10 lakh rail travel insurance coverage for passengers at ticket counters at just 45 paise -- Check key details

New Delhi: Bringing massive relief for the Rail passengers, Indian Railways has announced that it is extending Optional Travel Insurance Scheme on purchasing of physical tickets. Customers who buy tickets from Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters can avail this insurance service that kicked off from 27 October 2026. 

The travel insurance will give coverage to train passengers in the event of an accident or untoward incidents.

"Another Initiative by Indian Railways for Passenger Convenience," tweeted Western Railway.

It added, "From October 27, 2026, eligible passengers booking reserved tickets at PRS counters will also be able to avail the benefits of the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme. Insurance coverage up to ₹10 lakh will be available at a premium of just 45 paise per passenger (inclusive of all taxes). This facility is optional. To avail of it, selecting the insurance option, providing a mobile number, and making digital payment are mandatory."

#WRUpdates @RatlamDRM

— Western Railway (@WesternRly) October 27, 2026

Supreme Court's directive

The move comes after Supreme Court's directive to end disparity between online and offline travelers. Under the extended scheme, ticket buyers who purchase tickets from physical counter can get travel insurance of up to Rs 10 lakh for a premium of just 45 paise per passenger (inclusive of all taxes).

Who is eligible for the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS)?

Eligible Indian citizens, including children aged between five and 11 years with confirmed, RAC and partially confirmed tickets are eligible for purchasing the Rs 10 lakh travel insurance from physical counter.

Insurance benefit and maximum coverage under Optional Travel Insurance Scheme

Accidental death: Rs 10 lakh
Permanent total disability: Rs 10 lakh
Permanent partial disability: Rs 7.5 lakh
Hospitalisation expenses for injuries: Rs 2 lakh
Transportation of mortal remains: Rs 10,000

Key things to note for Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS)

The Railway Board has made it clear that passengers opting for insurance must pay for their entire ticket digitally using UPI, QR codes, or debit/credit cards.

Cash payments will disqualify passengers from the scheme.

Passengers are discouraged from making cash payment because of the impracticality of handling 45-paise cash transactions.

Passengers must provide a valid mobile number at the counter

Mobile number is required to digitally deliver the policy certificate

Passengers must also fill out critical nominee details

The insurance policy will be activated as soon as the train departs from the passenger's origin boarding station. It will remai valid until they de-board at their final destination.