Indian Railways has extended its optional travel insurance scheme to passengers buying tickets at reservation counters, a facility previously only for online bookings. Here’s a simple guide to what this means for your next train journey.
What is the New Facility?
Effective October
27, 2026, passengers booking reserved tickets at physical Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters can opt for travel insurance. This move, initiated following a Supreme Court directive, aims to provide a safety net to millions of travellers who book tickets offline. Previously, this low-cost insurance was exclusively available for e-tickets booked via the IRCTC website or app. The scheme is now integrated into counter booking workflows, ensuring equal access to financial protection against travel-related mishaps for all passengers with reserved tickets.
How Does It Work at the Counter?
When booking a reserved ticket at a counter, you must now indicate your choice to opt-in for the insurance. The key requirement is that the entire payment, including the ticket fare and the nominal insurance premium, must be made digitally. This can be done through UPI, credit/debit cards, or other digital payment methods available at the counter. Cash payments are not accepted for tickets where insurance is chosen. This is because the premium is just 45 paise, an amount that cannot be tendered in cash as smaller denomination coins are no longer in circulation. You will also need to provide a valid mobile number, as the policy details will be sent directly to you via SMS from the insurance company.
What is the Cost and Coverage?
The travel insurance comes at a remarkably low cost: just 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of taxes. For this minimal premium, the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) provides significant coverage in case of a train accident or other untoward incidents as defined under the Railways Act. The benefits include coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for death or permanent total disability, up to ₹7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, and up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalisation expenses. The policy also provides ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains.
Who is Eligible for This Insurance?
The insurance scheme is available to all Indian citizens who book a reserved ticket. This includes passengers with Confirmed (CNF), Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), and partially confirmed tickets. If you opt for the insurance, all passengers under the same PNR will be covered. Children between the ages of five and 11 who are issued a ticket are also eligible for cover. However, children below the age of five, who travel for free without a separate berth, are not covered by this scheme. The insurance is not mandatory; it is a voluntary option that passengers must explicitly choose at the time of booking.
Is It Worth Opting For?
For less than half a rupee, the insurance provides a substantial financial safety net for unforeseen events during your journey. The coverage for death, disability, and hospitalization can offer significant support to a family in the event of a tragedy. Given the extremely low cost, it represents a high-value proposition for enhancing travel safety and peace of mind. Once you receive the policy details via SMS, it is important to follow the link provided by the insurer to update nominee details. This simple step ensures that in case of a claim, your loved ones can access the benefits without procedural delays. The extension of this scheme to counter bookings makes this valuable protection more inclusive and accessible than ever before.
