Voluntary Benefits that Sell Themselves: What Gig Workers and 1099’s Are Asking For in 2025
As the employment landscape evolves, brokers catering to the 1099 workforce need to recognize a crucial shift: gig workers are actively seeking benefits, and they have clear expectations. By 2025, offering voluntary benefits will no longer be optional – it will be essential. Independent workers are looking for affordable, flexible, and portable benefits that align with their lifestyles and work arrangements. Meeting these demands will be key for brokers to attract and retain this dynamic segment, ensuring they provide solutions that truly resonate with the needs of today’s gig economy.
Here’s what today’s 1099 and gig workers are seeking, and how brokers can provide value without the need to push traditional group plans or get bogged down in complex setups:
Daily Medical Care That Covers the Essentials
Daily Medical Care plans are gaining popularity because they address the essential health needs of gig workers and independent contractors. Unlike high-deductible plans and healthcare exchanges that may leave workers exposed to significant out-of-pocket costs for routine services, these plans provide affordable, straightforward coverage for:
- Preventive care
- Urgent visits
- Labs and diagnostics
- Prescriptions
Why it sells:
It’s designed to meet the everyday health needs of gig workers while accommodating their unpredictable income streams. This flexibility and affordability make Daily Medical Care an attractive option for those seeking reliable, cost-effective coverage for their routine health expenses.
Accident & Critical Illness Protection
Independent workers often operate in higher-risk environments, such as food delivery, construction, or other physically demanding jobs. They need affordable, reliable coverage that provides quick support when accidents or injuries happen. Products offering lump-sum payouts and 24/7 coverage are especially appealing because they are straightforward—easy to understand and simple to access.
Why it sells:
The payout goes directly to the worker, bypassing red tape and delays. No waiting periods, no complex claims processes—just fast, direct support when it’s needed most. This immediate financial assistance helps workers stay protected and focused on their work.
Short-Term Disability with Income Protection
Missing a paycheck because of injury or illness can be devastating for gig workers who lack employer-paid time off or traditional safety nets. Income replacement plans that offer coverage for up to six months are crucial, providing financial stability during periods of recovery.
Why it sells:
Protecting income is a no-brainer for anyone without access to traditional benefits. These plans give gig workers peace of mind, ensuring they can cover essential expenses when they are unable to work, making them an indispensable part of their benefits toolkit.
Affordable Life Insurance
Term life policies with low monthly premiums provide essential peace of mind for gig workers supporting dependents or managing debt. As these workers think long-term about their financial security, brokers who offer these solutions build trust and foster loyalty.
Why it sells:
It’s simple, affordable, and flexible—allowing workers to protect their loved ones without breaking the bank. Plus, these policies can often be bundled with other benefits for even greater savings, making them an attractive, comprehensive option for independent workers who are planning for the future.
Portability, Simplicity, and Speed
Today’s independent workers expect seamless, on-demand access to benefits—no waiting for open enrollment or sifting through confusing plan documents. They want to enroll anytime, manage benefits easily from their phones, and understand their options instantly.
That’s where brokers using Enrollment First’s eConnect platform shine—they can deliver faster, clearer, and always-available benefits experiences.
Why it sells:
It’s designed around how gig workers actually live and work —flexible, straightforward, and accessible. This approach builds trust, enhances engagement, and positions brokers as the go-to resource in the gig economy.
The Bottom Line for Brokers
Voluntary benefits are evolving from optional extras to key decision-making factors for a proactive, self-empowered workforce. Gig workers and independent contractors are seeking coverage options they can choose and control, making these benefits central to their engagement.
Brokers who lead with the right products — tailored to the needs of today’s workers—and leverage innovative technology to deliver seamless, personalized experiences will:
- Win new business
- Earn valuable referrals
- Stay ahead of industry shifts
In this competitive landscape, offering flexible, accessible voluntary benefits through smart tech solutions positions brokers as trusted advisors and industry leaders.
Want to start selling benefits that sell themselves?
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