Indian Railways has expanded its optional travel insurance, previously only for online bookings, to tickets bought at reservation counters. For a nominal fee, this scheme offers a crucial safety net. Here’s how to know if your ticket is eligible.
The Major Change: Insurance Now at Counters
The most
significant update to the Indian Railways' optional travel insurance scheme is its extension to physical ticket counters. Following a Supreme Court directive, this facility, which was once exclusive to e-tickets booked via the IRCTC website or app, became available at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters from October 27, 2026. This move is designed to make the low-cost insurance accessible to a much wider group of travellers who may not book their tickets online. The core of the scheme remains the same: for a premium of just 45 paise per passenger, travellers can get coverage of up to ₹10 lakh.
Which Tickets and Passengers Are Eligible?
Eligibility for the scheme is specific. The insurance option is available only for passengers holding Confirmed (CNF), Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), or Partially Confirmed (Part-CNF) tickets. It is important to note that unreserved or general tickets, including those for suburban trains, are not covered under this scheme. The facility is open to all Indian citizens. Foreign nationals are not eligible to opt for this insurance. Additionally, children under the age of five are not covered by the policy. However, children between the ages of 5 and 11 are eligible.
Identifying an Insured Ticket: Online vs. Counter
For tickets booked online via the IRCTC website or app, you are eligible if you ticked the 'Travel Insurance' box during the booking process. Upon successful payment, you will receive policy documents via your registered email and an SMS from the insurance provider. These messages contain the policy number and a link to provide nominee details. You can also view the policy number in the 'Ticket Booked History' section on the IRCTC platform. For tickets purchased at a PRS counter, the process is slightly different. You must indicate that you want the insurance on the reservation form. Crucially, you must provide a valid mobile number and pay the entire amount (ticket fare plus the 45 paise premium) digitally via UPI, debit card, or credit card. Cash payments are not accepted for those opting for insurance at counters. Policy details will then be sent to the mobile number you provided.
Understanding the Coverage Details
The 45ndise premium provides substantial financial protection against unforeseen incidents during your journey. The coverage is provided for train accidents and other 'untoward incidents' as defined under the Railways Act. The benefits include: compensation of ₹10 lakh for death or permanent total disability, up to ₹7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, and up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalisation expenses due to injury. The policy also includes a provision of ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. This coverage applies to each insured passenger on a single PNR. It's vital to fill in the nominee details using the link provided by the insurer to ensure a smooth claim process for your legal heirs.
Key Exclusions and Things to Remember
While the coverage is broad, certain things are not included. The insurance only covers incidents directly related to the train journey; it does not cover events like lost luggage or trip delays. The scheme is strictly optional, and you must opt_in at the time of booking, as it cannot be added later. If you opt_in for insurance on a PNR with multiple passengers, it becomes compulsory for all passengers booked on that PNR, and the premium is charged per person. The premium is also generally non_refundable, even if you cancel your ticket. The claim process is handled directly by the partner insurance companies—such as Liberty General Insurance or Royal Sundaram General Insurance—not by IRCTC or railway officials.
