As of 2025, Vietnam is estimated to have 20 to 25 million workers without formal labor contracts, accounting for over half of the national workforce. Freelancers are increasingly active in fields such as delivery services, ride-hailing, online commerce, project-based work, and seasonal jobs. The rise of the digital economy (Industry 4.0) has driven a shift toward flexible career paths, especially among younger generations. This is a large and highly promising customer segment, offering insurers significant opportunities to develop tailored health and accident insurance products.

However, most freelancers still lack access to appropriate insurance solutions. Awareness of voluntary health insurance programs, coverage benefits, and associated health risks remains limited. Additionally, many maintain a mindset of delaying insurance purchase due to perceived good health—“I’m still healthy, I don’t need insurance.” This thinking, shaped by income and affordability concerns, is compounded by skepticism stemming from negative media coverage. Common doubts such as “Will I actually receive compensation?” continue to persist.

Awareness and trust are the two core factors influencing the decision to buy insurance—yet these remain underdeveloped in current communication and advisory practices.

When individuals fail to clearly perceive health risks, their motivation to purchase insurance declines. Real-life case studies and relatable examples can help freelancers recognize potential threats and appreciate the tangible benefits of insurance.

From a financial standpoint, insurance packages should be tailored to freelancers’ income levels, with flexible premium payment options to enhance accessibility. Products should also be integrated into digital platforms widely used by this demographic—such as Grab, ShopeeFood, Be, FreelancerViet, MoMo, and ZaloPay. Moreover, policies must be easy to understand, simple to access, transparent, and provide reliable claim settlement—thus fostering long-term trust.

To encourage insurance participation among freelancers, insurers should focus on three key pillars: Clear communication – Flexible product design – Transparent service.

Freelancers represent a growing, dynamic workforce that is often excluded from traditional labor benefits. By developing suitable products, strengthening outreach efforts, and leveraging digital distribution channels, the insurance sector can expand its market while supporting better quality of life and financial protection for millions of freelance workers in Vietnam.