National insurance can be represented in a similar way. It is often
justified, in Europe, on the basis of 'social solidarity'. On the face of it, this is surprising;
contributions and benefits are related clearly to each person as an individual. But the cost
of paying for national insurance is not necessarily in keeping with the risk which each
person faces as an individual. If those individuals whose risks were lower did not participate
in the system of insurance, the effect would be to increase the costs to those whose risks
were greater, and the effect for the community as a whole would be to reduce its power to
protect its members.