Blackjack Insurance Explained: What Does Taking Insurance Mean?
Blackjack is a popular card game where the aim is to try and beat the dealer by getting closer to 21 points, without going over.
Alongside the main hand, you may sometimes see extra betting options such as insurance. For many, this may be confusing the first time it appears on the screen or at the table.
This guide explains what the insurance side bet is, how it works, and why players often weigh it up carefully before deciding. By the end, you will better understand when it can be offered, how any payouts are handled, and why the choice is not as straightforward as it first seems.
What Is Insurance In Blackjack?
Insurance is a separate side bet that becomes available in most classic versions of blackjack when the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace. It does not replace your main bet, but sits alongside it.
Here is how it works in simple terms:
- The insurance bet usually equals half of your original wager.
- It pays 2 to 1 if the dealer’s hidden card is worth 10 points, meaning they have a blackjack.
- If the dealer does not have blackjack, the insurance bet is lost and play continues with your main hand.
Not all blackjack games offer this option. Online casinos, including those licensed in the UK, may offer different versions of blackjack where insurance is either included or excluded to speed up gameplay. Checking the table rules before you start should confirm whether the option is available.
How Does Insurance Work During A Hand?
Insurance is only offered at a specific moment. When the dealer shows an Ace, you may choose to place the extra bet before the hidden card is revealed. The stake is set at half your main wager.
For example, if your main bet is £2, the insurance option would cost £1. The dealer then checks the facedown card:
- If it is worth 10 points, the dealer has blackjack. Your insurance pays 2 to 1.
- If the card is anything else, the £1 insurance bet is lost and the hand continues with your main stake.
The important detail is that this bet does not change how your main hand is played. It is separate and resolved once the dealer checks their hidden card.
When Can You Take Insurance In Blackjack?
Insurance only appears when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. The option is given before any player actions such as hitting, standing, doubling, or splitting. In a casino, the dealer will ask if you want insurance; in online versions, you will usually see a prompt appear on screen.
If the dealer’s upcard is not an Ace, insurance is not offered. Because blackjack rules can vary depending on the game provider, it can be worth checking the table’s information panel to see if the insurance side bet is part of the rules.
Should You Say Yes Or No To Insurance?
The potential payout for insurance is fixed at 2 to 1. In a multi-deck game, which is standard online in the UK, the chance of the dealer actually having blackjack when showing an Ace is less than the possible return the bet provides. This means the insurance option is, in the long run, favourable to the house rather than the player.
Taking insurance does not increase the value of your hand, or give you any advantage in how you play it. It simply covers the specific situation where the dealer has blackjack. For this reason, many players prefer to decline it and continue with their main hand only.
Why Do Many Players Avoid Insurance?
Most players avoid insurance because of the imbalance between the potential payout and the true odds of the dealer holding blackjack. Over repeated hands, the side bet tends to return less than it costs.
Another reason is simplicity. By skipping side bets, you can focus on the decisions that directly affect your hand, such as whether to hit or stand. This can help make the game easier to follow, especially if you are new to it.
The Difference Between Insurance And Even Money
Insurance and even money are connected, but they apply in different situations.
Insurance is available to all players when the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace. Even money only comes into play if you already have blackjack and the dealer’s upcard is also an Ace.
Choosing even money means your blackjack is paid straight away at 1 to 1. This avoids the chance of a push if the dealer also has blackjack, but it also means giving up the higher 3 to 2 payout you would normally receive.
In simple terms, even money is the casino’s way of offering insurance to players holding blackjack, presented as a guaranteed 1 to 1 return instead of waiting to see how the dealer’s hand finishes.
Does Insurance Change The House Edge?
Insurance is treated separately from the main game, so it carries its own house edge.
In many multi-deck blackjack versions, the main game has a relatively low house edge (often around 0.5% when using optimal basic strategy). The insurance bet, by contrast, is much higher, around 7–8% in most multi-deck games.
Rule variations can alter these figures:
- If the dealer must hit on a soft 17, the house edge is slightly higher.
- Fewer decks reduce the edge, while more decks raise it.
- If blackjack pays 6 to 5 instead of 3 to 2, the main game becomes less favourable.
Because rules are not the same across all casinos or game providers, it may be a good idea to check the information panel or game rules before playing.
Play Blackjack Online
Dream Jackpot is a licensed online casino offering a range of blackjack tables, alongside slots and other casino games. You will find several versions of blackjack, each with its own rules and style, so you can pick the format that suits how you like to play. Our site is easy to navigate, with secure access once you log in or create an account.
If you want to explore what is available, join Dream Jackpot and take a look around. Each game page shows the key rules, including whether insurance or even money may appear, so you can make informed choices before placing a bet.
We want play to remain enjoyable. Set time and spending limits that fit your situation, and take a break if you need to. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.