What is the primary purpose of health insurance?

The primary purpose of health insurance is to provide financial protection against medical expenses. This means that health insurance helps individuals cover the costs associated with medical care, which can include doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription medications, among other health-related expenditures. By pooling risk among many individuals, health insurance reduces the financial burden on any single person, ensuring that they are not left with overwhelming expenses in the event of an illness or injury.

While complimentary health services, wellness programs, and continuous medical care are valuable components of a comprehensive health care system or specific insurance plans, they do not address the core function of health insurance, which is to safeguard against the high costs of medical care. Financial protection is particularly crucial given that unexpected medical events can lead to significant financial strain without insurance coverage. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the essential role health insurance plays in managing health care costs effectively.