What defines dependents in the context of medical insurance?

Dependents in the context of medical insurance are defined as family members who are covered by the insurance plan. This typically includes a spouse, children, or sometimes other relatives, depending on the specific terms of the policy. Insurance plans often extend benefits to these dependents, allowing them access to medical services and treatment under the same coverage as the primary policyholder.

The concept is essential for understanding how insurance works, as it directly impacts the scope of coverage and the financial responsibilities of the policyholder. Dependents are included in the health plan to ensure that families can manage healthcare needs collectively, which aligns with the goals of providing comprehensive health protection for households.

The other options do not accurately define dependents: individuals with a health savings account refer to a specific savings arrangement rather than a classification of individuals covered under a plan; policyholders who contribute to premiums are the primary insured parties rather than dependents; and employees covered by employer-funded insurance may or may not have dependents included in their coverage, as this depends on the specifics of the insurance plan.