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From 27 October 2026, Indian Railways must make its Optional Travel Insurance Scheme available for reserved tickets bought at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters. The insurance itself is not compulsory for passengers: you must opt in, provide a valid mobile number and pay the 45-paise premium digitally. Cash-paying passengers and people who decline the option are not insured.
What changes on 27 October 2026?
The Supreme Court directed that “all tickets sold over the counter at all railway stations shall also be covered by insurance in the same manner as tickets purchased online.” The order came in railway-safety proceedings after the June 2023 Odisha train accident and places implementation responsibility on the Railway Board.
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The Railway Board has instructed zonal railways to prepare PRS counters, while the reservation systems operated by CRIS and IRCTC have been modified for the rollout. Counter-ticket policies are to use the existing e-ticket OTIS terms, so the substantive benefits should be the same for eligible bookings through either channel.
Is train ticket insurance mandatory for passengers?
No. The legal mandate is on the Railway Board to offer the facility at PRS counters, not on each passenger to buy it. The passenger must actively select insurance and pay the premium; anyone who does not opt in has no OTIS cover.
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This is why headlines may call the change “mandatory insurance” while Railway instructions describe OTIS as optional. “Mandatory” refers to availability and implementation by the Railways, not an automatic charge or benefit for every ticket.
How much does railway ticket insurance cost now?
The premium is 45 paise per passenger, including taxes. Railway Board and Indian Railways instructions say this is the same rate used for online bookings and has applied since 17 February 2024.
At a PRS counter, the fare and premium must be paid digitally when you opt in. Reported payment methods include UPI, debit or credit card and QR-based payment. Cash payment does not activate the insurance. A valid mobile number is also required so the insurer can receive passenger details and send policy information.
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If the ticket is cancelled, 9 paise is forfeited from the 45-paise premium, in addition to any other cancellation deductions that apply to the ticket.
What does Indian Railways travel insurance cover?
OTIS provides maximum benefits subject to the policy wording, exclusions and proof requirements. The published limits are:
| Covered event or expense | Maximum benefit |
|---|---|
| Accidental death | ₹10 lakh |
| Permanent total disability | ₹10 lakh |
| Permanent partial disability | Up to ₹7.5 lakh |
| Hospitalisation caused by injury | Up to ₹2 lakh |
| Transportation of mortal remains | ₹10,000 |
These are policy limits rather than guaranteed payments. The insurer assesses whether the incident is a covered accident or untoward incident, the degree of disability and the medical expenses that qualify under the applicable terms.
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Which tickets and passengers are eligible?
The counter rollout is reported for reserved tickets that are confirmed (CNF), reservation against cancellation (RAC) or partially confirmed (PartCNF) when booked. Unreserved or general tickets are outside this optional scheme.
- Children under five travelling without a separately booked seat or berth are excluded.
- Children aged five to 11 are covered under the reported rules when a seat or berth is booked for them.
- Waitlisted e-tickets are not eligible under the Government of India’s stated OTIS rules.
- The passenger must opt in and pay at the time of booking; cover is not added later automatically.
Mixed-status bookings can create edge cases. Current Railway reporting describes situations in which a PNR includes a confirmed passenger and insurance is selected, but the exact treatment depends on the policy terms. Check the policy communication for each passenger rather than assuming that every name on a PNR has identical protection.
How do online and counter insurance differ?
The intended OTIS benefits are the same for eligible online and PRS bookings. The practical differences concern the booking channel, payment and delivery of policy information.
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| Feature | IRCTC e-ticket | PRS counter ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Booking channel | Online reservation | Reservation counter |
| Passenger choice | Passenger opts in | Passenger opts in |
| Payment for premium | Digital payment during booking | Digital payment during booking; cash does not qualify |
| Premium | 45 paise per passenger, including taxes | 45 paise per passenger, including taxes |
| Eligible status | Confirmed, RAC or qualifying partial confirmation; waitlisted e-tickets excluded | Reserved tickets reported as CNF, RAC or PartCNF |
| Policy delivery | SMS, email or registered mobile contact | SMS, email or registered mobile contact |
| Claim handler | Insurer | Insurer |
How do I claim train ticket insurance?
The insurer, not the Railway administration, issues the policy and settles claims. After opting in, retain the policy information sent to your registered mobile number or email and follow the insurer’s filing instructions.
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- For an accident or covered untoward incident, preserve travel records, medical reports, hospital bills and any incident documents.
- Contact the insurer using the claim procedure and document list supplied with the policy.
- Submit the claim directly to the insurer and respond to requests for proof, disability assessment or other records.
The Supreme Court’s implementation direction does not guarantee the maximum amount for every injury. Settlement remains subject to exclusions, definitions, deadlines and other conditions in the policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What details are still unconfirmed for counter tickets?
Current public instructions do not identify a dedicated counter-ticket insurer, a separate policy-number format or a special counter claim form and contact address. Those operational details should be confirmed from the policy message you receive and from updated notices issued by IRCTC, the Railway Board or the insurer after the 27 October rollout.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add OTIS after buying my railway ticket?
The stated rules require the passenger to select the facility and pay the premium during booking. There is no reported provision for adding cover later to a ticket that was issued without the insurance option.
What happens if my mobile number is wrong at the counter?
A valid mobile number is a condition of the facility because passenger details and policy information are sent through the registered contact. Ask the booking clerk to correct the number before completing payment; a ticket without usable contact details may leave you unable to obtain the policy instructions.
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Does insurance cover delays, missed connections or lost luggage?
The published OTIS schedule lists accidental death, disability, injury-related hospitalisation and transport of mortal remains. It does not list ordinary delay compensation, missed-connection protection or baggage cover, so do not assume those events are insured.
Who should I contact if the policy message never arrives?
The claim is handled by the insurer, but the policy communication is the first place to find its contact details. Keep your ticket and payment record and seek confirmation from the booking system or Railway authorities once the counter rollout’s insurer and support channels are published.
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