Expanding financial protection for underserved Filipinos requires new, more accessible ways of delivering insurance—an issue highlighted by GCash during a recent banking and insurance summit.

According to Willy De Ocampo, Vice President and Head of GInsure, GCash’s digital insurance platform, digital ecosystems can play a crucial role in addressing the country’s protection gap. While the Philippines’ insurance penetration rate rose to 1.79% in 2025 from 1.67% the previous year, it remains below the 2% target and lags behind other Southeast Asian markets.

“Many Filipinos recognize the importance of insurance, but often see it as complicated or expensive,” De Ocampo said. “Our goal is to make protection simple and accessible—something people can easily integrate into their everyday lives.”

Expanding Access Through Digital Platforms

By embedding insurance directly into routine financial transactions, GCash aims to break down traditional barriers to access. As of the fourth quarter of 2025, GInsure has enabled more than 20 million Filipinos to access insurance—an increase of over 40% since the start of the year.

Notably, 75% of GInsure users are based outside Metro Manila, while 76% belong to socioeconomic classes D and E—underscoring the importance of reaching underserved communities.

Embedded and Free Protection

To further close the protection gap, GCash continues to roll out embedded and free insurance solutions within its platform.

One offering is Express Send Scam Insurance, powered by Chubb, which provides protection of up to ₱15,000 against unauthorized transactions caused by hacking, phishing, smishing, malware, and other scams. Available for as low as ₱30 for 30 days, the coverage also extends to transactions on supported online merchants and app-based platforms such as Lazada, Shopee, and Google Play.

GCash also integrates free insurance into everyday services. Through Fuse Financing Inc., its lending arm, users who avail of GLoan for at least ₱500 automatically receive free health insurance underwritten by Oona Insurance, which includes hospitalization allowance coverage.

Meanwhile, purchasing mobile load through the app unlocks free health and accident insurance underwritten by FPG Insurance, with coverage of up to ₱30,000—including hospital assistance—for up to 30 days per transaction.

Driving Financial Inclusion

GCash’s approach reflects a broader push toward financial inclusion through digital innovation. By embedding protection into services Filipinos already use, the platform aims to make insurance more intuitive, relevant, and accessible.

GInsure recently joined key industry players—including financial institutions, insurers, regulators, and technology providers—at the 2026 Asian Banking & Finance and Insurance Asia Summit to discuss trends shaping the sector, particularly in digitalization, inclusion, and risk management.

As digital adoption continues to grow, GCash says it will continue working with partners to expand protection and strengthen financial resilience among underserved communities nationwide.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.