Optional Travel Insurance Now Available for Railway E-Tickets at 45 Paisa
Indian Railways passengers booking e-tickets can now opt for travel insurance by paying a nominal premium of just 45 paise per trip. In a statement to the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the scheme is available to all confirmed/RAC passengers who book online. The low-cost insurance is designed to be highly accessible and can be selected with a simple checkbox during booking. Over the last five years, insurance companies have settled 333 claims, paying out ₹27.22 crore to passengers.
Unpacked:
The insurance covers accidental death, permanent and partial disability, hospitalization and medical expenses due to injuries, repatriation of mortal remains, and incidents such as derailments, collisions, terrorist attacks, and accidental falls during boarding or alighting from the train.
Only Indian citizens booking e-tickets through the IRCTC website or mobile app are eligible. Children under 5 years are not eligible, while children aged 5–11 are covered if a seat or berth is booked for them. Foreign nationals cannot opt for this insurance.
The insurance provides up to ₹10 lakh in case of accidental death or permanent total disability, and up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalization and medical treatment due to injuries sustained during the trip. Partial disability is compensated at 75% of the sum insured.
After an incident, the insured or nominee submits a claim to the assigned insurance company, typically using links provided via SMS or email after ticket booking. Documentation requirements are minimal for death claims, and claim processing is managed directly between the insured and the insurer.