Daily commuting in the Philippines can often feel like navigating an obstacle course — long rides, multiple transfers, unpredictable traffic, and the ever-present risk of accidents. To help make those daily journeys safer, GCash has partnered with BPI MS Insurance Corporation to launch PasaHERO Protect, an affordable accident insurance plan designed specifically for public transport commuters.
Starting at just ₱15 per month, the new microinsurance product aims to provide accessible financial protection for the millions of Filipinos who rely on jeepneys, buses, trains, and ride-hailing services to get to work or school.
Affordable protection, maximum coverage
PasaHERO Protect covers accidents across all forms of public transport in the country — including traditional and app-based rides. Key features include:
- Up to ₱500,000 in coverage for death or permanent disability resulting from an accident while on public transportation.
- Up to ₱250,000 coverage for other types of accidents (i.e., non‑public‑transport related).
- A “double indemnity” clause when the accident occurs on public transport — meaning the benefit is amplified in those scenarios.
- The ability for a user to extend coverage to up to five people (family or friends) via one GCash account.
The product reflects a growing fintech and insurtech trend — making insurance relevant to everyday life, not just major life events. For many in Metro Manila and other urban centers, this means protection that moves with them, one ride at a time.
GCash and BPI MS partnership: Fintech meets everyday life
For GCash, the launch is part of its broader push to embed insurance and financial protection directly within its super app. Beyond bills payment and remittances, GCash is positioning itself as an everyday financial safety net for users.
Meanwhile, BPI MS Insurance gains access to GCash’s massive, mobile-first user base — a digitally savvy audience of commuters who are open to simple, app-enabled protection plans.
“PasaHERO Protect shows how digital finance can make insurance accessible to all Filipinos — not just the affluent,” said Hazel Quiambao, Assistant Director at BPI/MS Insurance Corporation. “By embedding protection in daily transactions, we’re helping commuters feel more secure every time they step out. This milestone is a shared step forward, rooted in our commitment to give Filipinos the confidence to move through life with less fear and more freedom.”
Insurtech with purpose
From an insurtech perspective, the PasaHERO Protect demonstrates how microinsurance can be reimagined — combining affordability, relevance, and accessibility. With coverage starting at just ₱15, it’s a low-commitment entry point for first-time insurance users, especially those in the gig and commuter economy.
It’s also a step toward activity-based insurance, where protection aligns with lifestyle habits — such as commuting, riding TNVS, or working in the delivery sector.
What commuters should know
While the plan is simple to access via the GCash app, users are reminded to review the details carefully:
- Confirm that the coverage applies to the specific transport mode you use.
- Understand how “public transport” is defined in the policy and how “other accidents” are handled.
- Review what qualifies as a claimable event, the documentation required, and the process to initiate a claim in the GCash app.
- Ensure your subscription is active and meet policy conditions.
- Review any exclusions, such as coverage for personal vehicles or non‑commuting accidents.
A step forward for everyday financial inclusion
The GCash–BPI MS partnership underscores the growing role of fintech in driving financial inclusion through simple, digital-first insurance products.
At a time when millions of Filipinos brave congested commutes daily, PasaHERO Protect offers peace of mind for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.
It’s not just about protecting passengers — it’s about helping every Filipino travel with a little more confidence and security, one ride at a time.
