Singlife enters partnership to launch health coverage for gig workers

Singlife has announced a partnership with Doctor Anywhere, a Singapore-based healthcare company that leverages technology to deliver services.

They are introducing a new subscription model, DA Healthwise Plus, tailored for the self-employed workforce.

What is DA Healthwise Plus?

A survey conducted by Singlife indicated that 53% of Singapore’s self-employed workers are uninsured against accidents and the resulting potential loss of income.

DA Healthwise Plus aims to provide an affordable healthcare solution and includes group personal accident insurance underwritten by Singlife, specifically targeting workers such as freelancers and gig economy participants like ride-hailing and food delivery drivers.

The plan is structured to offer substantial healthcare benefits that are usually accessible only to full-time employees. Features of this plan include:

• consultations with general practitioners at a fixed rate of S$13 at over 300 partner clinics across Singapore, or online via the Doctor Anywhere app
• coverage under group personal accident insurance, providing daily hospital income of up to S$80 per day for up to 30 days
• specialist consultations available through video calls in several specialties, including orthopaedics and obstetrics, priced from S$70 for a 45-minute session
• a pay-as-you-go option that allows subscribers to pay only for the services they use without the need for ongoing fixed payments

Additionally, the Doctor Anywhere app facilitates 24/7 access to doctors, appointment bookings, wellness benefits, and the location of nearby partner clinics.

Insurance partnership aims to support gig workers

Varun Mittal, Singlife’s head of innovation and ecosystem, commented on the partnership, noting its role in integrating insurance coverage with outpatient care plans, designed with Singapore's gig workers in mind.

“We are thrilled to partner with Doctor Anywhere. This collaboration is a cornerstone of our Wellness XP offerings designed specifically for Singapore’s gig workers. By integrating insurance with outpatient plans, we aim to make essential healthcare services and financial protection readily accessible to this community,” he said.

Kenneth Low, Doctor Anywhere’s vice president of commercial and operations, also stressed the partnership's focus on enhancing the health and financial security of the self-employed in Singapore.

“Our collaboration with Singlife reaffirms our dedication to enhancing the health and wellbeing of Singapore’s workforce. We’re filling a crucial gap for gig workers and self-employed individuals – providing them with the peace of mind they’ve been lacking regarding their health and financial security. Together, we aim to empower them with the support necessary to thrive in their work,” he said.

This partnership is expected to impact around 310,000 self-employed individuals in Singapore. It follows the launch of a new group insurance plan designed to encourage proactive health management.