Why Getting Life Insurance Sooner Will Save You in the Long Run

There are some things in life that get better with age: wine, friendships, your Spotify recommendations. But when it comes to Life Insurance? Sooner is definitely better.

If you’re in your 20s or 30s and thinking, “Life insurance? Me? Isn’t that for people with wills and wrinkle cream?” — we hear you. But here’s the not-so-fun fact: the longer you wait, the more you’ll probably pay.

Why Life Insurance Is Cheaper When You're Younger (And Healthier)

Life Insurance companies are basically betting on how long you’ll live. Morbid, we know. But from their perspective, a younger, healthier you is statistically less likely to claim soon, which means they can afford to charge you lower monthly premiums.

In plain English, if you take out a Life Insurance policy at 28, it’s almost always going to cost less each month than if you take out the same policy at 38. Even if you feel just as young and invincible.

And if you develop any health conditions before you have life cover (anything from high blood pressure to the back pain that won't quit) your premiums go up. Sometimes way up. It’s the insurance equivalent of being penalised for adulting.

Lock in a Good Rate While Life Is Still Chill

Even if you don’t have kids yet, or a bond, or a partner who relies on your income, starting early means you get to lock in a better rate. Then, when those big life changes do come, you’re already sorted and paying less than you would if you’d waited.

Think of it like locking in the price of your rent before the landlord realises the area’s gone up in value. The earlier you sign up, the less you’re likely to pay — and that lower rate sticks around.

But What If I Don’t “Need” It Yet?

Fair question. The reality is, life can change fast. You might not have dependents in the traditional sense right now, but what if you’re the go-to person your siblings turn to for help? What if you and your partner just signed a lease together? What if one of your parents just co-signed to finance your car or your apartment?

Life insurance isn’t just for “one day.” It’s for protecting the people you love now, even if that’s just your parents, who’ve already done their fair share of worrying.

And here's something else most people don’t realise: a good life insurance policy can also include add-ons like disability cover or dread disease benefits, which is important because if you develop a serious condition before you apply for this cover, your condition will then be excluded from your Severe Illness and Disability cover when you do apply. That means you’re not just protecting your family from the what-ifs of life, but protecting yourself too.

The Bottom Line: Future You Will Thank Current You

Waiting until you “feel old enough” for Life Insurance usually just means it’s going to cost more when you finally get there. And that’s money you could have been spending on other adulting essentials, like a car service, or vet bills, or a surprisingly expensive kettle.

So, if you’re healthy now and thinking about cover, take the plunge. Lock in a lower premium while you can, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your future self (and your loved ones) are covered.

Not sure where to start? That’s where we come in. At hippo.co.za, you can compare quotes from trusted life insurers in just a few clicks — no delays, no 30-page forms.

Click. Compare. Choose what works for you.

Start now, thank yourself later.