Why Do You Need Insurance?

Millions of people work as freelancers, independent contractors, rideshare drivers, delivery workers, and content creators.

This new work model offers freedom, flexible hours, and independence, which attracts professionals of all ages and backgrounds.

However, it also presents a major challenge: the absence of traditional benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid sick leave, or corporate coverage.

And this raises an urgent question: Does working without a formal job contract also mean working without protection?

The Growth of the Gig Economy in the U.S.

According to Gallup, around 36% of the American workforce was involved in some form of independent work in 2025—whether as a full-time career or a side income.

This number keeps growing year after year, driven by factors such as service digitalization, the rise of remote work, and the desire for greater autonomy.

The trend is likely to continue. At the same time, it exposes a new generation of professionals to risks that were once absorbed by traditional employers.

Accidents, illness, liability, loss of equipment or income—without a formal employment relationship, the burden of these situations falls entirely on the worker.

Travelers and Digital Nomads: An Even More Exposed Group

Gig economy workers who travel frequently face additional challenges.
Working on the move may seem glamorous, but it brings with it

• Health risks far from a familiar medical system
• Possibility of accidents during travel, especially by car or bike
• Loss, theft, or damage to equipment essential for work
• Limited access to secure networks, increasing cyber vulnerabilities
• Income instability, if any incident prevents them from working temporarily

So having the right insurance is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. But the question remains: Which types of coverage make the most sense?

The Most Important Types of Insurance for Gig Workers

1. Health Insurance
   Anyone who has dealt with medical issues knows how costly it can be—sometimes leading to financial ruin.
   Options for gig workers include:

• ACA marketplace plans
• Freelancer associations offering group plans
• Private health insurance with national or international coverage

2. Professional Liability Insurance
   Recommended for freelancers offering intellectual or technical services (e.g., developers, designers, writers, consultants).
   This type of insurance protects against lawsuits or claims for damages caused to clients.
3. Equipment Insurance
   Those who rely on cameras, laptops, instruments, or any expensive tools should consider coverage for damage, theft, or loss.
   This is even more critical for people on the move, especially those frequently in airports or stations.
4. Disability Insurance (Income Protection)
   An accident or illness may prevent a professional from working for weeks or months.
   This insurance provides temporary monthly income during recovery.
5. Commercial Auto Insurance for App-Based Drivers
   For those working with transportation (Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, etc.), standard car insurance often does not cover accidents that occur during business use.
   A specific commercial policy is required, often offered through partnerships with the platforms themselves.
6. Cyber Insurance
   For freelancers working online or handling sensitive data, this coverage protects against hacking, data theft, and digital disruptions.

Your Home Office Could Be Hacked: Are You Insured?

But What About the Cost? Is It Affordable?

Yes—more than you might think.

While many corporate plans are subsidized, the U.S. market already offers affordable solutions tailored to self-employed workers.

Platforms like Stride, SafetyWing, Freelancers Union, and HealthSherpa help compare options and choose personalized plans.

Additionally, many insurance plans are modular and flexible, allowing professionals to build coverage according to their budget and needs.

For example, a traveling photographer could get a package that combines equipment insurance, health coverage, and liability protection.

How to Get Started?

1. Evaluate your main activity: transportation? creative services? tech? education?
2. List your real risks: health, accidents, financial loss, and legal liability.
3. Research platforms focused on freelancers: many offer bundled plans with good pricing.
4. Consider portability if you travel frequently—some plans are global or nomad-friendly.
5. Talk to an independent broker who specializes in insurance for the self-employed.

Working in the gig economy can be liberating, but it doesn’t have to come with vulnerability. Having the right insurance is an investment in peace of mind, stability, and professional longevity.