National Health Insurance for Workers
Last Updated
July 2026 Fact Checked By: Schemewala Editorial Team
Quick Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Status | In the active rollout phase (Code on Social Security 2020) |
| Beneficiaries | Platform and Gig Workers (Delivery agents, ride-hailing drivers) |
| Core Benefit | Extension of ₹5 Lakh AB-PMJAY cover & upcoming ESIC benefits |
| Mandatory Action | Must be registered on the e-Shram Portal |
About the Scheme / Policy Shift
Historically, "gig workers" (like Zomato delivery partners or Uber drivers) were considered independent contractors and denied corporate health insurance or Provident Fund benefits.The implementation of the Code on Social Security, 2020 (which gained momentum in late 2025 and 2026) legally recognizes platform workers. To provide them with a safety net, the government is extending the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY (₹5 Lakh cover) specifically to registered gig workers, operating separately from the traditional poverty-based SECC 2011 lists.
Insider Details: How the Rollout is Happening
- The Aggregator Data Push: The government has mandated that aggregators (the apps you work for) must push your active work data to the central database.
- The 90-Day Rule (Hidden Clause): The proposed draft rules indicate you don't get insurance just for signing up on an app. You must be an active worker. The benchmark is typically completing 90 days of work with a single aggregator in a financial year, or 120 days across multiple apps.
- ESIC Expansion: Concurrently, the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) is updating its regulations to allow gig workers to access ESIC hospitals for primary care and OPD consultations, expanding its network specifically for unorganized workers.
Actionable Advice: What You Must Do NOW
While the backend integration between aggregators and PMJAY is happening at the government level, you must take the following step to ensure you are not left out:Register on the e-Shram Portal: Your platform app (Swiggy/Uber) will not insure you directly. The government will insure you based on your UAN (Universal Account Number) generated via the e-Shram portal.
- Go to eshram.gov.in.
- Click on "Register on e-Shram".
- Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Fill in your occupation details (select platform worker/driver/delivery).
- Ensure your bank account details are correct.
- Generate your e-Shram Card.
Documents Required for e-Shram
- Aadhaar Card
- Mobile Number linked to Aadhaar
- Bank Account Details (IFSC and Account Number)
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Register on e-Shram | eshram.gov.in |
FAQs
I work for Swiggy. Will they give me the PM-JAY card?
No. Swiggy will provide your work data to the government. The Ministry of Labour and the National Health Authority will verify your active status and link your e-Shram UAN to the PM-JAY database, allowing you to generate the card via the beneficiary portal.
Do I have to pay for this insurance?
Under the Code on Social Security, aggregators (the companies) are mandated to contribute a percentage of their turnover to a central social security fund. The government uses this fund to pay the premium for your PM-JAY coverage. You do not pay the premium out of your pocket.
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