Health Insurance Uptake among Daily Wage Migrant Construction Laborers: A study in Chennai Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract Background: Migration is a significant driver of social and economic change, but it often exposes individuals to health vulnerabilities, especially for migrant workers in low-skilled, informal sectors like construction. They often face significant health risks due to their challenging work conditions and limited access to healthcare. This study investigates the health insurance uptake among migrant construction workers in Chennai, India, and explores the factors influencing their access to this essential social protection. Objective: This study aims to assess the coverage of health insurance uptake among migrant construction workers in Chennai, India, and identify factors associated with health insurance uptake. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 390 daily wage migrant construction workers in Chennai. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, employment details, and health insurance uptake were collected. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the association between various factors and health insurance uptake. Results: The study found that 68.2% of the migrant workers had health insurance uptake. Factors such as education, religion, caste, language, working hours, accommodation type, and experience of discrimination were significantly associated with health insurance uptake. Conclusion: The findings highlight the disparities in health insurance access among migrant construction workers, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve health outcomes for this vulnerable population. Policies aimed at enhancing education, addressing discrimination, and providing affordable healthcare options are crucial to ensure better health and well-being for migrant workers.