BRANDED CONTENT
From accident injury to recovery: How support helped this Grab driver return to the road
The coverage she received is part of the platform operator’s benefits package introduced in 2016, which will soon include more healthcare and wellness perks
With enhanced benefits from Grab, partners like Ms Sarah Ahmad (pictured) will enjoy better healthcare coverage and stronger protection as platform workers.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SARAH AHMAD
Follow topic:
Ms Sarah Ahmad was ferrying two passengers on a routine journey when she found herself in a four-car collision on the Central Expressway, injuring her physically and psychologically.
The car in front of her had come to a sudden stop. Though she braked in time, the two vehicles behind her could not.
“I experienced whiplash due to the collision,” Ms Sarah says. “And after the accident, I couldn’t go into a car without feeling this fear of what might happen if it crashed.”
It took her two weeks before she felt comfortable enough to get behind the wheel again, slowly easing back into her routine as a driver-partner for Nasdaq-listed Grab
However, being unable to drive for two weeks meant that she did not earn an income during that time – a heavy burden for the mother of four.
She adds: “I was initially worried about the medical costs and my expenses for the month, but under the GrabBenefits programme
“I managed to get a lump sum payment that covered the medical costs and helped me get through that difficult time.”
On top of Grab’s comprehensive benefits, Ms Sarah enjoys the flexible hours she can spend with her family since joining as a driver two and a half years ago.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SARAH AHMAD
Ms Sarah’s story is a reminder of why programmes like GrabBenefits are important for platform workers.
Since it was first launched in 2016, the programme has been providing welfare protection and support for its driver and rider partners – who operate as independent contractors – so they can access benefits like medical leave or insurance.
In 2025, driver-partners like Ms Sarah will gain enhanced coverage under Grab’s upgraded GrabBenefits 2.0 programme. It expands support to include subsidised medical services, access to telemedicine services, and complimentary preventive health and wellness services.
This is alongside existing benefits that provide income assistance for prolonged medical leave, reduce daily operating costs, and offer upskilling and education opportunities.
ALL INFOGRAPHICS AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY LIM CHAE HUAH, TECH IN ASIA
With an annual $4 million investment, the upgraded GrabBenefits 2.0 complements the upcoming Platform Workers Bill
Explains Grab Singapore’s managing director Mr Yee Wee Tang: “The new platform workers legislation brings new benefits to our driver and rider partners, and it expands on the work we have done to improve their well-being over the years.
GrabBenefits 2.0 is a big step forward in meeting their needs, and we will continue to listen, adapt and work with the association to support each of our partners.”
For partners like Ms Sarah, this commitment ensures they have access to additional welfare support while still having the flexibility of being a self-employed platform worker.
Below is a closer look at what the upgraded GrabBenefits 2.0 will cover.
1. Better healthcare coverage
Grab is expanding its health and wellness programme to better support its drivers and delivery partners.
Among the new benefits are higher subsidies for clinic visits and free yearly vaccinations.
2. Cost savings to stay operational
From fuel and vehicle maintenance to mobile plans, Grab offers partners a range of discounts to help reduce their operating expenses.
These cost-saving measures allow its gig workers to maximise their earnings while delivering their services efficiently.
3. Flexible insurance options
Partners can build critical illness coverage through small per-trip contributions as well as easy access to Grab’s auto insurance solutions.
These options are designed to protect both gig workers and their vehicles without straining their finances.
4. Pathways for growth
Whether it is learning new digital skills or supporting their children’s education, Grab’s platform workers have access to various learning opportunities.
They can tap these programmes to develop professionally or support their families’ educational aspirations.
5. Stronger voice for platform workers
Free association memberships through Grab will offer platform workers additional representation and membership perks such as discounts at FairPrice stores and Kopitiam outlets.
Grab provides comprehensive support for driver and rider partners across areas such as health, wellness, operational costs and education. Its enhanced GrabBenefits 2.0 programme, when complemented with the support included in the upcoming Platform Workers Act, serves as an end-to-end care package for these partners. Learn more about GrabBenefits here
