HomeCategoriesFinance & Economics

Finance & Economics

Plain-language definitions for every financial and economic concept — from personal budgeting to global markets.

0
Total terms
11
Subcategories
2 min
Avg. read time
32 terms
A
Actuarial Science
This field involves the use of mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the financial consequences of risk. Actuarial science is essential for assessing and managing risks in the insurance industry.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
A
Auto Insurance
It's a type of insurance that helps cover the costs associated with car accidents, theft, and other vehicle-related incidents. It protects drivers financially by paying for damages to their car and injuries to others involved in an accident.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
B
Business Insurance
It is a type of insurance that protects businesses from financial losses due to various risks. This can include property damage, liability claims, and employee-related issues.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
C
Cash Value
Cash value is a portion of certain life insurance policies that accumulates over time. It acts like a savings account within the policy, allowing the policyholder to access funds while still maintaining coverage.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
C
Claim
A claim is a request made by an insured person to an insurance company for compensation for a covered loss or damage. It initiates the process for the insurer to assess the situation and determine if the claim is valid and how much will be paid out.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
C
Claims Adjuster
A claims adjuster is a professional who evaluates insurance claims to determine the amount of money the insurance company should pay. They investigate the details of claims and work with policyholders to settle disputes fairly.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
C
Coinsurance
Coinsurance is a provision in insurance policies where the insured pays a certain percentage of the costs after a deductible is met. This means that both the insurer and the insured share the financial responsibility for covered expenses.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
C
Collision Coverage
This type of insurance helps pay for damage to your car after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. It covers repair costs or the value of your car if it is totaled.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
C
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage is a type of car insurance that helps pay for damages to your vehicle from incidents other than collisions, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. It offers broader protection compared to basic liability insurance, which only covers damages to others in an accident. This coverage is essential for protecting your investment in your vehicle.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
C
Copay
A copay is a fixed amount that a patient pays for a specific medical service or prescription at the time of receiving care. It is a common feature in health insurance plans to share costs between the insurer and the insured.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
C
Coverage
Coverage refers to the amount of protection an insurance policy provides against financial loss. It determines what risks are insured and how much compensation you will receive in case of a claim.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
D
Death Benefit
A death benefit is a payment made to a designated beneficiary when the insured person passes away. It is a key feature of life insurance policies, providing financial support to loved ones after the loss.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
D
Deductible
A deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket for an insurance claim before your insurance coverage kicks in. It is a common feature in many types of insurance policies, including health, auto, and home insurance.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
E
EPO
EPO stands for Exclusive Provider Organization, which is a type of health insurance plan. It requires members to use a network of doctors and hospitals for their healthcare needs, except in emergencies.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
E
Errors and Omissions (E&O)
Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is a type of professional liability insurance that protects individuals and companies against claims made by clients for inadequate work or mistakes. It covers legal costs and damages that may arise from these claims, helping professionals manage risks associated with their services.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
E
Exclusion
Exclusion refers to specific conditions or situations that are not covered by an insurance policy. These exclusions are outlined in the policy documents and can significantly affect the coverage provided to the insured.
BeginnerInsurance1 min
F
Flood Insurance
This type of insurance helps protect homeowners and businesses from financial losses caused by flooding. It covers damages to buildings and personal property when floodwaters rise and cause destruction.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
G
General Liability
This type of insurance protects businesses from financial losses due to claims of injury, property damage, or negligence. It covers legal costs and payouts for various incidents that occur on business premises or as a result of business operations.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
H
HMO
An HMO, or Health Maintenance Organization, is a type of health insurance plan that provides a range of medical services through a network of doctors and hospitals. Members pay a monthly premium and usually need to choose a primary care physician to coordinate their care.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
H
HSA (Health Savings Account)
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to help individuals save for medical expenses. It allows you to set aside money pre-tax, which can then be used for qualified healthcare costs.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
H
Health Insurance
It is a type of insurance that covers medical expenses for individuals. Health insurance helps pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, and other health-related costs, making healthcare more affordable.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
H
High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
A High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is a type of health insurance that requires policyholders to pay a higher deductible before insurance coverage kicks in. These plans typically have lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs when you need medical care.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
H
Homeowners Insurance
This type of insurance protects homeowners from financial loss due to damage to their property or liability for accidents that occur in their home. It typically covers the structure of the home, personal belongings, and certain liabilities.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
I
Insurance
A financial arrangement where individuals or businesses pay a regular fee to protect themselves against potential losses. If an unexpected event occurs, the insurance company compensates for the loss, helping to manage financial risk.
BeginnerInsurance1 min
L
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage is a type of insurance that helps protect you from financial loss if you are found legally responsible for causing harm to someone else or their property. It covers legal costs and damages awarded in lawsuits, ensuring that you don't have to pay out of pocket for these expenses.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
L
Lloyd's of London
An insurance market located in London, Lloyd's of London is known for providing specialized insurance coverage. It operates as a marketplace where multiple financial backers, known as syndicates, come together to pool risk and underwrite insurance policies.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
N
Network (insurance)
A network in insurance refers to a group of healthcare providers that have agreed to offer services at reduced rates to insurance policyholders. This arrangement helps manage costs for both the insurer and the insured, making healthcare more affordable.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
O
Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is a specific period during which individuals can enroll in or make changes to their health insurance plans. It typically occurs once a year and is crucial for ensuring that people have the coverage they need.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
O
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
An out-of-pocket maximum is the most you will have to pay for covered health care services in a plan year. Once you reach this limit, your insurance pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
P
PPO
A PPO, or Preferred Provider Organization, is a type of health insurance plan that offers a network of healthcare providers. Members can receive care from these providers at reduced costs, but they also have the option to see out-of-network providers at a higher cost.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
P
Policyholder
A policyholder is a person or entity that owns an insurance policy. They are the ones who pay premiums to the insurance company in exchange for coverage against specific risks.
BeginnerInsurance2 min
P
Pre-existing Condition
A pre-existing condition is a health issue that existed before a person's health insurance policy began. Insurers often consider these conditions when determining coverage and costs.
BeginnerInsurance1 min