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Starting insurance
SEWA's Insurance Program started in the early 1990's
in response to our members' continuing quest for
social protection and self-reliance. Initially, life
insurance was offered to SEWA members through the
Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), a public sector
insurance company. However, it was clear that SEWA
members required a more comprehensive and integrated
insurance package as a buffer against the multiple
risks and crises they face in their everyday lives.
Women voting to start their
own insurance cooperative
Starting the integrated social security
scheme
In 1992, SEWA's Integrated Social Security
Scheme was initiated with coverage for life,
asset loss, widowhood, personal accident,
sickness and maternity benefits. In 2002,
medical insurance for husbands of members
was added to the scheme, and in 2003, the
scheme extended health insurance cover to
children of members. As of January
2006 1,52,651 women and their husbands
are insured in SEWA's Insurance scheme in
both urban and rural areas. All insured members
contribute premium to the scheme. Since 1992
more than 32,000
women have received benefits during crises
in their lives.
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“I got maternity
benefits from SEWA's insurance program. For the
first time in our village, such risks and costs
were covered”.
- Rudiben, embroiderer, Moti Pipli village,
Banaskantha
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