Which of the following is a primary purpose of health insurance?

The primary purpose of health insurance is to protect against high medical costs. Health insurance serves as a financial safety net, allowing individuals to receive necessary medical care without facing overwhelming financial burdens. When unexpected health issues arise, health insurance helps to cover a significant portion of the costs associated with medical treatments, surgeries, and hospital stays. This protection is essential in avoiding scenarios where individuals might delay or forgo necessary care due to financial concerns.

The other options, while they may relate to facets of coverage, do not accurately encapsulate the main goal of health insurance. For instance, providing cash benefits for lost income is more aligned with disability insurance rather than health insurance. Coverage for all medical expenses without any limitations is not practical or sustainable within the insurance model, as policies usually involve exclusions and out-of-pocket maximums. Lastly, guaranteeing lifelong coverage is not a universal promise in health insurance products, as many plans can have conditions that affect renewability or may alter coverage as one ages.