How is insurance defined?

The definition of insurance focuses on the contractual nature of the agreement between the insurer and the insured. In this case, the correct answer highlights that insurance is fundamentally a contract where one party, the insurer, agrees to indemnify the insured against loss. Indemnification refers to the compensation for damage or loss, which is the primary function of insurance. This protection can cover various risks and losses, including property damage, liability claims, and many other unforeseen events.

In this context, other options provided fail to capture the essential characteristics of insurance as a wide-ranging risk management tool. One option mentions a guarantee of a return on investment, which aligns more closely with financial instruments rather than insurance. Another option restrictively views insurance as a promise limited to the mitigation of financial risks for businesses, which overlooks the personal insurance sectors like health, auto, and homeowner's insurance that cater to individuals. The final option focuses solely on health care services, which is a specific type of insurance but does not encapsulate the broader definition of what insurance is meant to accomplish across various contexts. Thus, the defining aspect of insurance as a contract for loss indemnification stands out as the most accurate understanding.