Health insurance premiums in the national capital could soon see a significant hike as insurers consider factoring in the effects of air pollution when pricing policies. Discussions are underway to impose a 10-15 per cent increase in premiums for new health insurance policies in Delhi following a surge in pollution-related claims in 2024, a report by Reuters claimed, citing industry executives. If approved by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai), this would mark the first instance in the country where air pollution is directly Air pollution in Delhi NCRDelhi’s air quality deteriorates each winter due to a combination of vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, and smoke from crop-burning in neighbouring states. On November 18, the national capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 491 out of 500 — an extreme level that can severely impact even healthy individuals. If insurance providers secure regulatory approval to incorporate air pollution into pricing models, it could establish a precedent for other metropolitan areas struggling.