What is the primary purpose of health insurance?

The primary purpose of health insurance is to provide financial protection against medical expenses. This type of insurance is designed to cover the costs associated with medical care, allowing individuals to access necessary treatments without facing an overwhelming financial burden.

When individuals enroll in health insurance, they pay premiums in exchange for coverage that helps to mitigate high healthcare costs, such as hospital visits, surgeries, medications, and preventive care. This financial mechanism ensures that unexpected health issues do not lead to significant debt or economic hardship. Health insurance also promotes access to healthcare services, as individuals are more likely to seek care when they know their costs will be partially covered.

In contrast, other options reflect functions that are not the main goal of health insurance. While some policies may provide ancillary benefits or features, they are secondary to the fundamental role of financial protection in the healthcare system. Therefore, the correct answer aligns with the core mission of health insurance, which is to safeguard individuals against the potentially crippling financial impacts of medical expenses.