Insured
When researching insurance policies it is important to understand the language used in the policies you are considering. The term "Insured" is often a key word used extensively in an insurance policy. The insured almost always includes the policy holder, any other people listed on the policy, and at times other people who might be affected. This term is used in auto insurance, life insurance, health insurance, and other types of insurance policies. It is important to understand who is included as the insured in order to know the scope and coverage that the policy offers.
The insured almost always includes the policy holder. This is the most simple definition of the word insured. In an auto insurance policy this includes the main driver on the policy, though the term often extends beyond the driver with this kind of policy. With a life insurance policy this is the person holding the insurance policy, and often no one else. With health insurance the insured also often applies only to the policy holder, unless it is specifically a family or couple's policy. With other types of insurance policies you can be certain that the policy holder is included as the insured, but to understand if the policy covers others you must do further research and carefully read the selected policy.
The insured also covers those specifically named in the policy paperwork. With an auto insurance policy this includes secondary drivers that are included in the policy and often named on the insurance card. These people are listed by name in the policy. With health insurance this can include a spouse and family members. The policy will specify under which circumstances the spouse is added to the policy and under which circumstances children are included. Children are often covered until the age of 25 if they are in school. Biological, adopted, and step children can often be included as the insured. It is important to read and understand the specific policy wording to know exactly who is included in this category.
Some policies also often include coverage of others as the insured. Auto insurance policies cover passengers in the vehicle that are not included by name, as well as passengers in other vehicles and often even pedestrians involved in an accident. Home insurance policies can include coverage for those who are visiting the home.
When buying an insurance policy it is important to understand if the insured includes only the policy holder, or if the coverage also extends those to those named in the policy and others. With a careful reading of the policy under consideration you can be sure of what the term insured means in the policy you are considering.