Indian Railways will extend its travel insurance scheme to reserved tickets booked through Passenger Reservation System counters across the country from 27 October, offering eligible passengers accident cover of up to ₹10 lakh at a premium of 45 paise per person, according to a report by Divya Bhaskar – Ahmedabad.
The expanded facility will apply to Indian citizens whose tickets are confirmed, under Reservation Against Cancellation or partially confirmed at the time of booking. The report states that passengers booking through PRS counters will need to provide a mobile number and pay the insurance premium digitally along with the ticket fare. The premium, including applicable taxes, will be ₹0.45 per passenger.
Under the terms reported for the scheme, a passenger’s death or permanent total disability in a covered railway accident or untoward incident will attract insurance cover of up to ₹10 lakh. Permanent partial disability will be covered up to ₹7.5 lakh, while hospitalisation and treatment expenses arising from an injury will be covered up to ₹2 lakh. The policy also provides ₹10,000 for transportation of mortal remains, subject to its terms and conditions.
The insurance option will cover all passengers booked under a single PNR if the option is selected. Children below five years who travel without a berth or seat will not be covered. Children aged between five and 11 years will be eligible for cover whether they travel with or without a berth, according to the report.
The expansion will require changes to the reservation process at railway counters. The report says the railway has revised its reservation requisition form to make it easier for passengers to select the insurance option. The updated forms will be made available at all PRS centres under Western Railway.
Railway authorities will use announcements at reservation counters to inform passengers about the insurance facility, digital payment requirement and need to provide a mobile number. After booking, policy details will be sent to the passenger’s registered mobile number. Passengers will then have to use the link received from the insurance provider to enter nomination details on the insurer’s website.
In the event of death, the insurance claim will be paid to the declared nominee. If nomination details are not available, settlement will be made on the basis of a legal-heir certificate or succession certificate, as applicable. The responsibility for issuing policies and settling claims has been assigned to the concerned insurance company.
The reported changes will take effect across the Indian Railways network from 27 October. Passengers seeking the facility will have to indicate their insurance choice on the reservation form and complete the required mobile-number and payment procedures at the time of booking.
