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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

social insurance

He doesn't know exactly why but visa experts say immigration officials have become more rigorous, demanding more documentation including tax receipts and social insurance premiums.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

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

Against that same backdrop, Ishiba last week launched a task force aimed at tackling "crimes or nuisance behaviours committed by some foreign nationals", including those relating to immigration, land acquisitions and unpaid social insurance.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2025

What is the "contributory principle" in social insurance?

From Problems in American Democracy by Thames Ross Williamson

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Related Words

• social security

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