What is one of the primary purposes of health insurance policies?

One of the primary purposes of health insurance policies is to share the risk of high medical costs. Health insurance operates on the principle of risk pooling, where individuals pay premiums into a collective fund. In exchange for these premiums, the insurer agrees to cover a portion of the medical expenses incurred by policyholders. This setup allows individuals to protect themselves against potentially high medical costs that can arise from serious illness or injury, spreading that risk across a larger group of people. By sharing the financial burden, health insurance makes healthcare more affordable and accessible for individuals, rather than placing the entire financial responsibility on one person when a significant health issue arises.

This principle is foundational because it helps mitigate the financial strain that comes from unexpected medical expenses, enabling individuals to seek necessary medical attention without the fear of overwhelming costs.