Self insurance is a risk management metho whereby an eligible risk is retained, but a calculated amount of money is set aside to compensate for the potential future loss. The amount is calculated using actuarial and insurance information and the law of large numbers so that the amount set aside (similar to an insurance premium) is enough to cover the future uncertain loss. Self insurance is similar to insurance in concept, but involves either the payment of a self-insurance premium to a captive insurance company, cell captive or rent-a-captive insurer, or making an on-balance sheet provision and not paying a premium to an insurer at all.