11.9 million11.9 million independent contractors, 7.4% of total employment (2023)Source: Contingent and Alternative Employment Arrangements, July 2023
gig and 1099 workers coverage calculator
Your pay, your loans, your work plan. See the gap in 30 seconds.
OpenIf you die on the job
What workers comp, work plans and Social Security pay, and what they don't.
OpenWhy it matters
That freedom has a cost. There is no boss handing you benefits. No group life plan comes with the app.
If you want your family covered, you set it up yourself. The good news is you own it, and it goes where you go.
- BLS counted 11.9 million independent contractors in July 2023. That was 7.4% of total employment.
- BLS counted 6.9 million contingent workers in July 2023, or 4.3% of total employment.
- BLS found only 19.9% of contingent workers had health insurance from their employer, versus 51.2% of other workers.
- The IRS says a contractor who serves other businesses is generally self employed. Businesses generally do not withhold taxes for them.
What an insurer may ask you
Have these ready. Being honest up front gets you a real price and avoids problems at claim time.
- Is gig work your main income or a side job?
- Do you get any benefits from another job or a spouse?
- Who depends on your income?
- Do you have a car loan, home loan or other debt?
- How steady is your income month to month?
Common questions
Do gig apps give life insurance?
Most gig workers are independent contractors, so there is no employer plan. You buy your own.
Can I get life insurance with 1099 income?
Yes. Insurers may ask about your income, so keep your tax returns handy.
Is my plan tied to an app?
No. A plan you buy is yours. It stays with you if you switch apps or stop gig work.
Coverage people in this job pick
Term life: The most coverage for the least money, for 10 to 30 years.Mortgage protection: Life insurance sized to your home loan, so the house stays paid.Final expense: Small whole life plans that pay for a funeral and last bills.Does my job change what I pay for life insurance?Is the life insurance from my job enough?How much life insurance do I need?
