What is health insurance, in simple words? This is a general question that many health insurance buyers want to know before they purchase a suitable health insurance plan. Health Insurance is a contract in which you pay a health insurance company a regular premium (an annual or monthly fee), and in return, they help offer coverage for the costs of your healthcare, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and medications. Medical Insurance, otherwise called Health insurance, is a method to protect yourself financially from health care costs.