If you're in your 20s, insurance probably isn't top of mind. Between rent, career building, and just figuring life out, it's easy to push coverage to the back of the list. But starting early is one of the smartest financial moves you can make.

Here's the biggest reason: age and health determine your premium. The younger and healthier you are when you buy a policy, the lower your rates — often locked in for the life of the plan. Waiting even five years can mean paying significantly more for the same coverage.

There's also the matter of insurability. If a health condition develops before you're covered, it can become a pre-existing condition that limits your future options. Locking in coverage while you're healthy keeps all your doors open.

Beyond cost, starting early builds a habit of financial protection that compounds over time. Renters insurance, a basic health plan, and a simple term life policy don't cost much in your 20s — but they prevent the kind of financial setbacks that take years to recover from.

Think of insurance not as a monthly expense, but as a foundation. Everything else you build financially sits more securely on top of it.