What benefits are funded by National Insurance?

National Insurance is essentially a contribution you make during your working life that goes into a collective pot. Think of it as a way of pre-paying for certain benefits and services you might need later on. The National Health Service, or NHS, is a prime example. It provides healthcare to all legal residents in the UK, largely funded through general taxation and National Insurance contributions. So, when you need to see a doctor or receive hospital treatment, National Insurance helps cover those costs. Similarly, National Insurance helps fund state pensions. When you reach retirement age, you'll receive a regular income, and that's partly thanks to the contributions you and others made during your working years. While retirement homes might seem like a related benefit, they aren't directly funded by National Insurance. And while the army and navy are vital, they're funded through general taxation, not specifically National Insurance. Holiday insurance is a private matter and has nothing to do with National Insurance.