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What does the Bible say about Christians getting insurance?

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TL;DR:

Trusting God and preparing wisely for the future are not mutually exclusive. Insurance can help protect assets and provide for others in times of need.

what does the bible say?

Insurance is a financial arrangement in which individuals or entities pay premiums to an insurance company in exchange for protection against specific risks or losses. If a covered event occurs, such as damage, illness, or liability, the insurer compensates the insured according to the terms of the policy, reducing the financial impact of unforeseen events. The idea of insurance is to put a modest, set amount away every month in return for a bulk payment in the future if or when it is needed. There are several different types of insurance. Life insurance is used to give heirs an inheritance or to be used as money for funeral expenses upon the death of the insured. Health insurance covers medical expenses. Car insurance covers car repair and medical expenses should the owner be in an accident. Professional liability insurance covers legal expenses if the insured is accused of or found responsible for damages due to error or carelessness. If having insurance is required legally, we must get insurance (Romans 13:1). If it is not, we should seek wisdom on what kinds of insurance we should get. While God promises to care for us, it is not always how we would expect it, and we must be wise to prepare for the future. Buying insurance does not mean we do not trust God; instead, it is using wisdom for the opportunities available to us to protect ourselves and our assets.

from the old testament

  • Insurance can be seen as a way to save money for when it's most needed, which is good stewardship (Genesis 41).
  • Proverbs speaks to financial stewardship, including preparation and saving (i.e., Proverbs 24:27; 27:1, 12). These can be applied to how one views insurance.
  • Proverbs 27:23–27 says, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations? When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field. There will be enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your girls.” Disaster can strike, and being prepared is wise (Ecclesiastes 11:1–2).
  • With or without insurance, our reliance is ultimately on God. In the face of his great loss Job said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”

from the new testament

  • The Bible does not promise Christians that God will provide all the money they need for medical treatments or mortgage payments. God does promise to care for us, but not always in the way we expect or would prefer (Matthew 6:31–33).
  • Insurance can give us the ability to care for others if they are injured due to our negligence and to provide for our families when we die (1 Timothy 5:8).
  • Whether situations arise where insurance would be helpful and whether insurance is the best way to do this, is a matter between individuals and God (James 1:5).

implications for today

In the United States and other countries, some types of insurance are required by law, and therefore required for Christians when applicable. Homeowner's insurance is mandatory if the home was bought with a mortgage. Auto liability is required for those who drive. Sometimes malpractice insurance is also compulsory. Other types of insurance are not required. Life insurance, mortgage insurance, and long-term care insurance may be wise, but they are not always necessary. If the law requires it, Christians should absolutely have insurance. If it is not required, we have the freedom to decide.

For insurance that is not required, it is a matter of personal discretion. Someone who never leaves his home state should not need kidnap and ransom insurance, but he might need property insurance if he rents his house. Most people do not need satellite insurance, which covers a relaunch if a satellite is destroyed. Nor do you need aviation insurance if you don't fly. We can be wise and seek the Lord for what types of insurance we should have. Having insurance does not mean you do not trust God; it means you are trying to wisely steward what you do have. At the same time, we do not need insurance for every single thing simply because it is available. Instead, we can trust God to provide for us in moments of crisis. Our situation—including our assets, stage in life, health, and other factors—should be assessed as we pray through what type of insurance we need.

understand

  • If having insurance is legally required, Christians should get insurance.
  • For insurance that is not required, Christians should seek wisdom on what kinds to get to prepare for the future.
  • Buying insurance can be good stewardship.

reflect

  • How do you currently balance trusting God’s provision with taking practical steps like purchasing insurance?
  • What would seeking God’s wisdom in buying insurance look like for you?
  • How might having or not having insurance affect your ability to care for others as God calls us to?

engage

  • How can we as Christians approach conversations about insurance without seeming overly reliant on earthly protections?
  • How does the principle of stewardship influence our decisions about purchasing certain types of insurance?
  • How might understanding biblical examples of preparation and reliance on God help us discern what types of insurance are wise to have?

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