H – Glossary of Insurance Terms
This page provides a glossary of insurance terms and definitions that are commonly used in the insurance business. New terms will be added to the glossary over time.
The definitions in this glossary are developed by the NAIC Research and Actuarial Department staff based on various insurance references. These definitions represent a common or general use of the term. Some words and/or phrases may be defined differently by other entities, or used in a context such that the definition shown may not be applicable. naic.org
H
Hard Market – a market characterized by high demand and low supply.
Hazard – circumstance which tends to increase the probability or severity of a loss.
Health – Excess/Stop Loss – this type of insurance may be extended to either a health plan or a self-insured employer plan. Its purpose is to insure against the risk that any one claim will exceed a specific dollar amount or that an entire plan’s losses will exceed a specific amount.
Health Insurance – a generic term applying to all types of insurance indemnifying or reimbursing for losses caused by bodily injury or illness including related medical expenses.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) – a medical group plan that provides physician, hospital, and clinical services to participating members in exchange for a periodic flat fee.
Health Plan – written promise of coverage given to an individual, family, or group of covered individuals, where a beneficiary is entitled to receive a defined set of health care benefits in exchange for a defined consideration, such as a premium.
Hold-Harmless Agreement – A risk transfer mechanism whereby one party assumes the liability of another party by contract
Homeowners Insurance – a package policy combining real and personal property coverage with personal liability coverage. Coverage applicable to the dwelling, appurtenant structures, unscheduled personal property and additional living expense are typical. Includes mobile homes at a fixed location.
Hospital Indemnity Coverage – coverage that provides a pre-determined, fixed benefit or daily indemnity for contingencies based on a stay at a hospital or intensive care facility.
Hull Insurance – coverage for damage to a vessel or aircraft and affixed items.
