Nearly 95 per cent of patients are financially unprepared to deal with emergency hospitalisation or ICU costs arising from severe air pollution-related illnesses, highlighting a growing but often overlooked
health and financial risk in India. This is one of the key findings of a nationwide study commissioned by TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, based on responses from over 400 doctors across multiple medical specialities.
As air quality across Indian cities continues to swing between poor and severe, doctors warn that the long-term impact of pollution is far deeper than seasonal breathing discomfort.
Pollution driving rise in chronic illnesses
According to the study, nearly three out of four doctors said deteriorating air quality is directly contributing to a rise in chronic health conditions such as respiratory disorders, heart-related complications, and reduced immunity across age groups. Over 60 per cent of doctors believe an AQI above 200 poses a serious health risk.
Importantly, doctors noted that prolonged exposure to poor air quality is no longer limited to children and the elderly. Working-age adults are increasingly reporting pollution-linked health problems, raising concerns about productivity and long-term healthcare burden.
Existing conditions worsening, costs rising
The survey shows that pollution often worsens existing medical conditions. Around 78 per cent of doctors said high AQI levels aggravate chronic illnesses such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and history of stroke. This overlap increases medical complexity and pushes up treatment costs.
Despite this, awareness remains low. Nearly two-thirds of doctors believe patients continue to underestimate the long-term health impact of prolonged exposure to polluted air.
Financial vulnerability a key concern
Beyond medical risks, the study highlights serious financial exposure. Most doctors indicated that patients lack adequate savings or insurance coverage to manage sudden hospitalisation caused by pollution-triggered illnesses, leaving families vulnerable during medical emergencies.
Call for preparedness and early action
Commenting on the findings, Rajagopal Rudraraju, Head – Consumer Business Claims at TATA AIG, said air pollution has quietly become a long-term health threat.
“What this study underscores is not just the medical impact, but also the financial stress that follows delayed diagnosis and prolonged treatment,” he said, stressing the need for early intervention, preventive care, and long-term protection.
