What is the difference between health insurance and a medical plan?
Health insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for medical expenses. It can be purchased through an employer, the government, or a private insurance company. Health insurance typically covers hospitalization, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and other medical services.
A medical plan is a specific type of health insurance policy that is offered by employers to their employees. Medical plans can vary in terms of the level of coverage they provide and the amount of deductible that is required.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between health insurance and a medical plan:
| Feature | Health Insurance | Medical Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Type of insurance | Provided by insurance companies, government, or employers | Offered by employers to their employees |
| Coverage | Can include hospitalization, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and other medical services | Varies depending on the employer |
| Deductible | Amount that policyholder must pay before insurance coverage kicks in | Varies depending on the employer |
| Premiums | Paid by policyholder or employer | Paid by employer or through salary deductions |
In general, health insurance is a broader term that refers to any type of insurance that provides coverage for medical expenses. A medical plan is a specific type of health insurance policy that is offered by employers to their employees.