In 2026, one stubborn myth still refuses to disappear—especially in places like Zambia:
“If you talk about insurance, you’re inviting death.”
Let’s be clear: that belief is not only false—it’s financially dangerous.
Insurance isn’t a curse. It’s not a prediction. And it’s definitely not a wish for tragedy.
It’s protection.
And in an unpredictable world, protection is power.
Table of Contents
Why Is Insurance So Misunderstood?
In many communities, conversations about insurance—particularly life insurance—are considered taboo. Some people believe that planning for death somehow attracts it.
But insurance has nothing to do with causing events. It exists because life is uncertain.
Accidents happen.
Illness happens.
Natural disasters happen.
Economic shocks happen.
Ignoring risk doesn’t prevent it. It just leaves you unprepared.
What Insurance Really Does
Insurance is a financial tool designed to protect you from major financial loss caused by uncertain events.
In simple terms:
You pay a small, regular amount (a premium), and in return, the insurer agrees to cover large, unexpected expenses.
For example:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills
- Car accident damage
- House repairs after a fire
- Income replacement if someone passes away
Insurance guarantees that if the unexpected happens, you or your loved ones won’t carry the financial burden alone.
Do Insurance Companies Want People to Die?
Absolutely not.
In fact, insurance companies depend on people staying alive and healthy.
Here’s why:
Insurance works by pooling money from many people. If too many claims happen at once—especially death claims—the financial pool shrinks rapidly.
High death rates strain insurers’ reserves and make it harder to pay claims. So the idea that insurance companies “benefit” from tragedy is completely backwards.
Their sustainability depends on stability.
How COVID-19 Proved the Importance of Risk Protection
When the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a catastrophe few anticipated. Even global institutions and insurers were tested.
The crisis revealed something important:
No one can predict large-scale risk events.
The surge in deaths and medical claims exposed how devastating unpredictable events can be—both emotionally and financially. Many families without insurance struggled. Many businesses collapsed.
The lesson?
Risk is real. Preparation matters.
What Is Insurance, Really?
At its core, insurance is risk management.
It transfers financial risk from an individual to a company in exchange for a premium.
Instead of one family facing a $10,000 or $50,000 burden alone, the cost is spread across thousands of policyholders.
That’s not superstition.
That’s smart financial planning.
Types of Insurance You Should Consider in 2026
If you’re building a solid financial foundation, these are commonly recommended:
1. Health Insurance
Covers medical expenses, hospital stays, and treatments.
2. Life Insurance
Provides financial security for dependents, covers final expenses, and replaces lost income.
3. Auto Insurance
Protects against accident-related costs and liability.
4. Home Insurance
Covers damage to property from fire, theft, or natural disasters.
5. Disability Insurance
Replaces income if you’re unable to work due to injury or illness.
Comprehensive protection means thinking beyond today.
Do You Really Need Life Insurance?
If anyone depends on your income—the answer is yes.
Life insurance can:
- Cover funeral expenses
- Pay off debts
- Replace lost income
- Support children’s education
- Provide financial breathing room during grief
It’s not about expecting death.
It’s about protecting life as it exists today.
Term vs. Permanent Life Insurance
Understanding the difference matters:
Term Life Insurance
- Covers a specific period (10, 20, or 30 years)
- Generally more affordable
- No cash value component
Permanent Life Insurance
- Lasts your entire life
- Builds cash value over time
- More expensive but includes a savings feature
Each serves a different financial goal.
What Life Insurance Does Not Cover
It’s important to know the limits:
- It generally doesn’t directly cover routine medical bills.
- Some policies may not automatically cover funeral costs unless structured that way.
- Specific exclusions may apply (e.g., certain circumstances of death early in the policy).
Always read your policy carefully.
Key Insurance Terms You Should Know
Understanding these basic terms helps you make informed decisions:
Premium
The amount you pay regularly for coverage.
Deductible
The amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance starts covering costs.
Claim
A request for payment from your insurer after a loss.
Beneficiary
The person who receives the payout from a life insurance policy.
Knowledge removes fear.
How to Save Money on Insurance in 2026
Insurance doesn’t have to be expensive. Smart strategies include:
- Ask for discounts (safe driver, good student, low mileage)
- Bundle policies (home + auto)
- Maintain a good credit score
- Increase deductibles if financially manageable
- Review coverage annually to avoid overpaying
The goal is not just having insurance—but having the right insurance at the right price.
The Real Myth That Needs to Die
Talking about insurance does not invite death.
Refusing to plan invites financial disaster.
Insurance is not about fear.
It’s about responsibility.
It’s about love.
It’s about protecting the people who would suffer most in your absence.
In 2026, financial literacy is power.
And the sooner we stop treating insurance like a taboo—and start treating it like a tool—the stronger our families and communities will be.
Let the myth die.
And let smart protection live. Source Info
