Budget 2025-26: Government Includes Gig Workers in Health Scheme

The Economic Survey released on Friday highlighted that underemployment remains an issue and the gig economy is set to grow to 235 million, or 4.1% of total workforce, by FY30. Currently, the National Health Authority (NHA) is the agency that implements the world’s largest health insurance scheme, which provides health cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year. Under the terms of AB-PMJAY, there is no waiting period and no restrictions on pre-existing health conditions.

Over the past few years, NHA has proposed the government expand the coverage of AB-PMJAY to eligible people who are not presently covered by any health security scheme. The National Health Policy (2017) has also highlighted the need for universal health coverage. Including gig workers – part of India’s “missing middle” – in AB-PMJAY will be a step towards achieving this.

Source: Mint