Railway Travel Insurance: IRCTC offers an optional travel insurance facility to eligible passengers booking train e-tickets online. This insurance can provide financial protection for certain covered accidents and events during a railway journey, subject to the applicable policy terms and conditions.
In this guide, we explain the IRCTC railway travel insurance premium, eligibility, coverage, claim process, exclusions and important rules in simple language.
IRCTC Railway Travel Insurance: Quick Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Insurance Type | Optional railway travel insurance |
| Booking Platform | IRCTC online e-ticket booking |
| Premium | ₹0.45 per passenger, including taxes |
| Eligible Ticket Status | Confirmed, RAC and Partially Confirmed, subject to applicable conditions |
| Indian Citizens | Eligible, subject to policy conditions |
| Foreign Citizens | Not eligible under the applicable IRCTC scheme |
| Claim Settlement | Handled by the insurance company |
Important: Insurance terms, premium, coverage and eligibility can change. Always check the latest policy terms and information shown during the IRCTC booking process before selecting the insurance option.
What Is Railway Travel Insurance?
Railway travel insurance is an optional insurance facility available with eligible online train ticket bookings.
When a passenger selects the insurance option during booking, the insurance company may provide benefits for certain covered events during the journey. The benefits and claim amount depend on the applicable insurance policy.
Depending on the policy terms, the cover may include benefits related to:
- Accidental death
- Permanent total disability
- Permanent partial disability
- Eligible hospitalisation expenses
- Transportation of mortal remains
These benefits are subject to the definitions, limits, exclusions and conditions mentioned in the applicable policy document.
Is IRCTC Railway Travel Insurance Mandatory?
No. IRCTC railway travel insurance is optional.
Passengers can decide whether to select the insurance option during an eligible train ticket booking.
However, passengers should carefully check the booking screen and policy terms before making a selection. The insurance rules may apply to all eligible passengers included in a booking, according to the applicable conditions.
How Much Does IRCTC Travel Insurance Cost?
The current IRCTC travel insurance premium is:
₹0.45 per passenger, including taxes
The premium is charged per eligible passenger. Therefore, the total amount can depend on the number of passengers covered under the booking.
The premium and insurance terms may be revised in the future. Passengers should always check the latest amount displayed during the booking process.
Who Is Eligible for Railway Travel Insurance?
The optional railway travel insurance facility is available to eligible Indian citizens booking qualifying Indian Railways e-tickets through IRCTC, subject to the applicable insurance terms.
The current terms also specify eligibility conditions relating to foreign citizens. Therefore, passengers should check the latest official policy before relying on the insurance facility.
Is Travel Insurance Available for RAC Tickets?
Yes, eligible RAC tickets can be covered under the IRCTC travel insurance facility.
The applicable terms also include eligible confirmed and partially confirmed tickets at the time of booking.
However, the exact eligibility depends on the ticket, booking conditions and policy terms applicable at the time of booking.
What Does Railway Travel Insurance Cover?
The insurance policy may provide benefits for certain covered events during the railway journey.
1. Accidental Death
A benefit may be paid to the nominee or eligible claimant if the insured passenger dies as a result of an accident covered by the policy.
2. Permanent Total Disability
Compensation may be available if a covered accident results in permanent total disability as defined in the insurance policy.
3. Permanent Partial Disability
A benefit may be payable for certain permanent partial disabilities. The amount depends on the type and extent of the disability and the applicable policy terms.
4. Hospitalisation Expenses
The insurance policy may provide benefits for eligible hospitalisation expenses resulting from injuries caused by a covered railway accident or other covered event.
5. Transportation of Mortal Remains
Some policy benefits may include assistance towards the transportation of mortal remains, subject to the limit and conditions mentioned in the policy.
Important: The exact coverage amount, benefit limits and eligibility conditions are determined by the applicable insurance policy. Do not assume that every accident or medical expense is automatically covered.
How to Select Railway Travel Insurance During IRCTC Booking
Passengers can generally follow these steps:
- Open the IRCTC website or official IRCTC app.
- Search for the required train and journey.
- Select the train and travel class.
- Enter the passenger details.
- Check the travel insurance option displayed during the booking process.
- Select the insurance option if you want the cover.
- Review the premium and terms.
- Complete the payment and ticket booking.
After the booking, the insurance company may send policy-related information through SMS or email. Passengers should save these details for future reference.
How Is the Insurance Policy Information Received?
After selecting the insurance facility, the passenger may receive policy-related information from the insurance company through the registered mobile number or email address.
The insurance details may also be available through the relevant IRCTC booking information, depending on the applicable process.
Passengers should save the policy details because they may be required if an insurance claim needs to be filed.
What Is the Nomination Process?
The insurance company may provide instructions for adding nominee details after the booking.
Passengers should follow the instructions received from the insurer and provide the required nomination information where applicable.
Nomination details can help the insurer identify the person who may be eligible to receive benefits in the event of a valid claim.
How to Claim Railway Travel Insurance?
If a covered event occurs, the passenger or eligible claimant should contact the insurance company mentioned in the policy documents.
The general claim process may include the following steps:
- Check the insurance policy and insurer details.
- Contact the insurance company’s official claims department.
- Report the incident as soon as possible.
- Complete the claim form.
- Submit the required supporting documents.
- Cooperate with the insurer’s verification process.
- Wait for the claim to be assessed under the policy conditions.
Important: IRCTC provides the booking facility, but the insurance company is responsible for processing and settling eligible insurance claims according to the policy terms.
Documents Required for a Railway Travel Insurance Claim
The documents required depend on the type of claim. The insurer may ask for documents such as:
- Train ticket or PNR details
- Insurance policy information
- Identity proof
- Medical reports
- Hospital bills and discharge documents
- Police report or FIR, where applicable
- Death certificate, in case of death
- Post-mortem report, where applicable
- Disability certificate, where applicable
- Nominee or legal-heir documents
The insurance company may request additional documents depending on the nature of the claim.
What Is Not Covered by Railway Travel Insurance?
Railway travel insurance does not automatically cover every accident, illness or loss.
Exclusions may include events and circumstances specifically excluded under the insurance policy.
For example, a claim may be rejected if:
- The event is outside the scope of the insurance cover.
- The claim does not meet the policy conditions.
- The incident falls under a specific exclusion.
- The required documents are not provided.
- The claim is submitted outside the applicable reporting or claim requirements.
The exact exclusions vary according to the applicable policy. Passengers should read the complete insurance terms before relying on the cover.
What Happens to Railway Travel Insurance If I Cancel My Ticket?
The effect of ticket cancellation on the insurance cover depends on the applicable policy terms and the circumstances of the booking.
Passengers should not assume that every cancelled ticket will have the same insurance outcome.
If you cancel your train ticket, check the latest IRCTC and insurance policy terms for information about the insurance coverage and any applicable refund conditions.
Is Railway Travel Insurance Worth Taking?
Many passengers may consider taking the insurance because the premium is very small compared with the possible financial protection available for specified covered events.
However, passengers should understand that:
- The insurance is not a replacement for comprehensive personal insurance.
- Only specified events are covered.
- Claims are subject to policy conditions.
- The insurance company decides whether a claim is payable.
- Exclusions and limits apply.
Passengers should read the applicable policy terms before making a decision.
IRCTC Railway Travel Insurance vs Personal Travel Insurance
| Feature | IRCTC Railway Travel Insurance | Personal Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Booking | Selected during eligible train ticket booking | Purchased separately |
| Premium | Very low per passenger | Depends on the selected policy |
| Coverage | Specified railway travel-related events | May offer broader coverage depending on the plan |
| Claim Handler | Insurance company | Insurance company |
| Coverage Period | As defined by the applicable policy | As selected under the insurance plan |
Important Tips Before Selecting Railway Travel Insurance
- Check the premium shown during ticket booking.
- Read the insurance terms and conditions.
- Save the policy information received from the insurer.
- Keep the insurer’s claim contact details safely.
- Complete nomination details where required.
- Keep your ticket and travel documents safely.
- Do not assume that every accident is automatically covered.
- Check the latest policy before making a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is railway travel insurance?
Railway travel insurance is an optional insurance facility available with eligible IRCTC train ticket bookings. It provides specified benefits for covered events, subject to the applicable policy terms.
How much does IRCTC travel insurance cost?
The current premium is ₹0.45 per eligible passenger, including taxes. The premium and policy terms may change, so passengers should check the latest information during booking.
Is IRCTC travel insurance compulsory?
No. The travel insurance facility is optional for eligible bookings.
Is railway travel insurance available for RAC tickets?
Yes. Eligible RAC tickets may be covered under the applicable IRCTC travel insurance terms. Confirmed and partially confirmed tickets may also qualify, subject to the policy conditions.
Can foreign citizens get IRCTC railway travel insurance?
Eligibility depends on the applicable IRCTC insurance terms. The current scheme terms specify eligibility conditions relating to Indian citizens and exclude foreign citizens.
Who settles the railway travel insurance claim?
The insurance company that issues the policy handles the insurance claim. Passengers should contact the insurer using the details provided in the policy documents.
How do I contact the insurance company?
Use the official telephone number, email address or other contact details provided in the insurance policy or communication received from the insurer.
Is railway travel insurance automatically included with every train ticket?
No. The facility is optional and is available only for eligible bookings under the applicable terms and conditions.
Railway Travel Insurance Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Insurance premiums, coverage, eligibility, exclusions and claim procedures may change. The applicable insurance policy and the insurer’s official terms will prevail in case of any difference. Passengers should check the latest information from IRCTC and the relevant insurance company before making a decision or filing a claim.
Final Words
IRCTC railway travel insurance is an optional facility available with eligible online train ticket bookings. It can provide specified financial protection for covered events during a railway journey.
The premium is currently very low, but passengers should remember that the insurance is subject to policy conditions, coverage limits and exclusions.
Before selecting the insurance option, check the latest terms displayed during the IRCTC booking process. If you need to make a claim, contact the insurance company mentioned in your policy documents.