What is universal health coverage?

Universal health coverage refers to a healthcare system designed to ensure that all individuals have access to necessary health services without facing financial hardship. This concept encompasses a comprehensive range of health services, including preventive care, treatment, and rehabilitation, aimed at improving overall health outcomes across populations.

The essence of universal health coverage is its inclusivity and the financial protection it offers to citizens, meaning that individuals can seek medical care without the fear of incurring exorbitant costs. This approach is characterized by its focus on public health and social equity, ensuring that every person, regardless of socioeconomic status, can access essential health services.

The other options do not align with the concept of universal health coverage. For example, limiting coverage to only low-income families or focusing solely on reducing premiums for specific income groups does not encapsulate the idea of coverage being universal for all. Additionally, a program that only offers emergency services fails to provide the comprehensive care that universal health coverage mandates.