Unfortunately, there are not enough talks when it comes to insurance relating to food delivery drivers and independent contractors in general. And It only becomes vaguer with health insurance coming to play.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the health provision for drivers on DoorDash, and whether or not it’s actually a thing.
Does Doordash Offer Health Insurance? Overview of the health products on DoorDash
Unlike what you’ll find in most traditional companies or jobs, DoorDash doesn’t explicitly offer health insurance. Keep in mind that there are some health-related products on the platform which we’ll be discussing below.
The argument here is that DoorDash drivers are independent contractors— who 90% of the time don’t get free insurance since they’re been treated as business owners and not employees.
Unfortunately, this is a norm for “most independent contractor jobs” and perhaps the same with DoorDash and the reason they don’t always check drivers’ insurance compliance.
But it’s actually a bit complicated, as there are still some kind of benefits from the platform.
Why? Well, let’s cover a list of health-related products:
Health Stipend
The DoorDash stipend is a financial contribution provided quarterly to eligible Dashers in California.
Basically, the idea is to help offset the costs of personal healthcare plans, by making quarterly payments to Dashers.
If you stay in California, this wouldn’t be news to you as the platform would normally send notifications for each window application for every quarter payments are to be made.
The windows for application are as below:
- April 1 – April 15 to qualify for Q1 stipend
- July 1 – July 15 to qualify for Q2 stipend
- October 1 – October 15 to qualify for Q3 stipend
- January 1 – January 15 to qualify for Q4 stipend
In essence, you’ll need to make an application for the stipend during these timelines to qualify for the following quarterly stipend payment.
Keep in mind that the health stipend only applies to people living in California, following the government’s demand, thanks to Prop 22.
So how do you qualify?
Firstly, you must have dashed an average of more than 15 hours per week in the last quarter you intend to apply.
You must also be on a health plan which must have been purchased through Covered California (California’s health insurance marketplace) or be compliant with the ACA demand for minimum essential coverage.
The health plan should also not be government or employee sponspored.
Here is some example of health plans that qualify for this:
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Kaiser Permanente
- Chinese Community Health Plan
- Health Net
- Blue Shield of California
- Oscar Health
- Valley Health Plan
- Western Health Advantage
- L.A. Care Health Plan
- Molina Healthcare
- Sharp Health Plan
What about some common examples of health plans that don’t qualify?
- Promise Health Plan
- Health plans sponsored by the government such as Medicaid, CenCal Health, etc
- Tricare
- Employer-sponsored
So what’s the amount of stipend DoorDash gives?
Generally, it depends on the number of hours the Dasher has worked per week during the previous quarter.
But…
- If you’re just able to meet the minimum requirement of dashing more than 15 hours in the last quarter, you’ll get a stipend of $683.
- If you’re able to dash an average of more than 25 hours per week in the last quarter you’ll receive $1,366.
Occupational Accident Policy
The Occupational Accident Policy is also another health-related product on DoorDash.
Unlike the health stipend, you don’t need to sign up to be covered by the policy. It’s automatically applied to all DoorDash drivers in the US.
So what does it do?
Doordash’s Occupational Accident Policy automatically covers all U.S. Dashers from injuries incurred while making a delivery, effective since June 27, 2019.
The policy includes benefits such as medical expense coverage up to $1,000,000 with no deductible or co-pay.
It also comes with disability payment which is basically a weekly wage you’ll receive while being disabled.
The amount you receive is gotten from 50% of your average weekly wage while on the platform, up to a maximum of $500 per week.
Notably, there are no sign-up requirements, premiums, deductibles, or co-pays, and the coverage comes at no cost to the Dashers.
However, the policy doesn’t cover damages to vehicles or injuries while delivering other services.
To qualify for this, you’ll need to file a claim through any one of the company channels which can be found here.
Healthcare plans with Stride
As with most food delivery platforms, DoorDash does partner with Stride to offer some health care plans.
To be clear, this is not a big deal, and aside from the acclaimed affordability, flexibility (since it’s already partnered with DoorDash), and good coverage (benefits like dental insurance, life insurance, roadside assistance, and even savings on gas), it’s typically the same as any health plan you can find.
Talking more about affordability, you can’t tell unless you try using the platform for yourself.
Generally, the partnered health plans are expected to offer a better advantage to DoorDash drivers looking to get a better health insurance package.
However, it’s always better to do your research with the available options you may have.
Should you go with DoorDash Health Packages? Are they good?
Obviously, they’re a lot to consider.
Firstly, if you have a health plan that qualifies for the health stipend and you also meet the other requirements needed, it’s advisable you try applying for the company’s health stipend. It’s a big advantage.
However, if your health plan doesn’t qualify, that shouldn’t be an issue. It also shouldn’t prompt you to leave your current health plan if they’re doing well.
For instance, leaving a government-sponsored health plan which is usually cheaper than available options just to get the health stipend, is a bad idea.
For the Occupational accident policy, they’re automatically applicable to all DoorDash drivers in the US, the moment an emergency occurs. So that’s all good, again.
However, where the problem comes in is with the health plan’s partnership with Stride.
Unfortunately, there’s no yes or no answer to whether the health plan is worth it.
As we explained earlier, the health plan is actually not much different from other available options. Hence, you may need to do due diligence with other available options you have.
If you don’t have one, you can make a quick research on healthcare.gov.
It’s also important to keep in mind to always have special insurance for your stay with DoorDash.
For instance, none of these packages nor does the normal insurance from DoorDash, cover the damages that happen to your car in the presence of an emergency.
Final Thoughts
While DoorDash doesn’t necessarily have health insurance for drivers, there are some health-related packages that are quite useful —– and might not be found on other platforms.
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