Health Insurance is any program that helps pay for medical expenses, whether through privately purchased insurance, social insurance, or a social welfare program funded by the government.  Health Insurance is also known as “health coverage,” “health care coverage” and “health benefits.”  All of these terms are used to describe any form of insurance that provides protection against the costs of medical services.  In addition to medical expense insurance, Health Insurance may also refer to insurance covering disability or long-term nursing or custodial care needs.