A new Policybazaar report paints a grim picture of India’s pollution crisis - now a full-blown health emergency. Children are the worst hit, accounting for 43% of all pollution-linked health insurance claims, five times more than adults. Claims jump 14% after Diwali, mirroring India’s toxic air spike each winter. Pollution-related illnesses now make up 8% of total hospitalisation claims, led by respiratory and cardiac ailments. Delhi remains the epicentre with 38% of such claims, but Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Tier-2 cities like Jaipur and Lucknow are catching up fast. Treatment costs continue to climb, with average hospital expenses hitting ₹19,000 per day. As smog deepens, the report warns — pollution is no longer just an environmental issue, it’s India’s health crisis.

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