Buying a train ticket at the counter is changing. Following a Supreme Court directive, Indian Railways now offers travel insurance for counter bookings, a facility previously only for online tickets. But there's a catch: you must pay digitally.
What is the New Insurance Facility?
Effective
October 27, 2026, passengers buying reserved tickets at any railway Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter can opt for travel insurance. This move extends the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS), which was previously exclusive to e-tickets booked via the IRCTC website or app, to the millions of people who purchase tickets in person. The decision was prompted by a Supreme Court order aiming to enhance passenger safety and provide a financial safety net for all travellers, regardless of how they book their ticket. The insurance is optional, but choosing it triggers a specific payment condition.
The Digital Payment Requirement
Here’s the most significant part of the new process: if you want the insurance, you must pay for your entire ticket fare, including the premium, using a digital method. Cash payments are not accepted for transactions that include the insurance policy. This is partly for a practical reason: the premium is just 45 paise, and since coins below 50 paise are no longer legal tender, collecting the exact amount in cash is impossible. Therefore, passengers must use UPI, debit cards, or credit cards at the counter to avail the insurance. This move also aligns with the broader push towards digital transactions across the country.
Coverage and Cost: What You Get for 45 Paise
The insurance premium is remarkably low at just 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of all taxes. For this nominal fee, the coverage is substantial. The policy provides financial protection against unforeseen incidents during the train journey. This includes coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for death or permanent total disability. It also offers ₹7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability and up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalisation expenses due to injury. Additionally, the scheme provides ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. These terms are the same as those offered for online bookings.
How to Opt_In at the Counter
The process is straightforward. When you are booking your ticket, you inform the staff at the PRS counter that you wish to opt for the travel insurance. You will then be required to provide a valid mobile number, which is mandatory. After paying the total amount digitally, the policy details will be sent directly to your registered mobile number and email ID by the insurance company. You will then receive a link to fill in the nomination details on the insurance provider's website. If nomination is not completed, any potential settlement would be made with the passenger's legal heirs.
Who is Eligible for This Insurance?
The insurance scheme is available to all Indian citizens who are booking a reserved ticket. This includes passengers with Confirmed (CNF), Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), and even partially confirmed tickets. For example, if four people are on one ticket and only one has a confirmed seat while the others are on the waitlist, all four can still be insured if they choose to travel. Children aged five years and above are also eligible for the cover. However, children below the age of five travelling without a ticketed berth are not covered. Foreign citizens are not eligible for this scheme.
