Which term describes the insurance principle where policyholders contribute a premium to mutually share risk?

The concept of risk pooling is fundamental in the insurance industry. It refers to the practice where multiple policyholders contribute premiums to a collective fund, which is used to cover the losses of a few individuals within that group. This principle allows for the sharing of financial risk among the large number of participants, effectively spreading the potential costs associated with claims.

By pooling their risks, the policyholders can mitigate the financial impact of unexpected events leading to losses, such as accidents or disasters. Each person pays a premium based on their risk profile, and while not every policyholder will experience a loss at the same time, the collective contributions provide a safety net for those who do. This mutual sharing ensures that the financial burden does not fall solely on an individual but is instead distributed across many, leading to greater financial stability for all involved.

In contrast, the other concepts mentioned, like underwriting, indemnification, and co-insurance, serve different functions within the insurance framework. Underwriting relates to the assessment of risk and determination of premiums, indemnification is about compensating for loss, and co-insurance involves sharing the costs of a claim between the insurer and the insured, but none specifically capture the essence of mutual risk sharing like risk pooling does.