Children Account for 43% of Pollution-Linked Health Insurance Claims as Treatment Costs Rise 11%
PB FinTech data reveals that children under 10 account for 43% of pollution-linked health insurance claims. Pollution-related ailments now make up 8% of all hospitalization claims. Respiratory treatment costs have increased by 11%, while cardiac complication treatments have risen by 6%. The average claim size for pollution-related ailments is ₹55,000, with daily hospitalization costs averaging ₹19,000. Post-Diwali claims have increased from 6.4% in 2022 to 9% in 2025. While Delhi remains a hotspot, cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru are seeing higher claim ratios. Health impacts extend beyond respiratory issues to include cardiac conditions, hypertension, skin problems, and eye infections.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
In a concerning trend revealed by PB FinTech data, children under 10 have emerged as the most vulnerable demographic to pollution-related health issues, accounting for a staggering 43% of all pollution-linked health insurance claims. This revelation comes amidst a broader increase in pollution-related ailments, which now constitute 8% of all hospitalization claims.
Rising Costs and Claim Patterns
The financial impact of pollution on healthcare is becoming increasingly evident:
- Respiratory treatment costs have surged by 11%
- Cardiac complication treatments have seen a 6% increase
- The average claim size for pollution-related ailments stands at ₹55,000
- Daily hospitalization costs average ₹19,000
Post-Diwali claims have shown a significant uptick, rising from 6.4% in 2022 to 9% in 2025, representing a 14% relative increase.
Geographical Distribution of Claims
While Delhi remains a hotspot for pollution-related health issues, other cities are catching up:
| City | Percentage of Pollution-Linked Claims |
|---|---|
| Delhi | 38.00% |
| Hyderabad | 8.34% |
| Bengaluru | 8.23% |
Notably, Hyderabad and Bengaluru now report higher claim ratios than Delhi, indicating a spreading concern across urban centers.
Health Impacts Beyond Respiratory Issues
The health impacts of pollution extend far beyond respiratory problems:
- Cardiac conditions
- Hypertension
- Skin problems
- Eye infections
Claims frequently feature cases of:
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Arrhythmia
- Eczema
- Conjunctivitis
This comprehensive data underscores the urgent need for addressing air pollution and its wide-ranging health consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations like children. As treatment costs continue to rise, the economic burden on families and the healthcare system is likely to grow, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and comprehensive health coverage.
Historical Stock Returns for PB FinTech
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -0.60% | -3.34% | +0.92% | -1.74% | -0.01% | +43.42% |
















































