Children account for 43 % of pollution‑linked insurance claims in India
What's the story
New data from Policybazaar has revealed that children are the most affected by air pollution in India. The report found that nearly 43% of all pollution-related health insurance claims were made for kids under the age of 10. This makes them five times more vulnerable than any other age group. The alarming trend highlights how air pollution has turned into a public health crisis in India.
Health impact
Adults aged 31-40 years also significantly impacted
Pollution-related illnesses now account for 8% of all hospitalization claims in India. The spike is mainly due to respiratory and cardiac complications. Adults aged between 31-40 years made up 14% of such claims, while those above 60 only accounted for 7%. This data suggests that younger, more outdoor-active populations are bearing the brunt of poor air quality conditions.
Regional impact
Tier-2 cities also witnessing spike in pollution-linked claims
Delhi topped the list of pollution-linked insurance claims, followed by Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The trend is not just limited to metros as tier-2 cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, and Indore are also witnessing a spike in such cases. This shows that air quality concerns are spreading beyond major urban centers in India.
Financial burden
Rising treatment costs for respiratory, cardiac complications
The average claim for pollution-related ailments is ₹55,000, with hospitalization costs reaching ₹19,000 per day. Treatment costs for respiratory illnesses have increased by 11% from FY2023 to FY2024, while cardiac complications have seen a 6% rise. The increase indicates that more intensive care measures such as oxygen therapy and nebulization are now required to treat these conditions effectively.
Seasonal trend
Claims spiked by 14% after Diwali
The report also observed a seasonal trend, with pollution-related claims rising by 14% after Diwali. This coincides with India's sharp rise in Air Quality Index (AQI) levels due to stubble burning, fireworks, and stagnant winter air. In September 2025 alone, nearly 9% of hospitalization claims were linked to pollution-related ailments such as respiratory infections and cardiac complications.