What do "premiums" refer to in health insurance?

In health insurance, "premiums" specifically refer to the regular payments made by individuals or employers to maintain their insurance coverage. This amount can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually, and it is required regardless of whether or not the insured individual uses health services during that period. The premium is the financial commitment that keeps the insurance policy active, allowing the insured to access benefits when needed.

While the other options detail aspects related to health care costs, they do not accurately define what premiums are. For example, costs for preventive services are typically covered separately under the terms of the policy and are not referred to as premiums. Similarly, fees for accessing insurance claims or amounts deducted from salaries for benefits are distinct processes and do not represent the ongoing cost of maintaining the insurance policy itself.