Health insurance is a type of coverage that pays for medical and surgical expenses incurred by the insured. It's a contract between you and your insurer, where they agree to pay for your medical costs in exchange for a monthly fee. How it works is simple: you pay a premium, and if you get sick or hurt, the insurance company covers some or all of your medical costs. Depending on your plan, it can also cover preventive care like screenings and vaccines. It's a crucial safety net that protects us from high, unexpected healthcare costs.