What Is The IRCTC Travel Insurance Policy?

Travelling enriches life by offering new experiences and perspectives. 

Picture this: You’re travelling by train, gazing outside the window as the scenic landscapes whiz by. Suddenly, your beautiful train of thoughts is interrupted by those thuds on the tracks, and now, all you can think about is the recent railway accidents taking place around the country. A scary thought comes into your mind, “what if someday I meet such fate?”

But if there was a safety net in place that ensured your journey was as serene and peaceful as those landscapes outside the window? This is where IRCTC Travel Insurance Policy enters the scene -  your travel buddy that walks in when things go haywire.

Let’s get into the specifics of the same and see how it can convert your travel experience from worrisome to secure!
 

What is the IRCTC Travel Insurance Policy?

The IRCTC Travel Insurance Policy is an optional service provided to passengers who book e-tickets with a nominal  fee. The premium w.e.f 17-Feb-2024 is 45 paise per passenger inclusive of all taxes. However, it is not compulsory to buy travel insurance with your tickets, but it does provide a sense of calm to the traveller. This policy provides support for several unfortunate events that may occur while travelling, thus offering monetary assistance during difficult times.

Now, let’s move on to some of the basic eligibility and criteria of the policy:

Eligibility and Applicability

This policy has been formulated for Indian citizens only who book their e-tickets through IRCTC and intend to travel on railways in India. This optional insurance facility is permitted only for conditionally nominated (CNF), reservation against cancellation (RAC), or partly nominated (PartCNF) tickets only at the time of booking.

Policy Communication

The passenger will digitally get policy details via Short Messaging Service (SMS), and their email addresses will be submitted upon registration with the insurance companies. This communication will comprise a link for nomination to fill in other details. Also, you can view the policy number from the ticket booking history page on the IRCTC website.

Coverage Details

The coverage of the IRCTC Travel Insurance Policy is for each passenger under the PNR in case of

•  Death,
• Permanent total disablement,
• Permanent partial disablement,
• Hospital expenses for an injury and
• Transportation of the mortal remains after the rail accident or untoward incident.

Child Coverage

The said travel insurance does not cover minors below 5 years of age who travel without a berth or seat. However, it is applicable to children aged 5-11 years, irrespective of whether the child has his or her own berth.

Claim and Liability

When a passenger decides to be insured, any claim or compensation shall be made between the policyholder and the insurance company, thus making the process easy for the former.

Extended Coverage

Even if the passenger has to travel in a non-rail mode for the remaining distance due to the short-termination of a train for any reason, expenses of this part of the travel shall also be borne by the insurance company as per the passenger insurance policy taken by him.

Hospitalisation Expenses

Coverage for hospitalisation expenses due to injury is an additional benefit beyond the coverage provided for death, permanent total disability, or partial disability.

The scheme for the policy is kept consistent for all the classes and is done as follows:

 

Any mishap that might occur does not always result in a single type of injury.

Let’s delve deeper to understand the various kinds of coverage provided by the terms of the policy.
 

In-depth analysis of the coverage

• 1. In case of death:
  If, during the course of the travel, the insured endures any bodily injury which might lead to death, directly and independently of all the other reasons, within 12 months from the date of the accident or untoward incident, 100% of the sum insured is payable.
   
• In case of permanent disability:
  Similar to death coverage, if the accident, which is directly and independently payable from all the other reasons, leads to permanent disability of the insured within a year from the date of the accident or untoward incident, 100% of the sum insured is paid. The different disabilities considered are as follows:

 

 

• Permanent Partial Disability:
  The policy also provides compensation of up to 75% of the sum insured for those who suffer any permanent partial disability directly and independently caused by the accident within 12 months of its occurrence. The compensation is paid as below:

 

 

Hospitalisation Expenses for Injury

Hospital bills can more than often take a huge dip into your savings, making a dent that is not easily repairable. The IRCTC Travel Insurance Policy provides financial assistance up to 2 lakhs for hospitalisation and medical treatment expenses for those who might sustain any injury during the trip. The comprehensive coverage incurred for hospitalisation treatment entails the following:

• Room Rent and Boarding Expenses: Room rent is capped at 2% of the sum insured, while ICU/CCU charges are capped at 4% of the sum insured.
• Nursing: Expenses related to nursing care are covered.
• Intensive Care Unit: Charges for ICU services are included.
• Medical Practitioner Fees: Fees for consultations with medical practitioners are covered.
• Costs related to essential medical services such as anaesthesia, blood, oxygen, operation theatre charges, and surgical appliances are included.
• Medicines, Drugs, and Consumables: Expenses for necessary medicines and medical consumables are also a part of the policy.
• Diagnostic Procedures: Costs for diagnostic tests and procedures are included.
• Prosthetic Devices and Surgical Equipment: The cost of prosthetic devices and other equipment, if implanted internally during a surgical procedure, is covered.
• OPD charges are excluded from the terms of the policy. However, any services provided by the daycare are included.

A hospital is an establishment that provides inpatient care and daycare treatment and is registered with the local authorities. In case of any mishappening, treatment can be provided by the nearby hospital, and with the written referral, specialised hospitals can also be considered.
 

Transportation of Mortal Remains

If the insured person meets their death solely and directly as a result of a train accident and untoward incidents as defined in Section 123 read with Section 124 and Section 124A of the Railways Act 1989, during the trip, the insurance company will pay ₹10,000 for the expenses incurred in transferring the mortal remains to the insured’s usual place of residence This reimbursement does not need any documentary evidence.
 

Insurance Company's Maximum Liability

The amount recoverable from the insurance company in any one period of insurance shall not exceed the sum insured relevant to the insured. However, an amount pertaining to the conveyance of the insured’s mortal remains and the medical charges, if applicable, will be additionally payable.

Even though the policy offers a wide range of coverage under various terms, there’s always room for exclusions!
 

Exceptions to The IRCTC Travel Insurance Policy

The following are the exceptions whereby the insurance company under the IRCTC Travel Insurance Policy does not get under the obligation to compensate the insurance policyholder. These exceptions are crucial for understanding the limitations of the policy:

Compensation Limits

• In relation to the same accident or period of disablement, the insurance company shall not pay compensation for more than one of the specified benefits.

• Any additional payment related to the insured after a claim, as mentioned under ‘In case of death’, has been accepted and is payable. However, if applicable, costs for transporting the deceased's body and medical expenses will be covered separately.

The following are causes of death, injury or disablement which are not taken into consideration:

• Endangering or attempting suicide or engaging in purposeful self-inflicting of pain.
• Accidents happen while the client is in a state of intoxication caused by the use of such substances as alcohol, illegal drugs, etc.
• Occurrences arising out of the assured committing any act of wrongdoing in violation of the law.
• People are getting hurt due to accidents in railroad crossings.
• This policy excludes coverage for conditions resulting from mental disorders, disturbances of consciousness, strokes, seizures, or convulsions affecting the entire body, as well as health issues caused by the mental reaction to these conditions. It also does not cover damage resulting from medical treatments, radiation, infections, or poisoning, except when these issues arise from an accident.
• Engagement in any form of physical activity, including adventure sports, is persistent.
• Diseases resulting from congenital disabilities, venereal diseases/sexually transmitted diseases/AIDS, insanity and other related diseases.
• Any compensation for death or permanent disablement, however remotely connected with a birth or pregnancy or any sickness arising out of the same.
• Surgical or medical treatment if not needed on account of an accident or an unfortunate event.
• Loss of life, bodily injury, or permanent total disability as a direct consequence of, or in any way growing out of, or arising from war, or war-like operations, declared or undeclared, civil war, revolution, insurrection, or civil strife, civil commotions, mutinies, and any similar event, whether or not of an international character.
• Engagement in risky games or other related risky activities.

Nuclear and Radiation Risks

• Any condition acquired as a result of being exposed to ionising radiations, contaminated by nuclear fuel, or nuclear waste, which is produced as a byproduct of burning nuclear fuel. This applies to any self-maintaining process of nuclear fission.

• Nuclear weapons occurrences involve the material needed to assemble the weapons.
• Expenses that result from or are associated with nuclear, chemical or biological terrorism threats.

Journey Exclusions

• Bumps and other incidents resulting in claims that happen before the commencement of the journey or after its completion are not covered. However, time differences in the start and termination of the trip in concern to the train will be considered.
• Charges were made on tickets that were purchased for the trip but on which the passenger did not travel, whether the ticket was cancelled or not.
• Claims will be considered in cases where the insured booked a ticket, but it was not confirmed, and the passenger boarded the train nonetheless.

Medical Treatment Exclusions

• For injury  other than in an accident or other unfortunate circumstance, or for treatment which was not necessary
• Any medical treatment that does not have a genuine medical purpose.
• Non-therapeutic or aesthetic surgery unless there are reasons for the surgery attributed by the attending medical doctor in case of an accident or a mishap that might lead to the need for reconstructive surgery.
• Criticised dental treatment or surgery can only be done if it involves sound natural teeth and is due to an accident or some other unwarranted circumstances.
• Check-ups, examinations, or tests that are done essentially for a reason aside from an accident or an unfavourable event.
• Expenses for physiotherapy services except when received while in a hospitalisation facility.
• Payments of fees to spas, any kinds of resorts, and sanatoriums or convalescence homes and other similar institutions and length of stay in any of such institutions.
• Expenses incurred as a result of conditions of the nervous system and disorders of the mind.
• Expenses in connection with pregnancy, birth, or the consequences.
• Drugs, surgery or any other medical intervention for congenital internal or external conditions, diseases, defects, or abnormalities.
   

Claim procedure and documentation

Notice of Claim

The event giving rise to any claim shall be notified to the nearest Office of the insurer by the insured or the nominee or legal heir within four months from the date of the event leading to the claim. Such notice shall be followed by a detailed description in writing using the claim form along with other details.

Supply of Information

The insured person or their representative has a duty to furnish the insurance company with all information, assistance, and evidence considered relevant to the claim.

Required Proof

This shall include sending all proofs required by policy to substantiate the claim.

Documents Required

In Case of Death Claim:

• A duly filled claim form was signed by the nominee / legal heir, along with NEFT mandate details and a cancelled cheque.
• Report from the Railway Authority confirming the accident or untoward incident.
• Railway Authority report on passengers declared dead.
• The Personal Accident Claim Form is duly completed and signed by the nominee/legal heir, duly accompanied by NEFT mandate details and a cancelled cheque.
• Photo identity proof of nominee
• For death claim settlement, the claim will be made to the nominee declared at the time of buying insurance through the IRCTC portal only.
• In the event of no nominee, the claim will be paid only to the legal heir in accordance with the Legal Heir/Succession Certificate.

 

In Case of Disablement Claim:

• Report from the Railway Authority confirming the accident or untoward incident.
• Report from the attending doctor confirming the extent of disability.
• Medical bills corresponding to the doctor's prescription.
• A Duly completed Personal Accident Claim Form signed by the insured/nominee.
• Attested copy of the disability certificate from the Civil Surgeon of the hospital where treatment was undergone, stating the percentage of disability.
• Attested copy of the FIR.
• All X-ray/ investigation reports and films supporting the disablement.
• Claim form with NEFT details and a cancelled cheque of the beneficiary.
• Photographs before and after the disability.

 

In Case of Hospitalisation Expenses for Injury:

• A report of the Railway Authority confirming the accident or untoward incident.

• The discharge summary from the hospital.
• Original hospital and medical bills, including those corresponding to the doctor's prescriptions.
• Advance and final receipts, with all receipts numbered, signed, and stamped.
• Prescriptions for any medicines.
• Diagnostic test reports, including X-rays, scans, ECGs, and other relevant tests, along with the doctor's advice for these tests.
• Cash memos or bills for medicines purchased from outside sources.
   

Settlement/Rejection of claim

• Payment Timeframe:
  Benefits will be paid within 15 days after the last of the documents required by the plan has been submitted.
   
• Obligations and Non-Payment:
  In case any of these policy conditions have been violated, the insurance company is not bound to pay.
   
• Currency:
  All claims will be paid in Indian currency, which is Rupees.
   
• Interest on Late Payment:
  In the event that there is a delay in payment beyond seven days after accepting a settlement offer, interest of 2% over and above the current bank rate will be added.
   
• Claim Time Limit:
  Claims must be submitted within 365 days after the policy expiration date for hospitalisation that began during the policy period. 
   
• Fraudulent Claims:
  Disputed claims that are falsified or supported by false information cannot be paid.
   
• KYC Documents:
  It is required by the regulating laws to get KYC documents from the insured, nominee, or legal heir at the time of the claim settlement.

While all the above information can be overwhelming for anyone, it might also make you think that the procedure to claim the policy might be painstaking as well. But here we are to help you get past that dilemma and to make your travel worry-free.
 

How to Get IRCTC Travel Insurance?

Securing travel insurance provides you with peace of mind you didn't know you needed. Here’s a stepwise guide to help you with the process:

Step 1: Go to the IRCTC Website

The first thing to do is to open the IRCTC website by clicking on it. The ‘IRCTC Insurance’ option will be located on the upper right-hand side of the homepage.

Step 2: Enter Your PNR Number

On the page for insurance, you will be prompted for your PNR number, which is a unique reference number available on your train ticket.

Step 3: Choose an Appropriate Insurance Option

There are two options available: ‘Optional Travel Insurance’, which you may purchase voluntarily, and another, which is ‘Mandatory Travel Insurance’. If none has been bought from any other avenue, select one accordingly.

Step 4: Make Payment

Once you have selected an insurance option, you will be redirected to a payment page. The cost of an insurance premium depends on how much your ticket costs, with a price starting from Rs 0.49, before completing the whole process of payments.

Step 5: Acquire Your Health Cover

Your policy will be generated and sent on the email ID t hat is registered once the payment is made. It will contain all information regarding the coverage, sum assured, duration, terms, and conditions.
 

Wrapping it up!

Travelling by train all around India is an enthralling event with numerous beautiful scenery and hence an adventurous journey. Still, protecting yourself during the journey matters equally. Indeed, the IRCTC Travel Insurance Policy serves as a safety net by covering unforeseeable happenings, hence allowing you to traverse without worrying about the railroad network.

You could have started your travel from noisy Mumbai to quiet Goa with no doubts in mind as to whether anything would happen since you moved with this insurance scheme during your train travel. It is very easy to get this insurance policy; all that you need to do is enter your PNR number when filling out the form and select other preferable options. This has never been simpler.

Thus, before making any future arrangements for your trips, always remember to visit the IRCTC website and choose travel insurance. This little act may go a long way in ensuring you create happy memories never ruined by bad experiences or frequent worrying about them, avoiding all kinds of distractions towards them while they are still fresh within us during our lives after each trip mentioned.

Get safe journeys ahead! Moreover, may it go well on shiny rails wherever they go!