Indian Railways to extend travel insurance to counter tickets

Indian Railways will extend its optional travel insurance facility to passengers purchasing reserved tickets at railway reservation counters starting October 27, 2026. This move follows a Supreme Court directive requiring the Railways to provide offline ticket buyers with the same insurance terms available to online e-ticket holders.

Passengers can opt for coverage by paying a premium of 45 paise per person. To access this facility, travelers must provide a mobile number and complete the premium payment via digital methods such as UPI, debit/credit cards, or QR codes; cash payments will not be accepted. Policy details will be sent to the registered mobile number.

The insurance scheme provides financial protection for eligible accidents or untoward incidents. Coverage amounts include up to ₹10 lakh for death or permanent total disability, up to ₹7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, and up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalization expenses. Additionally, ₹10,000 is provided for body transport. The facility applies to confirmed and RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets, but excludes general-class and unreserved passengers.