whats the diference between apple care and insurance

Read here Apple Care Plus: AppleCare - Apple

Ask your insurance provider what you'll get if lost, stolen or broken.

Apple Care will replace the device (iPhone) basically for free for 2 yrs. I spilled motor oil in my charge port and speakers and because I had apple care, i walked out of the store with a new phone. Insurance is usually something that people buy thru cell service and they usually charge a fee monthly plus when you want to file a claim (broken phone), you still have to pay a "co-pay", sometimes as much as $150 dollars. (I think it depends on the issue). I always buy AC for all my products.

downside to AC, is the cell companies can't/won't honor it, so you have to take it to an Apple Store (which can be a hassle itself). Where the insurance claims would be handled at the cell store.