How Pollution Levels Are Shaping City-Based Premiums?

Air Pollution and Related Health Concerns

According to a recent government report, nearly 12.5% deaths in India can be traced to poor air quality. The number of fatalities is only increasing, especially in major cities like Delhi, Gurugram, Durgapur, etc. Diseases like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), asthma, sinusitis, certain types of cancer, neurological and gastrointestinal disorders, and so on can be a result of severe air pollution.

Exposure to harmful levels of air pollution can directly impact your health. It may lead to both short-term and chronic illnesses. The ill effects of air pollution is not limited to human health, it also affects environment around. These are the reasons why the climate has experienced dramatic shifts in the past decades. So, it is extremely important to address the rising concern of air pollution for a better tomorrow!

Air Pollution and Health Insurance Premiums

So far, the applicant’s overall health, age, nature of profession, city of residence, smoking habits, etc., have been influencing the health insurance premiums. Now, the quality of air can also be one of the decisive factors. This is primarily because exposure to hazardous air quality is a direct threat to your health. From respiratory to cardiovascular diseases and so on, poor air quality can cause any of these.

In the past few years, cities with poor air quality have witnessed more health insurance claims. So, to balance out this concern and ensure a practical premium amount, health insurance companies may choose to use the air quality level as a factor to decide the premium.

Just like the risk of certain jobs (like those in the chemical industry) and cities with higher risk (like earthquake-prone areas), cities with poor air quality may also become a concern. All these factors have a direct risk on the health of the insured individual and increase their chances of suffering health issues.

Tips for Lower Premium Amid Rising Air Pollution

As someone who is planning a health insurance policy, news of a potential premium hike may not be good news. However, there are still ways in which you can secure health insurance at lower premiums. Some of these tips are mentioned below:

Stay Healthy

Maintaining good health is key to a happy life and lower health insurance premiums. In today's times, where lifestyle diseases have become common, your good health will definitely be rewarded. People with no chronic health issues are likely to get health insurance at lower premiums.

Do Not Smoke

Smoking can be far more dangerous than you think. Also, smokers are likely to be charged higher health insurance premiums. So, now is the right time to quit this habit and start afresh!

Buy Long-term Policies

When you purchase a multiple-year health insurance policy, you may get it at a lower premium. So, if possible, try to get a long-term health insurance plan.

Make the Most of NCB

No Claim Bonus can be a master tool to get health insurance at affordable rates. When you raise no claim in a policy year, you are rewarded with NCB. You can use it to get exciting discounts on premium upon policy renewal.

Did you know, NCB can be transferred if you choose to switch your insurance company!

Family Health Insurance

If you want to purchase health insurance for your entire family, you may explore family health insurance plans. Under a single premium, the entire family can be covered. However, make sure to choose a practical coverage that would be enough for your family!

Tip: Buying family health insurance over and above group health plans can be a master policy combo!

Compare Plans

Do not rush when planning a health insurance policy. Before you finalise a policy, it is crucial to compare different policies available. At Jio Insurance Broking, you can easily compare a range of health insurance plans to choose the best one. Compare coverage, features, exclusions and the premiums charged to make an informed choice.

End Words

Air pollution has become a rising concern among environmentalists, citizens, governments, and insurance companies. It is important for both the government and citizens to pay attention to this menace and take measures to reduce air pollution as much as possible.

Along with this, it is also important to get yourself a health insurance policy that protects your finances against unforeseen health conditions, such as those caused by poor air quality. In case the health insurance premium increases in the near future, due to rising air pollution, you need not worry. You still have ways to get health insurance at lower premiums. Eat good, do regular exercise, and stay healthy!