What key principle underlies Universal Health Coverage (UHC)?

The key principle underlying Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is ensuring that all individuals have access to necessary health services without experiencing financial hardship. This principle emphasizes that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, should be able to receive healthcare services as needed without the risk of facing significant financial barriers.

This approach not only seeks to provide a broad range of healthcare services but also aims to alleviate the financial stress that can occur when individuals are faced with high medical costs. UHC is grounded in the belief that health is a fundamental human right and that equitable access to healthcare can promote overall societal well-being.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the holistic essence of UHC. Providing free health services universally may sound appealing, but it does not address the importance of individuals facing no financial hardship when accessing care. Encouraging private health insurance options does not align with the fundamental goal of UHC, which is to ensure access for all, rather than relying on private coverage. Limiting healthcare access to only low-income individuals contradicts the principle of universality, as UHC aims to include all population segments, not just a specific income group.