This study aims to examine the association of socio-economic and demographic determinants between knowledge
of health insurance and actual health insurance coverage (uptake) among the street vending community in Chandigarh,
India.
Subject and methods A cross-sectional survey involving 250 street vendors from North-Indian city of Chandigarh was
conducted between May–June 2021. Participants were selected using simple random sampling from the list of registered
street vendors under the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were employed to
identify the primary determinants influencing health insurance knowledge and coverage among street vendors.
Results The study reveals significant positive association between education level and health insurance knowledge.
Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) ranged from 2.697 for street vendors with elementary education to 9.682 for those with higher
educational attainment. Moreover, street vendors with relatively higher family monthly incomes exceeding INR 12000
demonstrated significantly greater knowledge of health insurance (aOR = 1.994, CI 1.007–3.949, p = 0.048). However, out
of the 157 street vendors with knowledge of health insurance, only 17.19% (27) were enrolled and covered by it. Age
and family size are the significant predictors of health insurance uptake, with aOR of 2.646 (CI 0.921-7.599, p = 0.071),
and 0.403 (CI 0.161–1.009, p = 0.052), respectively.
Conclusion Education and monthly income were the significant factors influencing knowledge about health insurance
among street vendors. At the same time, age and family size were significant predictors of the uptake of health insurance
among street vendors. This study can help policymakers conduct periodical campaigns and prioritize strategies for
speeding up the procedure of enrolling this vulnerable group under health insurance schemes.