Changes to mortgage protection underwriting for cancer survivors
New legislation has introduced important protections for cancer survivors applying for Mortgage Protection. Find out how Zurich is implementing these changes and what they could mean for your clients when arranging cover.
Three years ago, Zurich implemented the industry Code of Practice for Underwriting Mortgage Protection Insurance for Cancer Survivors designed to improve access to Mortgage Protection for applicants with a history of cancer. Subsequent to this, the Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026 (No. 23 of 2026) was signed into law on 15 July 2026.
From today, Zurich will implement the provisions of this Act and all eligible applicants who have recovered from cancer may benefit from the protections introduced by the legislation when applying for Mortgage Protection with Zurich once they meet the eligibility criteria.
What does this mean for your clients?
Where an applicant meets the qualifying conditions set out in the Act, Zurich will disregard the applicant's cancer history when underwriting a Mortgage Protection application. Accordingly, that cancer history will not be taken into account when determining the terms on which cover is offered, including the premium payable.
An applicant may be eligible to have their previous cancer diagnosis disregarded when applying for decreasing term protection where all of the following conditions are met:
- They have completed active cancer treatment at least five years before the date of their decreasing term protection application;
- They have been in complete remission for at least five years before the date of application;
- The sum insured does not exceed €650,000 per applicant who is a cancer survivor; and
- The decreasing term protection policy relates to a mortgage on the applicant’s principal private residence.
Other medical conditions and underwriting factors may still be assessed as part of the application process.
What's changing?
To support implementation of the legislation, we have updated our Mortgage Protection documentation and application process, including:
If you have any questions about a specific case or how the legislation may apply to your clients, please contact our Underwriting Support Team at underwritingsupport@zurich.ie. or on 01 799 2825.
