Around 62.2% of platform workers surveyed across India do not have health insurance, while 44.2% lack accident insurance, according to a September 2026 report by Janpahal and the Gig Workers Association (GigWA).
The findings come from a survey of 1,000 platform workers across 10 Indian cities. The report, titled Occupational Safety and Health of Platform-based Gig Workers in India, examines workplace safety, health risks and access to social protection among workers in the platform economy.
Health and Accident Insurance Gaps
The survey highlights a significant gap in insurance coverage among platform workers. More than six in 10 respondents lacked health insurance, while nearly 45% did not have accident insurance.
The report also found difficulties among workers who tried to claim accident insurance. More than 80% of those who had attempted a claim said they found the process difficult.
The findings come as platform workers continue to face risks linked to road travel, extreme weather and long working hours. Among 778 respondents who reported working in extreme weather, 96.57% said heat affected their ability to work. Another 75.5% reported a moderate-to-severe impact on productivity and safety.
Road Risks Add to Insurance Concerns
Road safety also emerged as a major concern. Among workers who reported safety incidents, 62.2% said they had experienced a near-miss with a vehicle. Around 38% reported injuries linked to road conditions, while 27.5% reported traffic accidents.
The survey found that 66.4% of respondents used their own scooters or motorcycles for work, increasing their exposure to road-related risks.
Access to safety resources also remains limited. About 59.3% of workers said their platforms provided no safety training or resources, while another 23.4% considered the training they received insufficient. Only 7.5% reported receiving comprehensive safety training.
Social Security Coverage Remains a Concern
The report also found that half of the respondents were not registered on the e-Shram portal, which aims to connect unorganized workers with government welfare and social security benefits.
India’s Code on Social Security, 2020 includes gig and platform workers within its framework. The survey findings highlight the difference between formal recognition and workers’ actual access to health insurance, accident cover and other social protection mechanisms.
For insurers and policymakers, the findings underline the need to examine how insurance products and social security schemes reach India’s expanding platform workforce. The survey also indicates that easier claims processes could matter for workers who already have accident insurance but struggle to access benefits.
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