Indian Railways is bridging a major gap between its online and offline services. In a significant move for passenger welfare, the optional travel insurance scheme, once exclusive to digital bookings, is now available at ticket counters.
A Small Price for Significant Security
For less than half
a rupee, passengers booking reserved tickets at physical counters can now secure significant financial protection. Effective October 27, 2026, Indian Railways has extended its Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) to its vast network of Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters. This initiative, born from a Supreme Court directive, makes travel safer for millions who rely on counter bookings, offering them the same peace of mind previously available only to those booking online via the IRCTC portal. The premium is a flat 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of all taxes, making it an incredibly accessible safety net.
What Exactly Do You Get for 45 Paise?
The low premium belies the substantial coverage offered. In the unfortunate event of a train accident or other specified untoward incidents during the journey, the policy provides a robust financial cushion. The benefits include coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for death or permanent total disability. For permanent partial disability, the coverage is up to ₹7.5 lakh. The policy also provides for up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalisation expenses for injuries sustained in an incident and ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. These coverage details are identical to the scheme offered for online tickets, ensuring parity for all passengers regardless of their booking method.
How to Opt-In at the Counter
The process for availing this insurance at the counter is straightforward but has two key requirements: a valid mobile number and digital payment. When booking your ticket, you must inform the reservation staff that you wish to opt for the insurance. Crucially, if you choose this option, the entire transaction—both the ticket fare and the 45 paise premium—must be paid digitally via UPI, debit card, credit card, or other supported methods. Cash payment is not possible for the premium. Once the booking is complete, the policy details will be sent directly to your registered mobile number from the insurance company, along with a link to fill in nominee details.
Eligibility and Key Conditions
The optional insurance is available only to Indian citizens with Confirmed (CNF), Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), or partially confirmed tickets at the time of booking. If you opt-in, it is compulsory for all passengers under a single PNR. The scheme covers children between five and eleven years old, regardless of whether a full berth was booked for them, but excludes children below five. It's important to note that unreserved or general ticket holders are not covered by this scheme. The coverage is valid from the process of boarding the train at your originating station until you have de-boarded at your destination.
The Claim Process Explained
In the event a claim is necessary, the process is managed directly by the insurance company, not by IRCTC or the railway authorities. The insured, their nominee, or legal heir must contact the insurance provider within four months of the incident. You will need to submit a claim form along with supporting documents, which typically include a report from railway authorities confirming the incident, the original ticket, medical records, and identity proof. The specific insurance provider, such as Liberty General Insurance or SBI General Insurance, is assigned at the time of booking and their contact details are sent to your mobile number.
