What Exactly Has Changed?
Until now, the option to purchase travel insurance was a privilege reserved for passengers booking their tickets online through the IRCTC website or app. This left out a significant portion of travellers, particularly those from remote areas or lower-income
groups who rely on physical ticket counters. Following a directive from the Supreme Court of India, this is changing. From October 27, 2026, all tickets sold at railway reservation counters will mandatorily include travel insurance coverage. This decision was made to ensure that all passengers, regardless of how they purchase their ticket, have access to financial protection in case of an untoward incident. The move came after the court noted a lack of progress by railway authorities in extending the scheme voluntarily.
What Does the Insurance Cover?
While the final details for counter tickets will be confirmed by the Railway Board, the coverage is expected to mirror the existing scheme for online tickets. This policy provides significant financial support in the event of a train accident or other specified incidents during the journey. The coverage under the current scheme 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. The policy also provides for hospitalization expenses for injuries, with coverage up to ₹2 lakh, and includes a provision of up to ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. This robust coverage ensures that passengers and their families have a financial cushion during incredibly difficult times.
How Much Will It Cost?
One of the most remarkable aspects of the existing online travel insurance scheme is its incredibly low cost. Passengers booking online currently pay a nominal premium of just 45 paise per person, inclusive of all taxes. This fee is uniform across all travel classes, from sleeper to first AC. The Supreme Court has directed that counter tickets be insured in the same manner as online ones. While Indian Railways has yet to officially announce the exact premium for counter-booked tickets, it is widely expected to be a similarly nominal amount. The goal is to make this safety net accessible to every single passenger without it being a financial burden. It is important to note that the premium is typically non-refundable once the ticket is confirmed.
How Will It Work at the Counter?
The implementation of this new mandate is the responsibility of the Railway Board. For passengers, the process should become seamless. Unlike the current online system where you must opt-in, the new rule for counter tickets makes the insurance mandatory. This means the insurance will likely be automatically included with every ticket purchase. Passengers will not need to fill out a separate form or make a special request. The nominal insurance premium will probably be added to the total ticket fare. The ticket itself may serve as the proof of insurance, but passengers should await final clarification from the Railways on the exact procedure for issuing policies and managing claims for this new system.
Who Is Eligible and Who Is Not?
The scheme is designed to cover all passengers holding a valid ticket for their journey. However, based on the current rules for the online scheme, there are some exceptions. The travel insurance policy is applicable only to Indian citizens; foreign nationals are not eligible. Furthermore, the existing scheme does not apply to children below the age of five for whom a berth is not booked. The insurance covers the journey from the scheduled departure to the actual arrival of the train, including any scheduled halts. It is applicable for passengers with confirmed, RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation), or partially confirmed tickets. The extension of this service ensures that millions who previously travelled without this protection will now have a vital safety net.
