Railway Counter Ticket Insurance From October 27, ₹10 Lakh Cover Explained

Indian Railways extends optional travel insurance to reserved counter tickets from October 27. Eligible passengers can opt for cover of up to ₹10 lakh for a 45-paise premium.

Indian Railways Travel Insurance Reserved Counter Tickets Eligible for ₹10 Lakh Cover From October 27

News National | October 25, 2026

Travel Insurance to Cover Reserved Counter Bookings

NEW DELHI, October 25: Indian Railways is extending its optional travel-insurance facility to passengers purchasing reserved tickets at railway reservation counters from October 27, 2026.

The change brings counter-booked reserved tickets into the same insurance framework previously available to eligible passengers booking e-tickets through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

The move follows a Supreme Court direction requiring the Railways to extend insurance coverage to tickets sold at railway counters. The Railway Board has directed the relevant railway zones to implement the facility by October 27.

How Much Does the Insurance Cost?

Passengers who choose the optional insurance facility can pay a premium of 45 paise per passenger, including taxes, according to reporting by The Indian Express.

The premium must be paid digitally. Passengers need to provide a valid mobile number so that policy information can be communicated to them.

Payment options reported for the scheme include UPI, debit cards, credit cards and QR-code-based digital payments. Cash-only transactions do not qualify for the optional insurance facility under the reported arrangements.

Passengers should confirm the terms presented at the reservation counter when booking.

What Does the Policy Cover?

The reported insurance benefits include the following maximum amounts, subject to policy conditions:

• Death: Up to ₹10 lakh.

• Permanent total disability: Up to ₹10 lakh.

• Permanent partial disability: Up to ₹7.5 lakh.

• Hospitalisation expenses for injuries: Up to ₹2 lakh.

• Transportation of mortal remains: Up to ₹10,000.

These figures represent reported policy limits, not guaranteed payments for every incident. Actual eligibility and compensation depend on the policy terms, the circumstances of the event and the insurer’s assessment.

Who Can Opt for the Insurance?

The optional facility applies to eligible reserved-ticket passengers, including those holding confirmed, Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) and certain partially confirmed reservations, according to the published report.

Unreserved and general tickets are not covered under this optional scheme. Children under five travelling without a separate seat or berth are also excluded under the reported conditions.

Passengers should read the applicable policy wording and check eligibility before selecting the insurance option.

Why Is the Change Significant?

Many railway passengers continue to rely on station reservation counters rather than online booking platforms. Extending access to counter-booked reserved tickets allows those passengers to consider the same low-cost insurance option.

The Supreme Court’s direction followed proceedings concerning passenger safety after the June 2023 Odisha train accident. The case also involved broader questions about railway safety measures.

Travel insurance is not a substitute for railway safety improvements, and it does not remove the Railways’ separate legal obligations. Instead, it provides a potential financial benefit to eligible passengers in covered circumstances.

What Passengers Should Do Before October 27

Passengers planning to buy reserved tickets at railway counters should:

1. Carry a valid mobile number and provide it accurately.

2. Be prepared to make the insurance payment digitally if opting in.

3. Check the policy details and exclusions before accepting coverage.

4. Save the policy communication sent to the registered mobile number.

5. Remember that the facility is optional and that coverage depends on the policy conditions.

The extension is scheduled to take effect on October 27, 2026. Passengers should confirm implementation and booking procedures with railway staff.

Sources:

• The Indian Express, October 25, 2026 — https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-railways-travel-insurance-counter-tickets-eligibility-10936351/

• Business Standard — https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/sc-directs-railways-to-insure-all-counter-tickets-from-october-27-onwards-126101401277_1.html

Editorial disclaimer: The 45-paise premium and benefit amounts are based on published reporting. Passengers should consult the policy terms and official railway instructions for final eligibility and claims information.