Who is responsible for the payment of claims in a health insurance policy following a provider's service?

In a health insurance policy, the insurer is responsible for the payment of claims following a provider's service. Once a health insurance policy is in force, the insurer agrees to cover specific medical costs incurred by the insured according to the terms outlined in the policy. When a healthcare provider delivers services to the insured, the provider will typically submit a claim to the insurer for payment.

The insurer reviews the claim, ensuring that the services rendered are covered under the terms of the policy, and then processes the payment directly to the provider or reimburses the insured, depending on the arrangement. This structure helps ensure that insured individuals have financial protection from high medical costs, allowing them to access necessary healthcare without bearing the entire burden of expenses.

While the insured is responsible for paying premiums and may have some cost-sharing aspects like deductibles or copayments, the core responsibility for settling claims falls upon the insurer, reflecting the fundamental function of insurance in alleviating financial risk.