A Simple Guide to Insurance: What You Really Need (and What You Don’t)
Insurance is meant to protect you from financial shock, but for many people it feels confusing, overwhelming, and easy to overpay for. With so many policies available, it’s hard to know what’s essential and what’s optional. Understanding the purpose of insurance helps you choose the right coverage without paying for protection you don’t actually need.
What Insurance Is Really For
Insurance isn’t designed to cover every inconvenience. Its job is to protect you from major financial loss — the kind that would be difficult or impossible to pay out of pocket. When you think of insurance this way, it becomes easier to decide which policies matter most.
Health Insurance Comes First
Health insurance is one of the most important types of coverage. Medical expenses can add up quickly, and even routine care can become expensive without insurance.
Health insurance helps cover:
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Doctor visits
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Hospital stays
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Prescriptions
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Emergency care
If you can only prioritize one type of insurance, this should be it.