.
Building an Emergency Fund
Having 3-6 months of living expenses saved as an emergency fund can provide a financial cushion if you lose your job or have an unexpected expense. Automated savings contributions each month will help build the fund over time. Focus on cutting discretionary spending to find money to save.
Is Student Loan Insurance Worth It?
Deciding if student loan insurance is worth it requires carefully weighing the pros and cons for your specific situation. Here are some key factors to consider:
Pros
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This protection can provide peace of mind.
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Allows you to pass debt obligations to a beneficiary in the event of death. Prevents loans from becoming a burden on family members.
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Premiums and deductibles are usually affordable, with policies starting around $10 per month. Could be worth the relatively low cost.
Cons
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Strict eligibility requirements may disqualify those with pre-existing conditions or only certain types of loans. Make sure to review the fine print.
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Insurance may not cover all types of interruptions in repayment, and often has limitations or waiting periods. There could be gaps in coverage.
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Benefit payouts may not be enough to fully cover loan obligations. Read the maximum limits in the policy.
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You’re paying for protection you may not end up needing. Weigh the costs versus the likelihood of an insurable event.
Alternatives
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Federal income-driven repayment plans can provide reduced payments and loan forgiveness options.
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Refinancing or consolidating loans at a lower interest rate can reduce monthly payments.
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An emergency fund could cover loan payments in the event of illness or job loss.
At the end of the day, student loan insurance can provide valuable protection if you understand the limitations and determine the cost is justified.
