What are preventive services in health insurance?

Preventive services in health insurance are defined as medical services aimed at early detection and disease prevention. This means these services are designed to identify health issues before they develop into more serious conditions. Common examples of preventive services include vaccinations, regular health screenings (such as mammograms or blood pressure checks), and wellness check-ups.

These services play a critical role in maintaining overall public health by providing proactive care, which often results in lower healthcare costs over time due to the early identification and treatment of potential health problems. Preventive services can help reduce the incidence of diseases, encourage healthy habits, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for patients.

The focus on prevention rather than treatment aligns with current healthcare strategies that prioritize proactive measures to ensure individuals remain healthy rather than merely treating conditions after they arise.