For just 45 paise, passengers can book train tickets online on the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) platform and avail travel insurance coverage of up to ₹10 lakh.
Optional Travel Insurance Scheme
Offering financial protection in cases of train accidents and related mishaps, this insurance is part of the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) launched by Indian Railways. In partnership with insurance companies, the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) is a low-cost insurance offering by Indian Railways. It is available only to Confirmed or Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) passengers who book their tickets through the IRCTC website or mobile app.
While booking the ticket, passengers are given the option to opt in or out of this insurance. If they opt in, they pay a nominal premium of 45 paise (inclusive of taxes) per passenger, per journey.
Insurance companies settled 333 claims and disbursed a total of ₹27.22 crore to affected passengers or their families, said Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. She informed the Lok Sabha about this.
The scheme offers compensation for death, disability, and injuries due to train accidents, including derailments, collisions and terrorist attacks. The compensation details are as follows:
Event Insurance Payout
Death ₹10 lakh
Permanent total disability ₹10 lakh
Permanent partial disability Up to ₹7.5 lakh
Hospitalisation expenses for injuries up to ₹2 lakh
Transportation of mortal remains ₹10,000
Book an e-ticket via the IRCTC website or app. This insurance is available only to passengers booking online.
Check the box during booking. While booking a train ticket, according to IRCTC provisions, one can opt into the insurance scheme by checking a tick box.
Pay 45 Paise Premium
The premium is added to the total fare automatically when selected.
Receive Policy Via SMS/email
After booking the ticket, the insurance company sends the policy details and a link to update nominee details directly to the passenger's registered mobile and email.
Nomination Is Mandatory
Using the link provided by the insurer for claims processing, passengers must update their nominee details.
How To File A Claim?
The passenger or their nominee needs to directly contact the insurance company whose details are shared at the time of booking. The claim process does not involve IRCTC. As specified in the insurance policy, claims must be filed with proper documentation. The process is entirely between the insured and the insurer.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Passengers booking tickets at railway counters, waitlisted ticket holders and Children below 5 years of age are not eligible. Foreign tourists booking through international portals are also not eligible.
