The Insurance Guide for All Young Adults
9/16/2025
Let's be real – insurance is probably not on your list of exciting adult things to figure out. But here's the thing: one emergency room visit or car accident can drown you in debt before your adult life even gets started. If you're a young adult, there are a few types of insurance you absolutely need to get ASAP, and some others that might surprise you.
Don't worry, we're going to break this down so it makes sense.
Health Insurance: Not Optional, Ever
This is the big one. Even when you're young and healthy, medical bills can be crushing. A broken arm can cost $2,500. An appendix removal? Try $15,000 or more.
If you're under 26, you might be able to stay on a parent or caregiver health insurance plan. But if that's not an option, Ohio has several ways to get covered. Check out Healthcare.gov for marketplace plans, or see if you qualify for Medicaid through Ohio Medicaid.
Many part-time jobs don't offer health insurance, but some do. Starbucks, Costco, and UPS all offer health benefits to part-time workers. It's worth asking about when you're job hunting.
Auto Insurance: Required by Law (And Your Wallet Will Thank You)
If you drive in Ohio, you legally have to have car insurance. But beyond avoiding tickets, this protects you from paying thousands if you cause an accident.
Ohio requires liability coverage, but you should also consider collision and comprehensive coverage if your car is worth more than a few thousand dollars. You can get auto insurance through many carriers, but search for an insurance agent that you connect with. If you can trust that person, you might not have to switch for many years.
Pro tip: Ask about discounts for good grades, safe driving courses, or bundling with other insurance. Even if you're living with parents, you might save money by getting your own policy instead of being added to theirs.
Renters Insurance: Your Stuff Matters More Than You Think
If you're renting an apartment or even living in a dorm, renters insurance is incredibly cheap and totally worth it. We're talking like $10-20 per month for most young adults.
Your landlord's insurance covers the building, but not your laptop, clothes, furniture, or anything else you own. If there's a fire, flood, or break-in, renters insurance replaces your stuff. It also covers you if someone gets hurt in your place and decides to sue you.
Most major insurance companies offer renters insurance, and you can often bundle it with auto insurance for extra savings.
Life Insurance: Hear Us Out on This One
You might think life insurance is only for people with kids and mortgages, but there are good reasons to get it while you're young and healthy.
First, it locks in low rates. A healthy 22-year-old pays way less than a 35-year-old with health issues. Second, if you have student loans that your parents co-signed, life insurance can protect them from being stuck with that debt if something happens to you.
Term life insurance is cheap when you're young – often $20-30 per month for a decent amount of coverage.
Disability Insurance: The One Nobody Talks About
This might be the most important insurance you've never heard of. Disability insurance replaces part of your income if you can't work due to illness or injury.
You're actually more likely to become disabled than to die during your working years. And Social Security disability benefits are hard to qualify for and don't pay much.
Some employers offer short-term and long-term disability insurance as benefits. If yours doesn't, you can buy individual coverage. It's more expensive than life insurance, but if you depend on your paycheck (and who doesn't?), it's worth considering.
Start Simple, Build Up
Don't try to get all of this at once. Start with health insurance and auto insurance if you drive – those are non-negotiable. Then add renters insurance since it's so cheap.
Life insurance and disability insurance can wait a bit if money's tight, but don't wait too long. The younger and healthier you are, the cheaper they'll be.
Make It Automatic
Once you have insurance, set up automatic payments so you don't accidentally let policies lapse. Most companies offer discounts for paying annually instead of monthly, which can save you some cash.
Insurance isn't fun, but neither is being broke because of one bad day. A little planning now can save you from major financial stress later. Plus, having insurance is one of those adult things that actually makes you feel more grown-up and secure.