Life changes fast. Marriage, children, a mortgage, or even caring for a parent can make financial protection more important than ever. Yet many people hesitate to purchase life insurance, often leaning on misconceptions that keep them from taking action.
If you’ve been putting off coverage, here are nine of the most common reasons people give for skipping life insurance—and why it’s worth rethinking each one.
1. “It’s too expensive.”
One of the top reasons people avoid buying life insurance is cost. Yet, surveys show that many drastically overestimate the price. In reality, premiums are often surprisingly affordable. For example, a healthy person in their early 30s may be able to lock in hundreds of thousands of dollars of coverage for little more than the cost of a couple of streaming subscriptions each month.
2. “I don’t have kids.”
Children aren’t the only reason to get coverage. Maybe your spouse relies on your income, or perhaps you support an aging parent or relative who would need extra care in your absence. Even without kids, there are usually people or responsibilities that depend on your financial contribution.
3. “I’m young and healthy—I don’t need it yet.”
Youth and health might feel like protection on their own, but they’re actually the best reasons to buy coverage now. Premiums are lowest when you’re young and in good shape, and buying early lets you lock in favorable rates for years. Waiting until later, when health issues may arise, can make coverage harder to obtain or much more expensive.
4. “I’m too old for life insurance.”
Age doesn’t automatically disqualify you. If your spouse, partner, or anyone else would be financially affected by your passing, coverage can still play an important role—whether you’re paying off a mortgage, helping with college costs, or simply leaving a cushion for final expenses.
5. “My health isn’t perfect.”
Many people assume medical conditions put coverage out of reach, but that’s not always the case. Insurers often work with applicants who have conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart issues—as long as they’re being treated and monitored. You may pay more, but you still have options.
6. “I’m a smoker.”
It’s true that smoking raises your premium, but it doesn’t exclude you from getting insured. Many companies underwrite policies for smokers. And if you quit later and maintain that lifestyle, you may be able to reapply for lower rates.
7. “I don’t earn a paycheck.”
Life insurance isn’t just for breadwinners. Stay-at-home parents, caregivers, and homemakers provide essential services that would be costly to replace. From childcare to running a household, those contributions are valuable—and protecting them matters just as much.
8. “I don’t have the time.”
In today’s digital age, buying life insurance is easier than ever. Many insurers provide instant quotes online, and some policies don’t even require a medical exam. The process can often be completed in less time than it takes to binge your favorite show.
9. “I don’t know what kind of coverage I need.”
Uncertainty is one of the most common reasons people delay buying a policy. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Experienced agents and financial advisors can help you determine the right amount of coverage based on your lifestyle, obligations, and budget.
Final Thoughts
The truth is, most excuses for avoiding life insurance don’t hold up when you look closely. At its core, life insurance is about protecting the people who matter most. By taking action now, you give your loved ones financial security and give yourself peace of mind.
