Air pollution and avoidance behavior: A perspective from the demand for medical insurance

Using the China Health and Nutrition Survey, this study quantifies the causal effects of air pollution on the demand for medical insurance from the perspective of avoidance behavior; an instrumental variable approach was used. The rise in air pollution is associated with an increased probability of purchasing medical insurance. Results suggest that the effect of air pollution on the demand for medical insurance may be overestimated without considering the migration of people. Furthermore, the substitution between basic medical and commercial insurance is becoming increasingly evident with the reform of the medical system. The effect of air pollution on the demand for medical insurance is mainly observed on women, children, the elderly, and people with high income and educational levels, all of whom are more likely to take an avoidance behavior. This study suggests that environmental issues must be considered in future medical insurance designs due to avoidance behavior to mitigate the negative effects of poor air quality. Avoidance costs must also be considered when governments formulate environmental policies. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.