Education Loan Insurance: Premium & Process Explained

Raghuvamshi Kanukruthi
April 1, 2024

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About Education Loan Insurance

Student loans, at the time of application, help you cover all your expenses associated with your education. However, the aftermath and financial burden of student loans might deter many and leave them worried about repaying the loan. Unemployment, demise, or financial difficulties may make loan repayment difficult. This can prevent many students from opting for education loans in the first place. This is where education loan insurance proves to be most useful.

Borrowers and their families could potentially encounter significant financial challenges in its absence. Simply put, education loan insurance offers an essential safety net in the event that circumstances worsen and the loan applicant is unable to repay the loan balance. Today, we will explore the process, benefits and process of availing education loan insurance.

What is Education Loan Insurance?

Education loan insurance protects individuals and families against the financial burden of overdue student loans, especially in the event of failing to reimburse the loan. It prevents student loan debt from growing. 

The financial risk associated with student loans is greatly reduced with education loan insurance. Education loan insurance covers the remaining student loan debt if the borrower dies, becomes disabled, or is involuntarily unemployed. This coverage eases the burden on the borrower's family or co-signers, who must repay the loan amount.

Is it Mandatory to Take Insurance for an Education Loan ?

It is not compulsory to opt for education loan insurance, as the requirement varies from one lender to another. For loans taken from government banks, it is not necessary to get insurance.

However, some private banks or organizations may require insurance as a condition for the loan. Most government banks allow the applicant to decide on the necessity of purchasing insurance for secured education loans.

Applicants applying for abroad education loans processed by private banks and NBFCs without collateral must buy education loan insurance. This is mandatory because the lender does not require the applicant to pledge collateral security against the loan.

What is the Amount Charged as a Loan Insurance Fee?

The amount charged as a loan insurance fee varies from lender to lender. Government banks charge 0.5% to 1% of the entire education loan amount for secured education loans and offer insurance schemes via in-house lenders. Private banks and NBFCs charge 1.5% to 2% of the entire education loan amount for unsecured education loans.

What is the Credit Insurance Premium for Education Loan?

Borrowers pay the credit insurance premium for student loans, also known as the education loan insurance premium, to get protection. The premium, which is usually just a portion of the loan total, may be paid in one installment or with the loan payback payments. Several variables may affect the premium, including:

  1. Insurance Provider: Education loan insurance premiums vary by source. Comparing rates is essential to get the best and most affordable service.
  2. Coverage Amount: The premium is proportionate to the loan amount covered by the insurance policy. Higher loan amounts often result in higher premiums.
  3. Coverage Duration: Additionally, the duration of insurance coverage required by the creditor can have an effect on the premium. Longer coverage may increase rates.
  4. Borrower's Age and Health: Some insurers base premiums on borrower age and health. Younger, healthier debtors may pay less.
  5. Policy Type: The selection of an education loan insurance policy can additionally have an impact on the premium. Premiums for policies that provide more extensive protection against loan defaults, such as loan deferment or loan absolution, may be greater in comparison to policies that solely safeguard against loan repayment.

Although the premium is seemingly extravagant, the students may realize the indispensableness of financial safety and peace provided by these policies when unplanned events interrupt their repayment scheme. Thus, the non-refundable insurance policies become priceless.

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Education Loan Insurance Amount

Different loan insurance costs are charged by government institutions and commercial lenders for loans for study abroad. Loan insurance plans offered by government banks are supplied by internal loan insurance lenders. For instance, via the SBI Rin Raksha programme, SBI offers insurance for loans taken out for education abroad.

Lenders Insurance Amount
Government Banks 0.5% to 1% of the entire education loan amount
Private Banks 1.5% of the overall loan amount
NBFCs 2% of the total abroad study loan amount

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What is Covered Under Education Loan Insurance?

Education loan insurance typically covers the undermentioned expenses: 

Tuition Fees

Under education debt insurance, the school's outstanding tuition is covered. The insurance policy may cover tuition if the borrower cannot return the loan due to death, incapacity, or serious illness. This prevents the borrower's schooling from being interrupted and relieves the family of these costs. 

Living Expenses

Education frequently requires housing, food, and other expenditures. Education loan insurance may cover these living expenditures, protecting the borrower and their family from unexpected financial hardship. 

Loan Repayment Protection

Education debt repayment protection may be its most important covering. Insurance covers debt repayment in the case of incapacity, serious illness, or death. This relieves the borrower's family or co-applicant of the financial burden of repaying the loan, enabling them to concentrate on their well-being or grief process without added stress.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Some student loan insurance programmes cover pre-existing medical issues, protecting borrowers against health discrimination. Note any pre-existing condition restrictions or limits while reviewing the insurance.

Payment Process for Education Loan Insurance

Once borrowers have decided to secure education loan insurance, the next step is understanding the payment process. Let's see how insurance fees are integrated into the loan amount and explore the various payment options available.

Seamless Integration with Loan Amount

The education loan insurance fees do not require consumers to make a separate payment. These charges are seamlessly incorporated into the overall quantity of the education loan that the students obtain. For example, a student applying for an education loan of INR 40 lakhs with a loan insurance fee of INR 50,000 would have the sanctioned loan limit reduced to INR 40.5 lakhs. Thus, students have the option to find additional school loan insurance financing.

Proportional to Loan Tenure

Prior to purchasing education loan insurance, it is crucial for students to understand that insurance premiums are proportional in value to the duration of the loan term. Insurance premiums will increase in tandem with the loan term. A shortened loan term, on the other hand, will lead to reduced insurance premiums. 

Flexible Payment Options

Insurance premiums are usually included in the loan amount; however, some providers provide flexible payment options. Borrowers may pay the premium in one lump amount or in recurring installments along with their loan EMIs.

Transparent Pricing

Students must examine the loan and insurance documentation in its entirety in order to understand the precise insurance premium amount and its ramifications on the overall loan balance. Reputable lenders and insurance companies should be open about their pricing and explicitly define insurance premiums and related expenses.

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Importance of Education Loan Insurance

Education loan insurance plays a crucial role in protecting borrowers' financial futures and ensuring that their educational investments are not jeopardized by unforeseen circumstances. Understanding the importance of this safety net is essential for making informed decisions. 

Safeguarding Financial Future

Borrowers must get student loan insurance to protect their finances and avoid student loan debt. Expenses associated with education can be enormous, but unexpected events may prevent borrowers from repaying their debts, threatening their financial security. 

Protection Against Unforeseen Circumstances

Unexpected events like job loss, sickness, or handicap may make student loan repayment almost impossible. Education loan insurance protects co-applicants and the borrower's family against financial difficulties.

Scenario: Borrower's Death

Transferring the debt obligation to the families of the deceased borrowers or to co-borrowers would be the conventional practice if the borrower happened to pass away during the repayment period. However, this policy extends additional benefits for waiving the final loan amount. In extreme cases, it minimizes the financial stress among the family if family members obtain education loan insurance.

Scenario: Permanent Disability

Borrowers with partial disabilities that affect their ability to work may face problems with student loan repayment, and permanently disabled borrowers also may experience difficulties in income generation. The health of a student in such circumstances becomes an irreplaceable asset. Education loan insurance offers a chance to carry on with their recovery without a huge pile of debt as an additional burden.

Scenario: Involuntary Job Loss

Unemployment is challenging for recent graduates who are barely able to find a job. With regard to student loan protection during joblessness periods, there are some policies that allow for unique terms associated with deferment or forbearance, hence creating a layer of use for students who are already experiencing this hardship. The inflow of income support payments helps borrowers to return the financial balance in their wallets without the danger of insolvency.

Benefits of Education Loan Insurance in India

Investing in education requires a substantial financial commitment. However, obtaining an education loan insurance policy can offer several advantages, protecting borrowers and their families from potential financial difficulties. Here are some potential benefits:

Financial Protection

Education loan insurance protects student loan debtors financially. It protects borrowers from defaulting on loans due to unanticipated situations.

Coverage

The comprehensive coverage that education loan insurance offers is among its primary advantages. These insurance usually cover the whole loan sum to protect the borrower, family, or co-applicant. Thus, they avoid the financial strain of repaying the amount. 

Reduced Burden

Education loan insurance may help borrowers and co-applicants repay their debts. This allows students to concentrate on their studies and careers without worrying about money.

Support in Unforeseen Circumstances

Education loan insurance helps in unexpected situations like terminal sickness, permanent handicaps, and others. Due to the policy, borrowers and their families may rest confident that their financial responsibilities will be paid even in tough times.

Tax Benefits

Besides providing students with financial security and reassurance, education loan insurance also offers them tax advantages. As per the provisions outlined in sections 80C and 10(10D) of the Indian Income Tax Act, premiums paid for education loan insurance policies by debtors may qualify for tax deductions.

Interest Rate Concession

Certain education loan insurance schemes provide an additional benefit to debtors who choose to purchase insurance coverage, which is a reduction in the interest rate. Considering the substantial cost reductions that can be realized throughout the loan repayment period, this supplementary advantage further enhances the appeal of education loan insurance for frugal borrowers. 

Education loan insurance protects debtors and their families in case of non-repayment of the loan. It is also a useful investment for guaranteeing one's educational future, giving financial safety and peace of mind. Borrowers should thoroughly consider their student loan insurance options and make a selection that fits their requirements. This protects their educational investments and prevents student loan debt from becoming excessive.

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FAQs About Education Loan Insurance

How are education loan insurance premiums calculated? 

Premiums are typically calculated as a small percentage of the total outstanding loan amount and may vary based on factors such as loan tenure, borrower's age, and policy type.

Can education loan insurance premiums be included in the loan amount? 

Yes, most lenders allow borrowers to include the insurance premium in the total loan amount, avoiding the need for a separate upfront payment.

What are the different types of education loan insurance policies?

Common types include loan repayment protection insurance, loan deferment protection insurance, and loan forgiveness insurance, each offering varying levels of coverage.

What happens to an education loan if the borrower dies in India?

If the borrower of an education loan dies in India, the repayment responsibility automatically falls on the co-signer or guarantor, who is typically a parent or close family member. The bank or financial institution will reach out to the co-signer/guarantor to continue the loan repayment process.

Is insurance mandatory for education loan?

Education loan insurance varies among lenders. Government banks don't mandate it, while NBFCs and private banks offering unsecured study-abroad loans require it. It protects students without collateral security.

What is the HDFC Credila education loan insurance amount?

Depending on your profile and creditworthiness, HDFC Credilla can charge anywhere between 2% - 5% of the loan amount as education loan insurance.

How much SBI charges for education loan insurance?

Typically, the premium is 1% of the loan amount, although you can use the SBI Life Rinn Raksha Policy Premium Calculator to get a clearer picture. You get an additional 0.50% discount on your education loan rate of interest.

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