The single person has some very unique risk factors that should be reviewed for life insurance needs. As a young person in good health, they should realize their future will surely bring added responsibilities and possible debt that the loss of income could develop a risk beyond their means to deal with.  Since they are young there should be consideration given for the fact that rates should be much less then waiting for an older age or when their health may change causing added premium or possible declines.   For some they do not want to leave financial burdens for others to deal with after they are gone, whether debt, business responsiblities, or other responsiblities.   Life insurance can help with the replacement of that lost income or cover debt responsiblities.   Life insurance is a contract for a future delivery of funds to meet a possible future risk that you feel is beyond the scope of your resources to properly deal with.   It has often been said that those depended on you may pay many times more for the cost of caring for their financial needs should they be left behind after your death to face those financial needs alone.  For most the cost of proper life insurance would be far less costly.  If a couple the same activity should be done for each spouse's risk responsibilities.