What are the two major perils that health insurance policies may cover?

Health insurance policies are primarily designed to cover two major perils: accidents and sickness. This distinction is important because health insurance aims to mitigate the financial risks associated with unexpected medical events.

Accidents refer to unintentional injuries that can occur at any time, resulting in the need for medical treatment. Sickness encompasses a wide range of health issues, including chronic illnesses, diseases, and other medical conditions that require care. By covering both of these perils, health insurance policies ensure that individuals are protected against the costs that can arise from unforeseen health-related incidents, whether they result from an accident or from a medical condition. This dual coverage provides policyholders with comprehensive financial protection and access to necessary healthcare services when needed.

The other options either limit coverage to just one of these perils or involve terms that do not accurately reflect the standard classifications used in health insurance. Focusing on accidents and sickness encompasses the range of threats that health insurance is intended to protect against, making this combination the most relevant and widely recognized in the industry.