When Is It Permissible to Get Insurance?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

Assalamu ‘alaykum.

I heard that if insurance is not mandatory one should not get it, as with life insurance. What is the ruling on getting health insurance for people who are traveling and employment insurance from the government for eligible individuals?

Answer

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

In general, insurance is impermissible. Please refer to this answer for more information on this ruling. 

Travel insurance has the default ruling of impermissibility unless one is traveling to a destination where there is an overwhelming possibility of ending up in a situation that would leave one in extreme hardship. An example of this could be someone traveling to a war-torn country for aid, where an injury is likely and medical costs are high. 

Other forms of insurance should be avoided. If an employer arranges a contract for the employee then there is no sin or blame on the employee. He may benefit from the policy should the need arise.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital. He was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.