Could anyone clarify if Medical Insurance is halal or haraam? We had a discussion at our local masjid that building insurance should be cancelled, as it’s like gambling.. you could be paying for years and never need it, as you can’t foresee circumstances (eg cyclones, flooding, earthquakes).
My Husband and I have been going through fertility treatments for about 3 years now, and it has cost us a lot as not everything is covered by the government. This year we’ve spent about $5000 Aus. My husband needs 2 surgeries (cost $1500 each) and then i need 2 surgeries ($1500 each) and if pregnancy does result we will need to pay for ultrasounds and hospital delivery costs etc. So it’s not gambling. We know that definately this cost will come and we have to pay. It’s cheaper to pay $100 a month and this covers all of IVF costs and hospital stays.
A friend said this is haraam, and if we continue it our baby would be born out of sin. This is quite a scary thought.
What are the schools of thought on this? (sincere replies only)
Any kind of insurance is not haram. You are not gambling for any material gains , you are protecting your wealth , health and property and protecting your health , wealth and property is not against any religion.
Islam specifically forbids gambling but does not forbid protecting your health , wealth and property using any means necessary and which would not harm interest of other people in any way.
If you go a doctor to get treated for an illness it does not show your non belief in the will of Allah.
There is a hadess in which it is mentioned that a sahabi(RA) came to Holy Prophet(SAW) and left his camel non tied . Holy Prophet(SAW) asked him why he did not tie his camel the sahabi (RA) said that he has put his trust in Allah. Holy Prophet said " First tie the camel and then put your trust in Allah"
Insurance acts the same way , you buy the protection and then you place your trust in Allah to watch over safety of your health , wealth and property.
