Do young people need insurance? Let’s talk about a myth that’s been floating around like bad advice at a brunch table: “You don’t need insurance when you’re young.” It sounds logical at first—you’re healthy, you rent, you drive carefully, and you’re just getting started. Why pay for something you might never use?
But here’s the truth: insurance isn’t about age—it’s about protection. It’s about preserving your momentum when life throws you a curveball. And if you’re building a life—career, relationships, independence—then yes, you absolutely need insurance. Not because you’re paranoid, but because you’re powerful.
Let’s break down the emotional and financial reasons why skipping insurance is a risk you don’t want to take.
🧠 The Myth: “You Don’t Need Insurance When You’re Young”
Let’s unpack this myth. It’s rooted in the idea that youth = health, simplicity, and low risk. But that’s not how life works. Emergencies, accidents, and disasters don’t check your birth year before striking.
Do young people need insurance? Yes. Because being young doesn’t mean being immune to chaos.
Skipping insurance might feel like a money-saving move, but it’s actually a financial gamble. One unexpected event—medical, legal, or property-related—and you’re paying exponentially more than you ever would in premiums.
And here’s the emotional truth: skipping insurance isn’t just risky—it’s a form of self-neglect. You deserve protection. You deserve peace of mind. You deserve to know that when life gets hard, you won’t fall apart.
🚑 Health Insurance: Because Your Body Isn’t a Budget Line Item
💬 Do young people need insurance for health?
Yes. Because your health is not a luxury—it’s your foundation.
You might feel invincible now, but even the healthiest among us can face unexpected medical emergencies. A sprained ankle from a weekend hike, a sudden appendicitis, or a mental health crisis can lead to bills that feel like punishment for simply existing.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average cost of a three-day hospital stay in the U.S. is over $30,000. That’s more than most young adults make in a year. And even a single ER visit can cost $2,000–$3,000, not including follow-ups, prescriptions, or diagnostics.
Now imagine facing that bill while juggling rent, student loans, and groceries. It’s not just stressful—it’s destabilizing.
🧠 The Emotional Toll
Medical debt is the number one cause of bankruptcy in the U.S. And for young adults, it often comes out of nowhere. You’re not just dealing with physical recovery—you’re dealing with financial trauma, anxiety, and the shame of feeling like you “should’ve known better.”
Do young people need insurance for health? Yes. Because protecting your body is the first step in protecting your future.
💡 What to Do
Stay on a parent’s plan if you’re under 26—it’s legal, smart, and often cheaper.
If you’re self-employed or between jobs, explore HealthCare.gov for marketplace options.
Prioritize plans that include mental health, preventive care, and emergency services.
Health insurance isn’t just a policy—it’s a promise to yourself that you’ll be okay when life gets messy.
🏠 Renters Insurance: Because Your Stuff Deserves More Than Hope
💬 Do young people need insurance for their apartment?
Yes. Because your belongings are part of your identity—and they’re worth protecting.
You’ve spent years curating your space. The laptop you use to build your career. The clothes that make you feel like yourself. The furniture you finally upgraded from college hand-me-downs. Now imagine losing it all in a fire, flood, or break-in—and having to start over from scratch.
Renters insurance typically costs $10–$20/month, and it covers:
Personal property (electronics, clothes, furniture)
Temporary housing if your place becomes unlivable
Liability if someone gets injured in your home
Yet only 37% of renters under 30 have coverage, according to the Insurance Information Institute. That means most young adults are one disaster away from financial chaos.
🧠 The Emotional Toll
Losing your belongings isn’t just inconvenient—it’s destabilizing. It’s the feeling of being violated, displaced, and unsupported. And without insurance, you’re left to rebuild alone.
Do young people need insurance for their living space? Yes. Because your space is sacred—and your peace of mind is priceless.
💡 What to Do
Get a policy that covers replacement value—not depreciated value.
Make a quick inventory of your stuff. You’ll be surprised how fast it adds up.
Bundle with auto insurance for discounts.
Renters insurance is the adult version of “I’ve got this.” And you do.
🚗 Car Insurance: Because Accidents Don’t Care How Careful You Are
💬 Do young people need insurance for their car?
Yes. Because driving without coverage is like walking a tightrope without a net.
Even if you’re a cautious driver, you share the road with people who aren’t. One distracted driver, one icy turn, one moment of bad luck—and you could be facing thousands in repairs, medical bills, or legal fees.
In Arizona, the average cost of a car accident with injuries is $23,000, and that doesn’t include long-term rehab or lost wages. Without insurance, you’re not just financially exposed—you’re legally vulnerable.
🧠 The Emotional Toll
Car accidents are traumatic. They shake your confidence, disrupt your routine, and leave you feeling vulnerable. Add financial stress to that mix, and recovery becomes even harder.
Do young people need insurance for driving? Yes. Because protection isn’t just about your car—it’s about your ability to keep moving forward.
💡 What to Do
At minimum, get liability coverage (required by law).
Add collision and comprehensive if your car is worth more than a few thousand dollars.
Consider uninsured motorist coverage—because not everyone plays by the rules.
Car insurance isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a lifeline.
🧍♀️ Disability Insurance: Because Your Paycheck Deserves Protection
💬 Do young people need insurance for disability?
Yes. Because your ability to earn income is your most valuable asset—and it’s vulnerable.
🕒 Short-Term Disability Insurance
Covers 50–70% of your income for up to 3–6 months if you’re temporarily unable to work due to illness, injury, or pregnancy complications. It’s your financial bridge while you recover.
Why it matters: Even a minor surgery or mental health leave can mean weeks without a paycheck. Short-term disability helps you heal without financial panic.
📆 Long-Term Disability Insurance
Kicks in after 90 days and can last years—even until retirement—if you’re unable to work due to a serious condition like cancer, a stroke, or chronic illness.
Why it matters: Long-term disability is your financial lifeline when recovery isn’t quick. It ensures you can still pay bills and maintain stability.
💡 What to Do
Check if your employer offers coverage. If not, consider a private policy.
Aim to replace at least 60% of your income.
Apply while you’re healthy—premiums are lower and approval is easier.
Do young people need insurance for disability? Absolutely. Because protecting your income means protecting your independence, your goals, and your peace of mind.
✈️ Travel Insurance: Because Adventures Deserve Backup Plans
💬 Do young people need insurance for travel?
Yes. Because even the best-planned trips can go sideways—and your peace of mind shouldn’t be left at the gate.
Whether you’re jetting off solo, honeymooning, or wrangling toddlers through TSA, travel insurance protects you from the unexpected: canceled flights, lost luggage, medical emergencies abroad, or even political unrest. And with international healthcare costs often sky-high, one accident overseas can turn your dream trip into a financial nightmare.
According to Forbes, 1 in 6 travelers experience a trip disruption, and medical evacuations can cost $50,000 or more. Travel insurance isn’t just for luxury vacations—it’s for anyone who wants to explore without fear.
🧠 The Emotional Toll
Travel is supposed to be freeing. But when things go wrong—missed connections, stolen passports, or sudden illness—you need more than a credit card and a prayer. Without insurance, you’re stuck navigating foreign systems, unexpected costs, and logistical chaos alone.
Do young people need insurance for travel? Yes. Because adventure should feel exciting—not risky.
💡 What to Do
Choose a policy that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation, and lost baggage.
If you’re traveling with kids or elders, prioritize comprehensive coverage.
For frequent travelers, consider annual multi-trip policies—they’re often more cost-effective.
Travel insurance is the difference between “I hope nothing goes wrong” and “I’ve got this.” And you deserve to explore boldly, backed by a plan.
🕊️ Term Life Insurance: Because Protecting Your People Is Part of the Plan
💬 Do young people need insurance for life?
Yes. Because even if you’re healthy and thriving, life is unpredictable—and protecting the people you love is a powerful act of care.
Term life insurance is one of the simplest, most affordable ways to ensure that if something happens to you, your loved ones aren’t left scrambling. It pays out a lump sum—called a death benefit—if you pass away during the term of the policy (usually 10, 20, or 30 years). That money can cover funeral costs, pay off debts, replace lost income, or fund future goals like college tuition or housing.
🧠 The Emotional Toll
It’s uncomfortable to think about. But imagine your partner, parents, or children trying to navigate grief and financial chaos. Term life insurance isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about giving your people the best chance to recover, rebuild, and move forward.
Even if you don’t have dependents now, locking in a policy while you’re young and healthy means lower premiums—and future flexibility.
💡 What to Do
Choose a term that aligns with your life stage (e.g., until your mortgage is paid off or your kids are grown).
Aim for coverage that’s 10–15x your annual income—enough to replace earnings and cover major expenses.
Skip the upsells. Term life is clean, affordable, and effective. You don’t need fancy riders or investment features to make it meaningful.
Do young people need insurance for life? Yes. Because protecting your people is part of building a life you’re proud of.
💼 Adulting Isn’t About Perfection—It’s About Protection
Here’s the truth: insurance is the quiet hero of adulting. It’s not flashy, but it’s powerful. It’s the difference between reacting and responding. Between spiraling into debt and staying afloat. Between being at the mercy of circumstances and being in control.
Do young people need insurance? Yes. Because protecting your future is the most grown-up flex there is.
💡 What You Actually Need
Health insurance: For emergencies, mental health, and preventive care.
Renters insurance: To protect your belongings and cover liability.
Car insurance: Because it’s legally required and financially essential.
Bonus: If you have dependents or significant assets, consider life and disability insurance too. It’s not just for parents—it’s for anyone who wants to protect what they’re building.
🔁 Final Thoughts: Insurance = Empowerment
So, do young people need insurance? Yes. Ten times yes. Because insurance isn’t about fear—it’s about freedom. It’s the safety net that lets you take risks, chase dreams, and live boldly without worrying that one accident will wipe you out.
You don’t have to love insurance. You just have to respect it. And once you do, you’ll realize it’s not just a financial tool—it’s a form of self-care.
