Indian Railways has expanded its optional travel insurance scheme, a significant move for passenger safety. Previously available only for online bookings via the IRCTC website and app, this facility is now accessible to a much wider audience.
What is New for Passengers?
Starting
October 27, 2026, passengers who purchase reserved tickets from physical Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters can also opt for travel insurance. This development marks a major shift, as the low-cost insurance was previously a benefit exclusive to those booking their tickets digitally on the IRCTC platform. The change was implemented following a directive from the Supreme Court to make the insurance facility more inclusive and available to all passengers with reserved tickets, regardless of their booking method. This ensures that millions of travellers who rely on counter bookings have the same opportunity to secure their journey.
How to Opt-In at the Counter
The process at the counter is designed to be straightforward. When booking a reserved ticket, passengers must inform the booking clerk that they wish to avail the travel insurance. To complete the process, two things are mandatory: providing a valid mobile number and paying for the ticket and the insurance premium via digital means. Cash payment is not accepted for the premium because its fractional value of 45 paise cannot be transacted with current legal tender. Accepted digital payment methods include UPI, debit cards, and credit cards. Once the transaction is complete, policy details and a link to enter nominee information will be sent directly to the passenger's registered mobile number via SMS.
Understanding the Coverage and Premium
The travel insurance scheme is offered at a remarkably low premium of just 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of all taxes. This nominal fee provides a substantial financial safety net. The policy offers coverage for incidents that occur during the train journey. The compensation includes up to ₹10 lakh in the unfortunate event of death or permanent total disability. For permanent partial disability, the coverage is up to ₹7.5 lakh. Additionally, the policy covers hospitalization expenses for injuries up to ₹2 lakh and provides ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. This structure provides comprehensive protection against a range of potential mishaps.
Who Is Eligible for the Scheme?
The optional travel insurance is available to all Indian citizens who book a reserved ticket. This includes tickets that are confirmed, on Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), or partially confirmed. The scheme applies to all classes of reserved travel. However, it is important to note that passengers with unreserved general tickets are not eligible for this insurance plan. Similarly, children under the age of five, who travel without a booked seat, are not covered. The choice to take the insurance is entirely optional, but it must be made at the time of booking the ticket; it cannot be added later.
The Importance of Filling Nominee Details
A crucial step after opting for the insurance is to fill in the nominee details. After booking, the insurance company sends a message to the passenger's mobile number, which contains a link to the insurer's portal. Passengers must use this link to declare their nominee. This is a vital step to ensure a smooth claim process for the passenger's family or legal heirs in case of an untoward incident. If the nominee details are not provided, the settlement process can face significant legal delays as the claim would then be processed with the legal heirs, which requires more extensive verification.
