Who qualifies as a dependent in health insurance terminology?

In health insurance terminology, a dependent is defined as someone who relies on another individual for support, which includes both financial aspects and care. This typically encompasses individuals who cannot fully support themselves, such as children, or others who depend on a primary policyholder for their health care and security.

This definition aligns well with the concept of dependents as those who need assistance because they may not have the necessary resources or income to sustain their health care needs independently. While it is true that a spouse can be considered a dependent in many cases, the broader classification above encompasses a wider range of scenarios that signify dependency beyond just marital status. Therefore, the most encompassing and appropriate answer considers the relational dynamics of financial and caregiving dependence.