₹10 Lakh Indian Railways Travel Insurance Now at Counters
Indian Railways extends optional ₹10 lakh travel insurance to PRS counters for just 45 paise. Find out how to opt-in for this new coverage.
In a major boost to passenger safety, Indian Railways travel insurance is being extended to passengers booking reserved tickets at offline Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters. Effective from October 27, 2026, travelers can secure a massive insurance cover of up to ₹10 lakh for a nominal premium of just 45 paise.
Supreme Court Directive and Implementation
The implementation of this facility follows a directive issued on October 6, 2026, by a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan. While the court had initially suggested that insurance coverage should be mandatory for all passengers, railway officials have clarified the actual policy.
Vineet Abhishek, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, clarified that the facility remains an optional choice for travelers. This ensures that passengers can decide for themselves whether to add this extra layer of protection during their booking process at the counter.
Comprehensive Coverage Details
The insurance scheme is designed to provide significant financial relief in the event of unfortunate incidents during a journey. The coverage includes the following benefits:
- Death or Permanent Total Disability: Up to ₹10 lakh.
- Permanent Partial Disability: Up to ₹7.5 lakh.
- Hospitalization Expenses: Up to ₹2 lakh for expenses resulting from injuries.
- Transportation of Mortal Remains: ₹10,000.
How to Avail Insurance at PRS Counters
Technical and operational protocols are already in place at various stations, such as Kishangarh, to facilitate this process. Hitesh Yadav, the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Jodhpur Division, confirmed that staff members have been trained to assist passengers with the opt-in procedure.
To avail of this insurance, passengers must follow these specific requirements:
- Provide a valid mobile number at the reservation counter at the time of booking.
- Pay the 45-paise premium digitally alongside the ticket fare.
It is important to note that cash payments for the insurance component are not accepted; the premium must be processed through digital payment methods.
Eligibility and Passenger Rules
The insurance coverage is applicable to passengers holding Confirmed, Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), or Partially Confirmed ticket statuses.
Specific rules apply to children as well:
- Children aged 5 to 11 years: They are eligible for the insurance regardless of whether a berth has been allotted to them.
- Children under 5 years: They are excluded from the coverage if they do not have a designated seat or berth.