A Major Step Towards Equitable Safety
Until recently, the option to secure a journey with travel insurance was a privilege reserved for those booking through the IRCTC website or mobile app. This left a large segment of passengers, particularly those in rural or semi-urban areas who rely
on counter bookings, without an easy way to access this financial safety net. Following a directive from the Supreme Court of India, Indian Railways has been mandated to roll out this facility for all counter-bought tickets, with the new system set to be in place from October 27, 2026. This decision was driven by the need to provide uniform safety measures for every passenger, regardless of how they purchase their ticket.
Understanding the Coverage
The optional insurance scheme is designed to provide financial support in the event of a train accident or other untoward incidents during the journey. The coverage is substantial, especially considering the nominal premium. The policy provides a payout of 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. The policy also includes provisions for medical expenses, covering up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalization due to injury. Additionally, a sum of ₹10,000 is provided for the transportation of mortal remains. This comprehensive coverage ensures that passengers and their families have a financial cushion during a crisis.
How to Opt-In and What It Costs
For passengers booking tickets online, the premium has been a very nominal 45 paise per person. While the exact premium for counter tickets is yet to be finalized, it is expected to be similarly affordable to ensure widespread adoption. The process for offline ticket holders will be designed for simplicity. Passengers will likely need to provide a valid mobile number at the ticket counter when opting for the insurance. Following the ticket purchase, they will receive an SMS with a link to the insurance provider's portal. This link must be used to fill in necessary details, most importantly the nominee information. It is crucial to complete this step, as failing to declare a nominee will result in the claim being settled with the legal heir, which can be a more prolonged process.
Eligibility and Key Conditions
The travel insurance scheme is available to all Indian citizens travelling on a valid ticket with a confirmed, RAC, or partially confirmed status. Citizens of foreign countries are not eligible for this particular scheme. An important point to note is regarding child passengers. Children below the age of five are not covered under this policy. However, children between the ages of five and eleven, for whom a ticket is booked, are eligible for the insurance coverage. The coverage applies to accidents and 'untoward incidents' as defined by the Railways Act, but it is important to know that it excludes incidents arising from intentional self-injury, suicide attempts, or acts committed under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The Claims Process
In the unfortunate event of an incident, the claim process is handled directly by the partner insurance companies, not by IRCTC or Indian Railways. The current panel of insurers includes firms like Liberty General Insurance and Royal Sundaram General Insurance. After a passenger opts for the insurance, the policy details are sent via SMS and email. This document contains the policy number and the contact information for the insurance company, including toll-free numbers and email addresses. Any claim or related correspondence must be directed to the designated insurer. The family or nominee of the affected passenger will need to contact the insurance company and provide the necessary documentation, such as the PNR, medical reports, and other relevant proofs, to process the claim.
