By India, March 11, 2025: Air pollution is now being considered a factor in determining health insurance premiums in India. Insurance companies are discussing a possible increase of 10% to 15% in health insurance costs, especially for residents of New Delhi, due to rising health issues linked to poor air quality.
India has some of the most polluted cities in the world, with air quality often exceeding safe levels set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Long-term exposure to polluted air is linked to serious health problems like asthma, lung infections, and heart diseases. According to The Guardian report, only seven countries worldwide meet WHO’s air pollution guidelines, and India is not one of them.
Insurance companies are seeing a rise in claims related to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This has led them to consider increasing premiums for those living in areas with high pollution levels. If this happens, it would be the first time that air quality directly impacts health insurance pricing in India.
A rise in health insurance costs will affect millions of people, especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, where pollution is a major issue. Many people already struggle with high medical expenses, and an increase in premiums could make health coverage more expensive.
Experts suggest that stricter pollution control measures, better urban planning, and public health awareness can help reduce pollution levels. If pollution decreases, insurance companies may not have to increase costs so significantly.
For now, the discussion is still ongoing. However, if insurers move forward with this plan, it could change how health insurance is priced in India in the future.
