India’s health insurance sector is experiencing an increase in claims linked to air pollution, recent data indicating higher volumes for both families and insurers.

Post-Diwali period sees notable rise in claims

According to the company’s analysis, reported by CNBC TV 18, pollution-related illnesses now account for 8% of all hospitalisation claims, a figure that has increased over the past four years.

The period following Diwali, when air quality often deteriorates due to seasonal factors such as crop residue burning and firecracker use, is associated with a rise in claims. Policybazaar’s data indicates that the proportion of pollution-linked claims increased from 6.4% in 2022 to 9% in 2025, a 14% relative increase. In September 2025, nearly one in 10 hospitalisation claims were attributed to ailments associated with air pollution, including respiratory infections, heart issues, and skin or eye conditions.

Children under 10 most frequently affected

The report states that children under the age of 10 accounted for 43% of pollution-related health insurance claims, the highest proportion among all age groups. Adults aged 31 to 40 years represented 14% of such claims, while those over 60 years accounted for 7%. The data indicates that younger children, who may spend more time outdoors, are more frequently affected by poor air quality.

Widening geographic impact

While Delhi continues to report the highest volume of pollution-related claims at 38%, similar patterns are now observed in other cities. Hyderabad and Bengaluru have reported higher claim ratios, at 8.34% and 8.23%, respectively. Other cities, including Pune (7.82%) and Mumbai (5.94%), have also recorded increases. Tier-2 cities such as Jaipur, Lucknow, Indore, and Nagpur have reported more cases, suggesting that pollution-related claims are being reported in a broader range of locations.

Broader health consequences observed

The data reveals that the effects of air pollution are not limited to respiratory problems. There has been an increase in claims for cardiac conditions, hypertension, skin disorders, and eye infections during periods of poor air quality. Common diagnoses in these claims include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), arrhythmia, eczema, and conjunctivitis.

Source: insurancebusinessmag.com​