In a significant move for millions of rail commuters, Indian Railways has extended its optional travel insurance scheme to passengers who buy reserved tickets at station counters. This closes a long-standing gap, offering crucial financial protection.
A Major Step for Offline Bookings
Until recently, the option to secure a journey with travel insurance was a privilege reserved for those booking e-tickets via the IRCTC website or app. Passengers who preferred the traditional method of purchasing tickets at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters were left out. Following a directive from the Supreme Court in early October 2026, Indian Railways has now rolled out this facility for counter bookings, effective October 27, 2026. This initiative makes travel insurance accessible to a wider demographic, including those in rural areas, senior citizens, and anyone less comfortable with digital platforms, ensuring equitable access to safety benefits. The move is being hailed as a major step towards inclusive passenger welfare.
How to Opt-In at the Counter
The process for availing this insurance at a ticket counter is straightforward but has a few key requirements. When filling out the reservation form, passengers must indicate that they wish to opt for the insurance. Crucially, you must provide a valid mobile number. This is mandatory because the policy details will be sent directly to your phone via SMS from the insurance provider. Perhaps the most significant condition is the payment method: if you choose the insurance option, the entire transaction—both the ticket fare and the nominal insurance premium—must be paid digitally. Cash payments are not accepted for bookings that include this insurance. Payment can be made using UPI, debit cards, or credit cards at the counter.
The Cost and Coverage Details
The cost of this peace of mind is remarkably low. The premium for the optional travel insurance is just 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of taxes. For this nominal amount, the policy provides substantial financial coverage in the event of a train accident or other 'untoward incidents' as defined under the Railways Act. The benefits include 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 hospitalization expenses due to injury. The policy also provides ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. This coverage is a contract between the passenger and the insurance company, offering protection from the train's departure until its arrival, including the process of boarding and alighting.
Eligibility and Key Conditions
The insurance scheme is available to all Indian citizens booking reserved tickets, including those with Confirmed, Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), and partially confirmed tickets. If you opt for the insurance, all passengers on the same PNR will be covered, with each paying the 45 paise premium. However, the scheme does not apply to passengers with unreserved general tickets. It's also important to note that children below the age of five are not eligible for this insurance coverage. The facility is completely optional, and passengers can choose to book their tickets without it, in which case they can still pay by cash. The choice for insurance is only available at the time of booking and cannot be added later.
