Really sad
Here the banks pretty much oblige you to get it. No ifs, ands or buts....you borrow, you get insurance.
*for mortgages that is* - actually, let me correct myself - they really (PUSH) you to get it, it's not obligatory but I have yet to hear of anyone I know that didn't take it and when I worked in the bank, we basically 'forced' them to take the insurance.