Definition

Noun: A type of insurance coverage that pays for medical, surgical, and sometimes other health-related expenses incurred by the insured individual. It is a contract with an insurance company where the insurer agrees to pay for some or all of the policyholder's healthcare costs in exchange for a regular payment called a premium.

Usage

"Health insurance" is an uncountable noun. It refers to the overall concept or a specific policy of coverage. * Individuals or employers purchase health insurance to manage the financial risk of high medical costs. * It is often discussed in contexts of personal finance, employment benefits, and public policy.

Examples

• Having comprehensive health insurance is essential for financial security in case of a major illness.
• Her new job offers excellent health insurance that covers dental and vision care.
• The government debated reforms to make health insurance more affordable for families.
• Before traveling abroad, he purchased temporary health insurance.

Advanced Usage

• "To be covered by health insurance": To have an active health insurance policy that will pay for services.
  • Fortunately, the procedure was covered by her health insurance.
• "Health insurance premium/deductible/co-pay": Specific terms related to the costs of a health insurance plan (the regular payment, the amount you pay before insurance starts to pay, and the fixed amount for a covered service, respectively).

Variants and Related Words

• Medical insurance: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "health insurance."
• Health plan / Healthcare plan: A broader term that can refer to the specific package of insurance benefits and rules.
• Insurer / Carrier: The company that provides the health insurance.
• Policyholder: The person who owns the health insurance policy.

Synonyms

• Medical coverage
• Healthcare coverage
• Medical insurance

Related Phrases

• "To enroll in health insurance": To sign up for a health insurance plan.
  • You must enroll in health insurance during the open enrollment period.
• "Out-of-pocket expenses": Medical costs that are not reimbursed by health insurance.
  • Even with good insurance, she had significant out-of-pocket expenses.
• "Pre-existing condition": A health problem that existed before the start of a new health insurance policy, which may affect coverage.
  • The law prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on a pre-existing condition.

Noun

1. insurance against loss due to ill health