Working as a courier or gig economy worker, although it may seem simple, is actually associated with difficulties such as constant time spent outdoors in traffic, sun, rain, and fog. When connecting to the platform, workers are provided with a range of services, including medical care.
The rules regarding treatment, medical expenses, and insurance for gig economy workers and captains vary across different platforms. There is no guarantee that all workers on any platform will receive free or cashless treatment.
Responsibility for hospital bills depends on which company and program the partner is affiliated with. Some platforms offer insurance or health coverage, while in the rules of others, the worker must purchase a policy independently.
Not all couriers receive free treatment; the possibility of receiving free or cashless medical care depends on the specific company and its program. Different platforms state different conditions.
Pronto and Snabbit System: According to these platforms' data, they provide their partners with medical insurance or health coverage worth between 2 to 6 lakh rupees.
Yes Madam System: The home service provider Yes Madam offers its partners accident insurance worth 1 lakh rupees and life insurance worth 5 lakh rupees.
Swiggy Statement: Swiggy claims to provide insurance up to 12 lakh rupees for its partners and their families.
Zepto Rules: According to Zepto agreements, couriers must purchase their own medical insurance and accidental death coverage policies. Under these rules, the courier is obliged to pay for their medical insurance policy.
If a platform such as Swiggy, Pronto, or Snabbit has provided medical or accident insurance as part of its benefits program, the payment of the hospital bill will be made depending on the scope of the policy and the claims process. This payment is made through funds supported by the insurance company or the platform itself.
Worker Responsibility in Zepto and Rapido: According to Zepto rules, the courier must purchase a medical insurance policy at their own expense. In accordance with clause eighteen of the Rapido insurance policy, the company may arrange accident insurance for the captain at its discretion. Nevertheless, the company has the right to recover any amounts spent on insurance from the captain.
Thus, free treatment or company-sponsored insurance is not universal for all gig economy workers. Where such company insurance is absent, in case of an accident or illness, the hospital bill must be covered by the worker or their family from their own funds if they do not have personal medical insurance.