The policyholder is the person who owns the insurance policy and is responsible for paying premiums. This might seem obvious, but it matters because the policyholder has certain rights and responsibilities that others don't.

Only the policyholder can make changes to the policy, cancel coverage, or designate beneficiaries. If you're married and your spouse's employer provides your health insurance, your spouse is the policyholder even though you're covered. Understanding who holds the policy helps clarify who can make decisions about coverage—important information during life changes like divorce or job transitions.