Children drive surge in pollution-linked health claims in India

Pollution-related illnesses now form more than 8% of total hospitalisation claims

Children account for nearly half of all health insurance claims linked to air pollution in India, according to new data from Policybazaar.

The report shows that 43% of pollution-related hospitalisation claims were filed for children aged 10 and below, making them five times more affected than any other age group. 

Adults aged 31 to 40 made up 14% of such claims, whilst those over 60 accounted for 7%.

Pollution-related illnesses now form more than 8% of total hospitalisation claims nationwide. The figure spikes sharply after Diwali each year, rising by about 14% compared to pre-Diwali periods. 

The increase mirrors the worsening air quality caused by stubble burning, fireworks, and stagnant winter air.

In September 2025 alone, 9% of all hospitalisation claims were linked to air pollution-related ailments, including respiratory infections, cardiac complications, and skin and eye allergies.

Delhi continues to record the highest number of pollution-linked claims at 38%, but southern cities are seeing similar patterns.

Bengaluru and Hyderabad report pollution-claim ratios above 8%, whilst Pune and Mumbai also show a growing number of cases.

Tier-2 cities such as Jaipur, Lucknow, Indore, and Nagpur are also seeing more claims related to pollution.

Treatment costs for pollution-linked illnesses have climbed as well. 

From FY 2023 to FY 2024, average expenses for respiratory ailments rose 11%, and cardiac cases increased 6%. 

The average claim size for pollution-related ailments is ₹55,263, with hospitalisation costs averaging ₹19,076 per day.

Siddharth Singhal, head of Health Insurance at Policybazaar, said pollution drives a recurring health crisis each post-Diwali season. 

He noted that respiratory and cardiac treatment costs continue to rise, making health insurance with family and OPD coverage increasingly vital during India’s pollution months.