What is a primary benefit of purchasing health insurance?

Health insurance primarily offers financial protection against high medical expenses. When individuals purchase health insurance, they pay a premium to ensure that a significant portion of their healthcare costs is covered. This can include expenses related to hospitalizations, surgeries, prescriptions, and preventive care. In the event of a medical emergency or chronic illness, the costs can accumulate rapidly—something that many people may not be able to afford out-of-pocket. Health insurance helps mitigate this risk by spreading the financial burden across a larger pool of insured individuals, making it more manageable for policyholders.

The remaining choices do not accurately represent the primary benefit of health insurance. While access to certain medical services can be facilitated by insurance, it is not typically free; many services come with co-pays or deductibles. Health insurance does not guarantee specific health outcomes, as recovery depends on numerous factors, not just the availability of treatment. Additionally, immediate eligibility for any treatment is often not the case, as insurers typically have waiting periods or coverage terms that must be met before certain services are fully covered. Thus, the focus on financial protection stands out as the most significant reason for obtaining health insurance.