JAPAN
Including mental health coverage in mortgage insurance
Setting a new benchmark in borrower protection, BNP Paribas Cardif in Japan has introduced mental health coverage in its mortgage loan insurance, extending protection to conditions such as dementia and depression. This initiative aims to address critical financial and societal needs, particularly for younger generations and working-age customers, who face higher risks of depression and early-onset dementia. This competitive edge allows its partner to attract new segments while fostering a responsible and forward-looking brand positioning.
This product, launched for Daishi Hokuetsu Bank’s CPI customers, ensures that clients diagnosed with dementia can receive fixed benefits of one million yen (¥1 million). Customers who are hospitalised for depression can receive fixed benefits of 100 thousand yen (¥100,000), while those unable to work (including hospitalisation) due to depression can have their monthly loan repayments covered for up to six months. It is the first in the industry to offer this coverage as a Japanese bank. This coverage strengthens existing protection, which already covers serious illnesses like cancer or severe injuries, providing added peace of mind.
FRANCE
Providing creditor insurance that promotes greater solidarity and inclusivity
BNP Paribas Cardif has added guarantees for “parental presence” and “family caregivers” to its Cardif Libertés Emprunteur* creditor insurance, addressing the expectations of families who face unforeseen difficulties. These enhancements are consistent with BNP Paribas Cardif’s commitment to making insurance more accessible, and exceed regulatory requirements.
These differentiating guarantees reflect changes in society and constitute a concrete response to the needs of some 9.3 million family caregivers in France. They provide enhanced coverage, including temporary reimbursement of credit payments up to 2,500 euros (€2,500) per month without deductibles or waiting periods. The “parental presence” guarantee provides protection for parents who must take time off work to care for a child with a serious illness. The “family caregiver” guarantee ensures support for families if a family member can no longer perform basic daily activities without assistance.
BNP Paribas Cardif has also taken a major step in favour of inclusion for people living with HIV in France. Since 1 December 2024, creditor insurance policies are accessible to people living with HIV who are on treatment and whose viral load is undetectable when they subscribe coverage, without any premium surcharge or exclusions. This enhancement concerns nine out of ten patients, offering an insurance solution for loans of up to one million euros (€1 million).
“At BNP Paribas Cardif, we are always working to make creditor insurance more accessible to help our policyholders move forward with their life plans. Given the importance that insurance protection plays for people in their daily lives, as well as the lack of access to certain types of care or medical devices, I am proud to be in a position to impel changes, especially by taking into account advances in treatment.”
BELGIUM & THE NETHERLANDS
Simplifying access to property ownership by offering greater peace of mind
BNP Paribas Cardif extended its innovative Suretyships product to Belgium in 2024 after proven success in the Netherlands.
Suretyships provide financial security, offering peace of mind to both buyers and sellers. Buyers do not have to personally guarantee 10% of the property’s value with their own funds, thus preserving their liquidity, while sellers gain financial protection, ensuring compensation if the sale of the property is cancelled. Fully integrated in the mortgage process, this solution offers a seamless, fully digital subscription experience managed by brokers. To date, BNP Paribas Cardif is the only provider in Belgium offering an alternative for the deposit at the notary, which gives partners a competitive advantage in a crowded real estate market.
This innovative offering revolutionises real estate transactions by guaranteeing sellers an indemnity equal to 10% of the purchase price if a buyer cancels the property transfer. By opting for this alternative, buyers can avoid immobilising significant funds as a deposit, making the home-buying process more accessible and less restrictive.