social insurance

American  

noun

1. any of various forms of insurance in which a government is an insurer, especially such insurance that provides assistance to disabled or unemployed workers and to aged persons.

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social insurance British  

noun

1. government insurance providing coverage for the unemployed, the injured, the old, etc: usually financed by contributions from employers and employees, as well as general government revenue See also social security national insurance social assistance

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Etymology

Origin of social insurance

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The platforms also started offering some social insurance programs for delivery workers this year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 20, 2025

“What they’re essentially contributing to is a national social insurance program,” Shedden said.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 16, 2025

The report outlines how social insurance coverage is low among gig workers globally.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 7, 2023

Options under consideration in Japan include selling more government bonds, which means increasing its debt, raising its sales tax or increasing social insurance premiums.

From BBC • May 16, 2023

The question is attracting considerable attention in this country, however, and it is believed that this form of social insurance will soon be provided for by state law.

From Problems in American Democracy by Williamson, Thames Ross

Related Words

• social security