Counter-ticket travel insurance rollout scheduled for October 27 with digital-only payment of fare and premium

Key facts

• The Railway Board, in its letter dated October 24, 2026, directed PRS reservation counters to be ready to offer optional travel insurance from October 27, 2026.
• Where a passenger opts for insurance at the counter, the insurance premium and ticket fare must both be collected through digital means only.
• The premium is 45 paise per passenger inclusive of taxes, effective from February 17, 2024; on ticket cancellation, 9 paise is deducted from the premium along with other cancellation charges.
• The existing scheme covers Rs 10 lakh for death or permanent total disability, Rs 7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, Rs 2 lakh for hospitalisation expenses for injuries, and Rs 10,000 for transportation of mortal remains.
• Optional insurance is available for confirmed (CNF), Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) and partially confirmed (PartCNF) tickets; travelling passengers on a partially confirmed PNR can obtain insurance at 45 paise per passenger.
• Passengers' mobile numbers are mandatory, and staff must accurately record passenger details so the information can reach the insurance company for policy issuance.
• CRIS is undertaking system development and integration with IRCTC; software testing is underway, with implementation scheduled for October 27 and zonal railways responsible for field-level preparedness.