Which combination of plans is designed to protect an insured from an unpaid mortgage balance upon premature death?

The combination of plans intended to protect an insured from an unpaid mortgage balance upon premature death is best represented by a term life policy. This type of policy provides coverage for a specific period, typically aligning with the duration of the mortgage. If the insured passes away during this term, the policy pays a death benefit to the beneficiaries, which can be used to settle the outstanding mortgage balance. This ensures that their loved ones do not inherit the debt associated with the mortgage.

A joint life policy is typically used for couples or business partners, covering the lives of two individuals but focusing more on the needs of the policyholders rather than specific financial obligations like a mortgage.

Family income policies provide a blend of term and whole life coverage but primarily focus on providing an income stream to beneficiaries rather than solely addressing mortgage liabilities.

Universal life policies are flexible permanent insurance options that also do not specifically target the mortgage balance but rather provide lifelong coverage and can have a cash value component.

Therefore, the term life policy is explicitly crafted to address temporary financial obligations, like a mortgage, making it the optimal choice for protecting against such debts in the event of untimely death.