In a significant move for millions of rail commuters, Indian Railways has extended its optional travel insurance scheme to tickets purchased at physical reservation counters. This welcome update bridges a long-standing gap for offline ticket buyers.
A Major Step For Passenger Safety
Effective
October 27, 2026, passengers booking reserved train tickets at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters can opt for travel insurance, a facility previously exclusive to online bookings via the IRCTC portal. This decision, prompted by a Supreme Court directive, ensures that a wider section of travellers has access to a crucial financial safety net. The scheme aims to provide financial support to passengers and their families in the unfortunate event of a train accident or other 'untoward incidents' as defined under the Railways Act, which can include accidental falls or violent robberies.
What is the Cost?
The premium for this optional insurance is a nominal 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of all taxes. This is the same rate charged for tickets booked online. For a family of four, the total premium would amount to just Rs 1.80. This extremely low cost makes the comprehensive coverage highly accessible. It is important to note that while the insurance is optional, if you choose to opt-in at a counter, the entire payment for the ticket and the premium must be made through digital means like UPI, credit, or debit cards. Cash payments are not accepted for bookings that include the insurance option, primarily because the 45-paise premium cannot be tendered in cash.
Understanding The Coverage
The insurance policy offers significant financial protection. The coverage includes a sum of up to Rs 10 lakh in the event of death or permanent total disability resulting from a covered incident. For permanent partial disability, the coverage is up to Rs 7.5 lakh. The policy also provides for hospitalisation expenses for injuries up to Rs 2 lakh and an amount of Rs 10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. This coverage is active from the train's departure until its arrival at the destination, including the process of boarding and alighting.
Who is Eligible?
The scheme is available to all Indian citizens who book a reserved ticket. This includes passengers with Confirmed (CNF), Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), and partially confirmed tickets. However, the insurance does not apply to passengers with unreserved or general class tickets. Children below the age of five are also not covered under this scheme. The coverage applies to all eligible passengers listed under a single PNR if the insurance option is selected at the time of booking.
How to Opt_In at the Counter
The process at the reservation counter is straightforward. When booking your ticket, you must inform the reservation staff that you wish to opt for the travel insurance. You will be required to provide a valid mobile number, which is a mandatory step. The policy details will be sent directly to this registered mobile number via SMS from the insurance company. Remember, you must pay the total fare digitally. Once you receive the policy information, you should fill in the nomination details using the link provided by the insurance company.
