Protecting Non-Permanent Health Workers Through Insurance and Social Security

The role of non-permanent health workers, or freelance medical professionals, is becoming increasingly vital in today’s digital and flexible healthcare environment, especially within the on-demand model. They serve to meet the growing need for fast and accessible medical care—whether at home or through online platforms. However, behind this flexibility lies a major challenge: the lack of social security and insurance protection for those who are not full-time employees. 

Non-permanent health workers include various professionals such as general practitioners, nurses, midwives, and physiotherapists who work on a project or per-patient basis. Unlike permanent hospital staff, they often do not receive basic benefits like health insurance, workplace accident coverage, or retirement support. This creates inequality in social protection within the healthcare sector, despite the fact that the risks they face are often the same—or even higher. 

In Indonesia, the government through BPJS Ketenagakerjaan (Employment Social Security) and BPJS Kesehatan (Health Insurance) has established schemes for self-employed workers or non-wage earners (BPU). These programs allow freelance health professionals to voluntarily enroll for protection against health and occupational risks. Yet participation remains low due to limited awareness, cost constraints, and lack of incentives from employers or digital platforms. 

Moreover, many digital healthcare platforms have yet to define clear policies regarding social protection for their partner healthcare workers. Some offer only minimal coverage, such as accident insurance during service delivery, without long-term health or income protection. This underscores the urgent need for stronger regulations and policies to ensure that non-permanent health workers are not left without proper safeguards. 

Looking ahead, the government, professional associations, and digital health providers must collaborate to create a shared social protection mechanism. For example, digital platforms could act as intermediaries to collect BPJS contributions from their partner health workers or subsidize part of the insurance premium as part of their corporate social responsibility. Such partnership models not only enhance worker welfare but also strengthen public trust in on-demand healthcare services. 

Beyond social security, the implementation of professional indemnity insurance is equally crucial for non-permanent healthcare providers. This type of insurance protects medical professionals from potential legal claims arising from malpractice or procedural errors. In many countries, it is considered a standard requirement for independent practitioners. Introducing such a policy in Indonesia would enhance job security while promoting ethical and professional accountability. 

With comprehensive protection systems in place, non-permanent healthcare workers can perform their duties with greater peace of mind and productivity, free from financial fears associated with illness, accidents, or legal risks. Ultimately, the sustainability of Indonesia’s digital and on-demand healthcare ecosystem depends on the well-being of its medical workforce. Collaboration between the government, insurance bodies, and digital platforms is essential to build fair, inclusive, and sustainable protection policies for the future of Indonesian healthcare.