Health insurance is a type of coverage that pays for medical and surgical expenses incurred by the insured individual. It provides financial protection by covering the costs associated with medical care, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and other healthcare services. Health insurance can be obtained through private insurance companies, government programs, or a combination of both.

Here are key components and features of health insurance:

1. Premiums: Insured individuals pay regular premiums to the insurance company to maintain coverage. Premiums can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually.
2. Deductibles: A deductible is the amount that the insured person must pay out of pocket before the insurance company starts covering eligible medical expenses.
3. Co-payments and Co-insurance: Co-payments are fixed amounts that insured individuals pay for specific medical services, such as doctor visits or prescription drugs. Co-insurance is a percentage of the medical costs that the insured is responsible for after meeting the deductible.
4. Networks: Many health insurance plans have networks of healthcare providers, including doctors, hospitals, and clinics. In-network providers often have lower costs for insured individuals, while out-of-network providers may result in higher out-of-pocket expenses.
5. Coverage for Essential Health Benefits: Health insurance plans typically cover a range of essential health benefits, including preventive care, maternity care, mental health services, prescription drugs, and emergency services.
6. Preventive Care: Health insurance often includes coverage for preventive services, such as vaccinations, screenings, and wellness check-ups, to help individuals maintain good health and catch potential issues early.
7. Prescription Drug Coverage: Most health insurance plans include coverage for prescription medications, either with co-payments or co-insurance.
8. Maternity and Reproductive Health Coverage: Many health insurance plans cover maternity care, childbirth, and other reproductive health services.
9. Emergency Care: Health insurance provides coverage for emergency medical care, ensuring that individuals receive necessary treatment without facing overwhelming financial burdens.
10. Specialized Plans: There are specific types of health insurance plans designed for particular groups, such as Medicare for seniors, Medicaid for low-income individuals and families, and employer-sponsored plans offered by businesses.