Insurance Plans for Gig Workers in Pakistan

Pakistan's insurance market is developing rapidly, with the government expanding health coverage through programmes like the Sehat Sahulat Programme and increasing regulatory support for the insurance sector. However, insurance penetration remains low, and most gig workers operate without formal coverage. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) regulates the insurance sector, which includes both conventional and Takaful (Islamic) providers. For Pakistani gig workers, understanding and accessing available insurance options is crucial given the limited public safety nets and high out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

1. Sehat Sahulat Programme (Government Health Insurance)

Free health coverage for qualifying families

The Sehat Sahulat Programme (previously Sehat Card Plus) provides free health insurance covering hospitalization up to PKR 1 million per family per year. The programme has been expanded across Pakistan, with Punjab and KP having the broadest coverage. Benefits include inpatient treatment, surgery, maternity care, and critical care at empanelled public and private hospitals. Gig workers from qualifying households should check their eligibility through the programme's helpline (0800-00-786) or at participating hospitals. For eligible gig workers, the Sehat Card provides essential free hospital coverage.

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Sehat Sahulat Programme: https://www.sehat.pk/

2. Private Health Insurance

Individual and family health coverage from Pakistani insurers

Private health insurance in Pakistan covers hospitalization, surgery, maternity, and sometimes outpatient care. Major providers include EFU Life/General, Jubilee Insurance, Adamjee Insurance, State Life, and Pak-Qatar General Takaful (Islamic option). Annual premiums start from PKR 15,000–30,000 for basic individual hospitalization plans and PKR 40,000–100,000 for comprehensive family coverage. Health insurance penetration in Pakistan is still growing, and products are becoming more accessible through digital channels. For gig workers earning above the Sehat Card threshold, private health insurance protects against the high cost of private hospital treatment. Tax deductions may apply under certain conditions.

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SECP — Insurance Regulation: https://www.secp.gov.pk/

3. Personal Accident Insurance

Affordable coverage for accidental injuries and death

PA insurance provides lump-sum benefits for accidental death, permanent disability, and medical expenses from accidents. For delivery riders (Bykea, foodpanda, Careem), drivers, and other gig workers in physically demanding roles, PA coverage is essential given Pakistan's road safety conditions. Annual premiums start from PKR 1,000–5,000 for basic coverage (PKR 500,000–1,000,000 sum insured). Major providers include EFU, Jubilee, Adamjee, and IGI. Takaful PA options are available from Pak-Qatar and other Islamic insurers.

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EFU Insurance: https://www.efuinsurance.com/

4. Life Insurance and Family Takaful

Death benefit and savings protection

Pakistani life insurers and Takaful operators offer term life, endowment, and investment-linked products. Term life provides the most affordable pure death benefit. State Life Insurance Corporation (government-owned) and private providers including EFU Life, Jubilee Life, Adamjee Life, and TPL Life offer individual products. Takaful options from Pak-Qatar Family Takaful and Takaful Pakistan provide Shariah-compliant alternatives. Life insurance premiums qualify for tax credit under Section 62 of the Income Tax Ordinance. For gig workers with dependents, life coverage is a fundamental need.

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State Life Insurance Corporation: https://www.statelife.com.pk/

5. Motor Insurance

Vehicle insurance for ride-hailing and delivery drivers

Pakistani law requires third-party motor insurance, though enforcement varies. Comprehensive coverage adds own damage, theft, fire, and natural disasters. For ride-hailing drivers (Careem, InDriver) and delivery riders (Bykea, foodpanda), appropriate commercial coverage is essential. Major providers include Adamjee, EFU, Jubilee, Atlas Insurance, and TPL Insurance. Digital motor insurance platforms are emerging, making it easier to compare and purchase coverage online. Two-wheeler insurance for delivery motorcycles is particularly important given the high accident rate.

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Adamjee Insurance: https://www.adamjeeinsurance.com/

6. EOBI — Employees' Old-Age Benefits (If Applicable)

Social security benefits for workers with formal employment

EOBI provides basic pension, old-age grants, and death benefits for registered workers. While primarily employer-based, gig workers with periods of formal employment should ensure their EOBI contributions are recorded. Pure freelancers without any employment history may not have direct EOBI access, but should monitor government plans to extend social security to gig workers. EOBI provides a modest but guaranteed income stream in old age.

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EOBI: https://www.eobi.gov.pk/

7. Travel Insurance

International travel and medical emergency coverage

Pakistani gig workers traveling internationally need travel insurance for medical emergencies abroad. Many countries require proof of travel insurance for visa applications. Coverage includes overseas medical emergencies, repatriation, trip cancellation, and baggage loss. Major providers include EFU, Jubilee, Adamjee, and international providers through brokers. Schengen visa applications require minimum EUR 30,000 medical coverage. Annual multi-trip policies provide better value for frequent travelers.

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Jubilee Insurance: https://www.jubileelife.com/

8. Microinsurance and Digital Insurance

Affordable basic coverage accessible through mobile and digital channels

Pakistan's insurance market is developing microinsurance and digital insurance products accessible through mobile networks and fintech platforms. Products provide basic life, accident, and health coverage at premiums as low as PKR 50–200/month. JazzCash, Easypaisa, and other mobile wallet platforms offer embedded insurance products. For lower-income gig workers entering the insurance market for the first time, microinsurance provides accessible basic protection. Products are simple, with straightforward claims processes suited to first-time insurance users.

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SECP — Microinsurance: https://www.secp.gov.pk/

9. Professional Indemnity Insurance

Protection for IT freelancers and consultants against client claims

As Pakistan's IT export sector grows (USD 400+ million annually), professional indemnity insurance becomes increasingly important for freelance developers, designers, and consultants. Some international clients require Pakistani freelancers to carry PI coverage as a contract condition. Coverage protects against claims of professional negligence, errors, and omissions. International providers like Hiscox and Chubb offer policies accessible to Pakistani professionals, while domestic providers are developing similar products.

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Hiscox — Professional Indemnity: https://www.hiscox.com/

10. Home and Equipment Insurance

Protection for home office and professional tools

Pakistani gig workers can insure their homes and equipment against fire, theft, natural disasters, and electrical damage. For freelancers dependent on computers, cameras, and internet equipment, contents insurance prevents a loss from interrupting their livelihood. Major providers include EFU, Adamjee, Jubilee, and Atlas Insurance. Annual premiums for contents coverage start from PKR 2,000–5,000. Given Pakistan's power fluctuation issues, coverage for electrical surge damage to equipment is particularly relevant.

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Atlas Insurance: https://www.atlasinsurance.com.pk/

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Insurance needs vary by individual circumstance, and coverage terms change frequently. Always verify current plan details, coverage limits, exclusions, and premiums directly with the insurance provider before purchasing. Consult a licensed insurance advisor in Pakistan for personalized recommendations. Links were verified as of April 2026 and may change.