In a move set to revolutionize healthcare access for millions of independent workers, Insured Nomads and Doerscircle has launched the first-ever comprehensive private medical insurance program designed specifically for freelancers and independent contractors, entrepreneurs and the SME/SMB sector.
The power of this collaboration comes at a time when half of the global workforce, as noted by the World Bank, consists of self-employed individuals who often lack access to traditional health benefits. As of 2024, the UK gig economy workforce is now estimated at 1.7 million workers and 1 in 6 adults in the UK currently work a gig job at least once a week from ride-sharing drivers to freelance designers, and 20% of UK gig workers class this work as their main source of income. On a global scale, 150 million startups are fuelling innovation, with an estimated 137,000 new launches occurring daily.
“Doerscircle is set to fundamentally change the game for independent workers worldwide,” said Andrew Jernigan, CEO of Insured Nomads. “For the first time, solopreneurs, gig workers and freelancers, remote workers and digital nomads, and startups and small businesses can access the same quality of health coverage as large corporations, with plans starting from £60 per month and coverage that follows them anywhere in the world. It gives me great joy to know that so many people will have the coverage they need and deserve but didn’t have the ability to obtain.”
The new program, which launched on 1st of December via the Doerscircle website, offers:
- Simplified onboarding without broker intermediaries
- Flexible global coverage options starting at £60/month (billed annually)
- Comprehensive health benefits including outpatient, dental, vision and maternity
options - No minimum company size requirements, and can include contractors and
dependants. - Coverage that moves with workers across borders if needed.
- Included benefits at no additional charge: unlimited telemedicine consults with a
physician, unlimited therapy sessions, unlimited Priority Pass airport lounge
access, and Global Nomad Pass membership for local discounts in destinations
around the world, and McAfee cybersecurity protection.
“Traditional insurance hasn’t kept pace with the way we work and live today,” said Helle Priess, founder and CEO of Doerscircle. “Flexible talent needs basic security as they move between engagements. Through Insured Nomads, we’re now making available enterprise-level health coverage to every Independent Doer.”
The Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN)’s Going Private 2024 report revealed that by there’s been a significant rise in the proportion of people in the UK using private medical insurance (PMI). Six in ten (58%) of those that have used private healthcare, said they paid through PMI compared with under half (49%) in 2023. Indeed, having insurance was a key reason cited for using private healthcare with one in five people (20%) saying that they used private healthcare because they have private health insurance. Whether in the UK, EU or free to work anywhere this partnership empowers.
The partnership builds on Doerscircle’s community of over 135,000 members and Insured Nomads’ expertise in insurance solutions and global benefits for professionals. By combining resources, the initiative aims to provide independent workers with much- needed security as they navigate the challenges of a dynamic global workforce.
From December, members will be able to sign up for the health insurance plans through a digital platform that simplifies the entire process. With regional or global coverage included, the platform is set to provide a significant boost to freelancers, entrepreneurs, and enterprises worldwide.
