China’s top banking and insurance regulator said it would encourage insurers to accelerate the development of commercial pension products and accident insurance for gig-economy workers such as couriers and takeout deliverymen.
China has in recent years experienced a delivery boom powered by millions of couriers who work for companies such as Meituan Dianping and Alibaba’s Ele.me to deliver packages and meal orders around the country.
While many customers laud such services for their speed and convenience, there has been a growing debate about the treatment of these deliverymen, who work under tight time pressures.
Many are not directly employed by the companies they act for, and it is difficult for them to get legal protection if traffic accidents occur.
China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission said in the guideline issued on Friday that it would also encourage insurance companies to provide more insurance to elders aged 70 and above.
The regulator also called for more efforts on launching medical insurance to cover children’s congenital heart disease and rare diseases.
(Reporting by Zhang Yan and Ryan Woo; editing by Jan Harvey)
Topics China
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.

World’s Largest Retirement Community Set to Borrow $180 Million for More Homes
Oaktree’s Deal to Buy A-Cap Insurer Crumbles, Spawning New Talks
Isaias: 47,000 Claims and $582M in Losses in Florida So Far, OIR Reports
Chubb Q3 Net Income Down Slightly on More Catastrophe Losses 

