self-insure

verb

self-in·​sure ˌself-in-ˈshu̇r How to pronounce self-insure (audio)
-in-ˈshər-
self-insured; self-insuring; self-insures

intransitive verb

: to insure oneself
especially : to practice self-insurance
self-insurer noun

Examples of self-insure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Benz-Bushlings are self-insured through the husband’s job as an electrical engineer at American Electric Power, which means medical care is paid for by the employer, instead of a larger insurance company. Kate Snow, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2025 There’s also the option to self-insure—but that requires a hefty cushion. Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 The money for worker’s compensation checks comes from worker’s compensation insurance companies and from employers who are self-insured for worker’s comp. Tom Kertscher, jsonline.com, 5 Sep. 2025 Already, businesses, governments, and investors are fundamentally changing their practices to try to self-insure instead. Adam S. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025 Like many government entities, Los Angeles County is self-insured. Calmatters, Mercury News, 11 July 2025 Like many local government agencies, the city of San Diego is primarily self-insured. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025 The law doesn't protect residents with plans based in other states or plans from a Maine employer who self-insures. Jordan Rau, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2025 On the one hand are people – or private equity firms – with the cash to pay for hugely expensive home upgrades, such as rebuilding on stilts, or who can afford to self-insure and repair their properties. Stephanie Hanes, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-insure was in 1932

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-insure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-insure. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Legal Definition

self-insure

transitive verb
self-in·​sure
ˌself-in-ˈshu̇r
: to insure by self-insurance (as in workers' compensation)
an employer wishing to self-insure its liabilityPennsylvania Statutes

intransitive verb

: to use self-insurance
a governmental agency that self-insures
self-insurer noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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