Category: 3. Facts
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The Importance of Shopping Around
Insurance premiums and policies can vary significantly between providers, so it’s important to shop around and compare rates and coverage options. Online comparison tools and agents can help you evaluate the best options for your needs and budget.
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Moral Hazard
The concept of moral hazard refers to the idea that individuals may take on more risk because they know they are covered by insurance. For example, someone with comprehensive auto insurance might not be as careful in parking their car in a risky area, knowing that the insurance will cover the cost of theft or…
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Reinsurance
Insurance companies themselves purchase insurance, called reinsurance, to protect themselves from large losses. Reinsurers take on some of the risks that insurance companies assume, providing additional financial stability to the market.
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Health Insurance Plans
Health insurance plans can vary widely in their coverage, structure, and costs:
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Insurance Pools & Risk Sharing
Insurance companies operate on the principle of pooling risk. Many individuals or businesses contribute to the insurance pool by paying premiums. When a claim is made by one or a few members, the costs are spread out across the pool, reducing the financial burden on any single participant. This collective approach helps minimize the financial…
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Insurance Fraud
Fraudulent claims can be costly for both insurance companies and policyholders. Insurers take steps to investigate and prevent fraud, which can involve fake or exaggerated claims.
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Co-insurance and Co-payments
In health insurance, co-insurance is the percentage of the total bill that the insured must pay after meeting the deductible. A co-payment (co-pay) is a fixed amount that the insured pays at the time of service, typically for doctor visits or prescriptions.
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Regulation
Insurance companies are regulated by state or national governments to ensure they are financially stable and can meet their obligations to policyholders. These regulations vary by country and region.
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Beneficiaries
In life insurance, the beneficiary is the person or entity designated to receive the policy’s payout upon the policyholder’s death.