Rs 10 lakh insurance cover for just 45 paise? Indian Railways extends 'optional travel insurance' to counter bookings

Optional Travel Insurance Scheme: Indian Railways is expanding its Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) to eligible passengers booking reserved tickets at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters from October 27, 2026. All railway passengers buying reserved tickets from reservation counters can opt for travel insurance from October 27, 2026. Currently, the optional travel insurance facility is only available for reserved tickets bought online.

It is important to note that the insurance will be entirely optional, with a premium of just Rs 0.45 per passenger, inclusive of all taxes. Passengers will be required to provide their mobile number and pay both the ticket fare and insurance premium through digital payment methods.

Rs 10 lakh insurance cover for just 45 paise?

The insurance coverage includes Rs 10 lakh in case of death or permanent total disability, up to Rs 7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, up to Rs 2 lakh for hospitalisation expenses, and Rs 10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. Passengers opting for the insurance will have coverage extended to all eligible passengers on the same PNR. The scheme will apply to Indian citizens, subject to the prescribed terms and conditions. Passengers are advised to clearly indicate their choice of insurance in the revised reservation requisition form when booking tickets at reservation counters.

How travel insurance works for online train bookings

Passengers booking train tickets through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or mobile application can currently opt for travel insurance.

Passengers can select the insurance option while booking their tickets and proceed with the payment. The policy provides financial protection against specified losses arising from train accidents and other covered incidents during the journey.

The insurance is available at a nominal premium of 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of taxes, under the scheme effective from February 17, 2024.

Reservation staff will inform passengers about the availability of the optional travel insurance facility and help them make their choice. They will also ensure that passengers' mandatory mobile numbers and other required details are accurately recorded to enable the transmission of information to the insurance company for policy issuance.