Indian Railways Introduces Optional Travel Insurance for Counter Tickets

Indian Railways has introduced an optional travel insurance facility for passengers booking train tickets at railway reservation counters, extending a benefit that was previously available for online bookings. According to the supplied report, the facility comes into effect on October 27, 2026.

Passengers who choose the insurance must pay both the ticket fare and the insurance premium through digital payment methods. The Railway Board has stated that digital payment is mandatory for those opting for this facility.

Railway Ticket Travel Insurance: Key Details

The optional insurance provides financial protection against specified unforeseen incidents during a train journey. According to the report, eligible passengers may receive compensation of up to ₹10 lakh, depending on the terms and conditions of the policy.

The main details are as follows:

Why Is Digital Payment Mandatory?

The Railway Board has directed passengers opting for the insurance at reservation counters to pay the ticket fare and insurance premium digitally.

According to the report, the small insurance premium is being collected along with the ticket fare. Digital payment is required for passengers who choose this facility.

Passengers should confirm the available digital payment methods at their reservation counter before booking.

Is Railway Travel Insurance Compulsory?

No. The travel insurance facility is optional, and passengers can decide whether to purchase it when booking their tickets.

The insurance is intended to provide financial protection in the event of specified incidents covered under the policy. Passengers should review the policy conditions, coverage limits and exclusions before opting in.

What Happens to the Insurance Premium if a Ticket Is Cancelled?

The report states that if a ticket is cancelled, ₹0.09 will be deducted from the ₹0.45 insurance premium, along with the applicable ticket cancellation charges.

The remaining premium refund, if any, will be subject to the applicable insurance and railway rules. Passengers should check the terms at the time of booking.

What Should Passengers Know Before Booking?

Passengers planning to book tickets at railway reservation counters should remember the following points:

- Travel insurance is optional.

- The reported premium is ₹0.45 per ticket.

- Digital payment is mandatory for passengers choosing the insurance.

- Coverage depends on the policy`s terms and conditions.

- Cancellatioion and premium refund rules should be checked before booking.

Passengers are advised to confirm the latest details through official Indian Railways channels before opting for the facility.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on the supplied news report. Insurance coverage, premium refunds and eligibility are subject to the applicable policy terms and official railway instructions.