What does "universal health coverage" aim to ensure?

Universal health coverage aims to ensure that all individuals have access to necessary health services without facing financial hardship. This concept is founded on the principle that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, should be able to receive essential health care services—such as preventive care, treatment for illnesses, and palliative care—without the fear of incurring overwhelming costs that could lead to financial strain or poverty.

This means that universal health coverage is not just about providing care but also about ensuring that the financial barriers that often prevent people from seeking necessary medical attention are removed. The goal is to create a system where the availability of health services is equitable and comprehensive, allowing all individuals to make use of these services when they need them.

In contrast, the other choices present a more limited view of health care access. Access to luxury health services would not address the basic health needs of the population. Focusing solely on emergency services for low-income individuals neglects preventive care and other essential services needed for comprehensive health management. Lastly, limiting health insurance only to children and the elderly does not reflect the broad intent of universal health coverage, which is to cover all age groups and demographics.