Indian Railways has extended its optional travel insurance scheme to passengers booking at physical counters, a move that offers an affordable safety net to millions who buy tickets offline. Here is what you need to know.
An Affordable Safety Net for All
For years, passengers booking
train tickets online via the IRCTC website or app have had the option to add travel insurance for a nominal fee. This valuable service is now being extended to the millions of travellers who purchase their reserved tickets at physical Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters across the country. Effective from October 27, 2026, this decision by Indian Railways aims to make travel safer and more secure for a wider section of the population, ensuring that access to this financial protection doesn't depend on how you book your ticket. The initiative follows a Supreme Court directive to make the service more inclusive. The core of the offering remains unchanged: an optional, low-cost insurance policy that provides significant financial cover in the event of a train accident or other specified untoward incidents during your journey.
The Cost: Less Than Half a Rupee
The most compelling aspect of this scheme is its incredibly low cost. Passengers can opt for this insurance cover by paying a premium of just 45 paise per person, a price that includes all applicable taxes. This nominal amount makes the safety net accessible to travellers across all economic strata, whether they are booking a seat in an air-conditioned coach or a sleeper class berth. The same premium and policy conditions that apply to online e-tickets will now be applicable to tickets bought at PRS counters. If you choose to opt-in for the insurance, the premium will cover all passengers booked under that single PNR number.
What the Insurance Covers
Despite the minuscule premium, the financial coverage offered by the policy is substantial. It is designed to provide relief to passengers and their families in the unfortunate event of an accident. The benefits include a cover of up to ₹10 lakh in case of death or permanent total disability. For permanent partial disability, the compensation is up to ₹7.5 lakh. The policy also provides for up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalisation expenses for injuries sustained during a rail accident or a related incident. Additionally, it includes a provision of ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. This comprehensive coverage applies to passengers holding confirmed, Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), and partially confirmed tickets. However, children below the age of five are not eligible for this scheme.
How to Opt-In at the Counter
The process for availing this insurance at a reservation counter is straightforward but has a few key requirements. When filling out the reservation form, you must indicate that you wish to opt for the travel insurance. It is mandatory to provide a valid mobile number on the form, as the policy details will be sent directly to you via SMS from the insurance company. Crucially, passengers who opt for the insurance must pay for both the ticket and the 45ndise premium using a digital payment method, such as UPI, debit card, or credit card. The facility is not available for cash transactions, as the small denomination of the premium makes it difficult to collect in cash. Reservation staff have been instructed to inform passengers about this option at the time of booking.
After You Book Your Ticket
Once your booking is complete and you have opted for the insurance, you will receive an SMS and an email from the insurance provider. This message will contain your policy details and, importantly, a link to fill in your nominee information. It is highly recommended that you complete this step promptly. While a claim can still be processed with legal heirs if a nominee is not declared, having a named nominee significantly simplifies and speeds up the claim settlement process for your family in case of an unforeseen event. The responsibility for issuing the policy and settling claims lies directly with the designated insurance company, not with IRCTC or Indian Railways.
