New Insurance Pays Indian Workers to Stay Home During Deadly Heat

A new 'parametric' insurance scheme in India now pays workers to stay home when temperatures reach deadly levels, preventing income loss due to extreme heat.

Mon May 11 2026

India Introduces Insurance for Workers During Deadly Heatwaves

India has launched a new insurance scheme to protect workers facing deadly heat. Individuals like Lata Solanki, a 42-year-old clothes seller, previously had to choose between risking their health by working or losing income. Now, with parametric insurance, she can stay home without jeopardizing her finances when temperatures hit a predefined threshold.

How the 'Parametric' Insurance Model Works

The parametric model automatically disburses payouts when specific triggers are breached. For Solanki, this means receiving payment if temperatures reach 43.72 degrees Celsius (110 degrees Fahrenheit) for two consecutive days. This system offers a vital safety net for vulnerable workers who previously faced a stark choice between health risks and income loss due during heatwaves.

*Source: SCMP (2026-05-11)*

Tags: #India #Heatwave #Insurance #Workers #Climate Change