Indian Railways has extended its optional travel insurance scheme to passengers who buy reserved tickets at physical counters, a significant move that brings parity with online bookings and enhances passenger safety for a nominal cost.
Bridging the Gap Between Online and Offline
In a major step
towards uniform passenger services, Indian Railways has now made its optional travel insurance scheme available for tickets purchased at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters. Previously, this low-cost insurance, which offers significant financial protection against travel-related accidents, was a privilege reserved only for those booking e-tickets through the IRCTC website or mobile app. This extension, effective from October 27, 2026, follows a Supreme Court directive aimed at ensuring all passengers have equal access to safety nets, regardless of their booking method. Now, millions of travellers who rely on railway counters for their ticketing needs can also opt for this crucial coverage.
How to Opt-In at the Counter
The process for availing insurance at the counter is straightforward but has specific requirements. When booking a reserved ticket, you must explicitly inform the reservation staff that you wish to opt for travel insurance. Crucially, two conditions must be met: you must provide a valid mobile number, and the payment for the ticket and the insurance premium must be made digitally. Cash payments are not accepted if you choose the insurance option. Once the booking is complete, the policy details will be sent via SMS to your registered mobile number, often with a link to provide nominee details. The premium is a nominal 45 paise per passenger.
Who is Eligible for Coverage?
The scheme's eligibility criteria remain the same as for online tickets. The insurance is available to all Indian citizens holding a confirmed, Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), or a partially confirmed ticket. All passengers listed under a single PNR are eligible to be covered if the option is selected at the time of booking. However, the scheme does not apply to passengers with unreserved or general tickets. Children below the age of five travelling without a separate ticket are also not covered, but children between five and eleven years who have a booked ticket are eligible. Foreign nationals are not eligible for this insurance scheme.
What the Insurance Policy Covers
For a premium of just 45 paise, the coverage provided is substantial. In the unfortunate event of a train accident or a defined 'untoward incident' like a terrorist act or accidental fall, the policy provides significant financial support. The benefits include a compensation of ₹10 lakh for death or permanent total disability. For permanent partial disability, the coverage is up to ₹7.5 lakh. The policy also covers hospitalisation expenses for injuries up to ₹2 lakh and provides ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. This coverage protects the passenger from the scheduled departure of the train until they reach their destination, including during boarding and alighting.
The Importance of Nominee Details
While opting in at the counter is the first step, the process isn't fully complete until nomination details are filed. After receiving the policy information via SMS or email, passengers are typically provided with a link to the insurance company's portal. It is essential to use this link to fill in the name of a nominee. Failing to do so can create significant legal hurdles and delays for the family in case a claim needs to be filed. In the absence of a nominee, the claim is paid only to the legal heir, which requires a more complex verification process. Taking a few extra minutes to complete this digital step ensures that the financial benefits can be disbursed smoothly and quickly to the intended recipient when they need it most.
