Three Ways the Insurance Industry Can Help Bridge Workers’ Protection Gap

-by Ayman Kandil  
CEO, AXA Philippines 

Some time ago, during the launch of our partnership with Grab Philippines and MOVE IT, I had the chance to speak with some of the riders covered under the new insurance program. One rider, in particular, shared something that stuck with me: “Kailangan magsipag sa kalsada para may kita (I need to work hard on the road so I can earn). 

It was a simple statement, honest, matter of fact -- but it captured a much deeper reality. For many Filipinos in the gig economy, a single missed day of work -- be it due to illness, injury, or accident -- can mean no income and immense worries for their families. 

That conversation reminded me why inclusive protection matters so much, and why all of us in the Philippine insurance industry – together with gig platforms – should reflect on this responsibility: as our workforce evolves, the protection we provide must evolve with it. 

Today, over 1.5 million Filipino gig workers all over the country power our cities – doing virtual and freelance work and bringing meals, packages, and services to our doorsteps. Many more are employed in micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that remain outside the formal protection system. These hardworking individuals often are challenged to access health coverage, accident insurance, or long-term financial security. 

At AXA, we believe that everyone deserves access to financial protection, regardless of how or where they work. That’s the lens through which we’ve approached our recent efforts, to help close the protection gap for workers who have long been left out of the conversation. 

Here are a few ways we believe the industry can help shape a more inclusive future: 

First, we recognized early on that traditional insurance models don’t always fit the needs of gig workers. Recognizing this, some platforms are beginning to explore more inclusive approaches. One example is the partnership between Grab, MOVE IT, and AXA Philippines, facilitated through PhilPacific Insurance Brokers & Managers, Inc. (Philinsure), which provides group life and personal accident insurance to their top-performing riders – offering a substantial layer of protection that today’s gig workers would often not be able to access. 

It’s one of the first initiatives of its kind in the country, and we see it as a blueprint for protecting other independent workers, such as freelance professionals, service workers, and even informal entrepreneurs -- people who fuel the economy, often with little formal support. 

It is inspiring to work with platforms like Grab and MOVE IT in engineering pioneering efforts that push forward new models of social protection needed by today’s modern workforce. 

Second, we need to make access to protection effortless and digital. For many workers, the barrier isn’t just cost, it’s access. That’s why AXA’s latest partnership is a significant step forward in making insurance more inclusive. At the same time, tools like the Emma by AXA PH mobile app make it easier for customers to access and manage their policies anytime, anywhere. 

This is how we close the accessibility gap -- by meeting people where they already are, on the platforms and apps they use every day. 

Third, we need to strengthen collaboration to scale impact.  Expanding worker protection isn’t something one company or institution can achieve alone. It will take collaboration across sectors -- insurers, employers, tech platforms, and government agencies -- to build something truly sustainable and ​​far-reaching​​. 

There are many encouraging signs. More MSMEs are exploring employee benefits, policymakers are expanding coverage to accommodate the changing needs of freelancers through social protection systems with SSS and PhilHealth, and platforms are co-creating wellness programs for independent earners. 

We’ve been fortunate to work with partners who believe in this shared mission, and we remain committed to finding more ways to support this evolving workforce. 

When workers feel secure, they can focus on doing their jobs better, build toward the future, and contribute more confidently to our economy. That’s what inclusive insurance is ultimately about --  creating peace of mind in every pocket of the workforce. 

We know there’s still much to be done. AXA’s purpose remains to be acting for human progress by protecting what matters. We welcome more partners who share our belief that protection should be for everyone. The momentum is happening, and if we continue working together, we can make protection more inclusive, more accessible, and more meaningful for all. 

Let’s build that future together. 

ABOUT AXA PHILIPPINES  

Established in 1999, AXA Philippines is one of the largest insurance companies in the country. It offers financial security to over a million individuals through its group and individual life insurance as well as general insurance products.  

AXA Philippines is one of the first to introduce bancassurance operations in the country and is among the pioneers in the investment-linked insurance sector.  

AXA Philippines is a joint venture between the AXA Group, headquartered in France, GT Capital Holdings, Inc. (GT Capital), a leading listed conglomerate in the Philippines, and Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metrobank), one of the Philippines’ largest financial institutions. It is duly recognized by the Insurance Commission and has license to operate and engage in life and general insurance business under License No. 2025/14-R.  

For more information on AXA Philippines and their products, visit their website at www.axa.com.ph. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  

Media Relations:                                             

Rochelle Rivera                          
rochelle.rivera@axa.com.ph   

Abbie Remo 
abbie.remo@axa.com.ph