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Understanding Parametric Insurance in India

Building Climate Resilience with Innovative Insurance Solutions

Understanding Parametric Insurance in India

  • 25 Oct, 2025
  • 544

Parametric Insurance in India: A Climate Resilience Tool

1. What is parametric insurance and how does it work?

Parametric insurance pays out automatically when a pre-agreed threshold is crossed — for example, if rainfall falls below 200 mm or temperatures rise above 40°C. There is no need for traditional damage assessments. Payouts are based on real-time data from trusted sources like the India Meteorological Department or NASA MERRA.

2. How is parametric insurance different from traditional insurance?

Traditional insurance requires physical inspection and claim verification after a disaster. Parametric insurance is faster — it is triggered by data and can settle claims within hours. This reduces delays and supports quick recovery.

3. Where is parametric insurance being used in India?

  • Jharkhand: Microfinance institutions protect small farmers from rainfall shortfall.
  • Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh: Insurance against drought and water scarcity for solar pumps and women-led farms.
  • Himachal Pradesh: Multi-year coverage launched in 2024 for landslides and extreme rainfall.

4. What types of risks can be covered?

Parametric insurance can cover a range of weather-related events:

  • Floods
  • Droughts
  • Cyclones
  • Landslides
  • Heatwaves
  • Windstorms

It is also applied to transportation, manufacturing, livestock, and renewable energy sectors.

5. How does parametric insurance help during extreme weather?

  • Provides quick liquidity to affected individuals or businesses
  • Helps buy seeds, repay loans, and meet working capital needs
  • Minimizes business disruption

6. Global examples of parametric insurance

Countries like the UK, Pacific Island nations, and African countries use parametric insurance for disasters ranging from droughts to floods and cyclones. It has proven effective across geographies.

7. Steps needed to scale up parametric insurance in India

  • Establish a clear policy framework
  • Strengthen digital infrastructure
  • Develop supportive finance sector
  • Enable state-wide adoption
  • Promote market-driven, embedded insurance products

Synopsis

Parametric insurance is emerging as an efficient tool for climate resilience. It pays out automatically when specific weather thresholds are breached, enabling quick recovery without long claims processes. Already applied in agriculture and energy sectors across India, it offers fast financial support during disasters. With global success stories and domestic pilot projects, India now needs a clear regulatory framework, financing model, and State-led scale-up to harness its full potential in combating climate-induced risks.

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