Christian Insurance: 7 Reasons it is Biblical

In the Christian community, there are conflicting opinions on the topic of insurance. Some say it demonstrates a lack of faith. Others say there’s no biblical reason not to have insurance. Are you conflicted on this matter?

First, we all need to recognize that the Bible doesn’t mention anything about Christian insurance. Since the Bible is our manual for living life, I’m going to share some scriptures that may help you better understand the topic of Christian insurance and if we should get it.

Why is There a Debate over Getting Insurance in Christian Circles?

Insurance was not around in biblical times, so there is nothing in the scriptures that addresses it. Those against it say it demonstrates a lack of faith, while others feel that Christians getting insurance can line up with scripture.

Most Christian churches do not follow a doctrine either for or against it. This has led Christians to search the scriptures to find parallels that may indicate whether it is right or wrong.

Scripture is breathed out by God so we as Christians are confident in using it for teaching, reproof, correction, and training (2 Timothy 3:16). Each person has their own personal convictions and we need to be respectful of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ with their decision in this area.

Should Christians Buy Insurance?

We live in a flawed world and our human body is fallible. Crime, natural disasters, terrorism, accidents, illness, and other calamities will befall us.

And when they do, it involves money — sometimes large sums of money. Insurance can provide a financial net to protect us when things go wrong.

However, some Christians don’t view insurance as merely prudent but see it as a reflection of our faith. They believe that one should trust God to provide and protect us rather than depend on the “devices of man”.

Is that really what God expects? Do the scriptures provide an answer?

Christian Insurance Aligned with Godly Principles

When we turn to the Bible, we find six principles that indicate that insurance can be aligned with Christianity.

1. Preparing for Unexpected Events in the Future is Wise

“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty”. Proverbs 27:12 NIV

Natural disasters, illnesses, and accidents are unpredictable. Every time you drive, there’s a chance of getting into an accident. Statistically, around 77% of drivers have been in at least one accident and the average driver is involved in 3-4 accidents in their lifetime.

Having car insurance is therefore wise. Car accidents cost the average person $700. Add vehicle repairs and medical treatment and the costs can run into the thousands.

This warning refers to spiritual danger but can also be applied to physical danger in our lives. It is clear that the Bible encourages us to be prepared and we need to be praying about what that means for us.

2. Insurance Allows us to Provide for Our Family

“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8 ESV

If God expects us to provide for our family, surely that contradicts the view that having insurance shows a lack of faith? In fact, in God’s eyes, such an individual is actually seen as an “unbeliever”.

This Bible verse specifically talks about working hard to support a family. Paul states that if the Christian man can work physically then He should be working. He should be doing all he can to support his family.

Of course, there are spiritual blessings that can be provided for your family but this Bible verse is about physical work. The result of work is money which is needed to put a roof over our family’s head and food in their tummies.

This is where healthcare insurance can come in. We can protect ourselves if our family members become sick or injured. Hospital and doctor bills are extremely expensive. Christians who get health insurance can use it to protect the income the provider uses to support the household.

Life insurance can also provide ongoing financial support after we pass. Death is heartbreaking and while we can rejoice with the death of a Christian because they are with our Father, it is still emotionally draining and can take an unpredictable time to recover.

3. Insurance Can Be A Loving Act Towards One’s Spouse.

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it”. Ephesians 5:25 KJV

Jesus desires that we love our spouse. In marriage two become one (Matthew 19:6) and form a lifelong commitment until death do they part.

Unfortunately, unexpected events happen and cause financial hardship. This can place tremendous strain on a marriage. Having a financial buffer to help weather life’s storms can often ease the strain.

Many people worry about how their spouses will cope financially after their death. Having insurance policies in place can help with this. It can actually be a loving and protective act towards one’s spouse.

4. Insurance Helps Us Leave an Inheritance for Our Children

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” Proverbs 13:22 NKJV

The first and most important inheritance we can leave to our children is a spiritual inheritance. Following Jesus is something we should all be demonstrating and teaching our children. This inheritance is worth far more than material wealth.

We may also choose to leave a material inheritance for our children. Some argue that having investments may indicate a love of money.

However, I want to help my kids are much as possible because life is hard. Equipping them spiritually is my first priority and then leaving them with material wealth comes after.

Life insurance is one way to cater to your family after you’re gone. It can assist your family with funeral costs and, depending on the type of life insurance, may pay a once-off lump sum or make annual payments to your beneficiaries for the rest of their lives.

5. Insurance is Sometimes Required by Law

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God”. Romans 13:1 NIV

In some instances, insurance is not optional. In the United States, the law states that all drivers must have car insurance. Many banks and financial institutions also require that you have car and home insurance to qualify for a loan.

We as Christians are to not rebel against the laws that are in place. We are bound to obey government authority unless it’s a contradiction to God’s law. Our governing authorities put laws in place to protect us.

I understand that the world we are living in today hardly feels like protection. However, you need to be praying about how the Lord wants you to respond as a Christian. He is the judge and He will make all things new (Revelation 21:5).

6. Insurance Allows us to Cover our Debts

“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law”. Romans 13:8

Without healthcare insurance, medical debt can be crippling. Some people are never able to repay it. And once you pass, that debt is passed down to your next of kin.

Life insurance can help settle your outstanding debts, including credit card debt and home, car, or personal loans so that your family is not burdened with unpaid debt.

This verse tells us to owe no one anything other than love. This is not talking directly about borrowing money but borrowing money is something we all need to do to survive. Proverbs 22:7 does say that the borrower will be a slave to the lender.

We can decide on what we borrow and many make bad decisions in this area. Satisfying our flesh often involves material wealth which can make us slaves our entire life.

Outstanding debts can create hardships after you pass and insurance can help with those hardships.

Insurance Alternatives for Christians

If you are not keen on insurance, here are some ways you can protect your family.

• Put a Savings Fund in Place for Emergencies – Most financial experts say an emergency should have enough to cover living expenses for three to six months. However, if you’re going without insurance, you’ll need to save much more to cover unexpected medical expenses, home repairs, car repairs, plus any other emergencies that may strike. You can help build your emergency fund by learning how to save money and by successfully completing money-saving challenges.

• Christian Insurance Healthcare Options – Healthcare in America does not come cheap. There are no Christian insurance companies but there are Christian healthcare-sharing ministries. Healthcare share plans, like Medi-Share, follow the biblical principle of “Bear one another burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”. Medi-Share members contribute monthly to a shared pool of funds which is used to cover members’ healthcare costs as needed. It’s a great alternative to traditional medical insurance.

What Are Your Thoughts on Insurance for Christians?

Whether you are for insurance or against insurance, we need to respect other Christians in their decision about insurance.

Romans 14:1-12 tells us that we are to respect others’ convictions and not quarrel over them. Everyone will give an account for themselves when they die and will be accountable for what they do.

While we are here on earth, we are to love one another and represent Jesus in a kind loving way.