A Simple but Crucial Change
Following a Supreme Court directive, Indian Railways has extended its Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) to passengers buying reserved tickets at physical Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters, a facility previously available only for online
bookings. This change, effective October 27, 2026, allows more travellers to access insurance. However, there's a critical new step: to opt for the insurance, you must provide a valid mobile number. It is important to remember that this insurance is entirely optional; you can still purchase a ticket without it. The rule applies only to those who choose to add the insurance cover.
Understanding the Insurance Scheme
For a nominal premium of just 45 paise per passenger, the scheme offers significant financial protection. The coverage includes up to ₹10 lakh for death or permanent total disability, ₹7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, and up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalization expenses due to injury during the journey. It also provides ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. This optional scheme is available for passengers with confirmed (CNF), Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), and even partially confirmed tickets at the time of booking, but does not apply to unreserved general class tickets.
Why a Mobile Number is Now Mandatory
The requirement of a mobile number is a key part of the system's design. Its primary purpose is to ensure the digital delivery of the insurance policy. Once you opt-in and provide a number, the insurance company sends the policy details directly to you via SMS. This creates a direct line of communication, which is crucial for a smooth and efficient claims process in the unfortunate event of an incident. It eliminates paperwork at the counter and ensures the information is accurately and promptly delivered to the passenger or their nominee.
The Process at the Ticket Counter
When you are at the counter to buy a reserved ticket, you must inform the booking staff that you wish to opt for travel insurance. They will then ask for a mobile number, which is mandatory to proceed with the insurance. Another key aspect is that the payment for the ticket fare and the 45ndise premium must be made digitally. This is because the small premium amount cannot be easily collected in cash. So, you must be ready to pay via UPI, debit card, or credit card. Once the transaction is complete, the policy details will be sent to the mobile number you provided.
What If You Don't Have a Mobile Phone?
This is a practical concern for many passengers. The rules require a mobile number to be linked to the insurance policy, but it does not strictly have to be your own. You can provide the mobile number of a family member, a trusted friend, or any person who can reliably receive the policy information on your behalf. The goal is to have a valid contact point for communication. If you are unable or unwilling to provide a mobile number, you can simply choose not to opt for the insurance. You will still be able to purchase your train ticket as usual, just without the additional insurance coverage.
