What is a living will?

A living will is indeed a type of advance directive regarding end-of-life care. This legal document allows individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment in situations where they may become unable to communicate their wishes, such as in the case of a terminal illness or serious injury. It typically specifies the types of medical interventions an individual wants or does not want, such as resuscitation efforts or life support, enabling healthcare providers and loved ones to honor the individual's choices even if they can no longer express them.

This is crucial in today’s healthcare landscape, where patient autonomy and the right to make decisions about one's own medical care are highly valued. By having a living will, individuals can ensure that their personal values and wishes regarding treatment are respected, alleviating the emotional burden on family members during difficult times.

The other options mischaracterize the nature of a living will. A health insurance policy primarily focuses on coverage for medical costs rather than treatment preferences, while a contract between a doctor and a patient typically establishes the terms of care rather than end-of-life decisions. A document outlining patient rights addresses the legal entitlements of patients but does not provide specific instructions for medical treatment preferences.