The tragic triple-train accident in Odisha’s Balasore on June 2, ensuing within the lack of 288 lives, serves as a stark reminder to train warning when making journey plans. If passengers want to go for practice journey insurance coverage, Indian Railways supplies them with the chance to decide on the ‘Optional Travel Insurance Scheme’ whereas reserving tickets on the official web site of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

The premium for this insurance coverage is “ ₹0.35 per passenger (effective from November 1, 2021),” inclusive of all taxes. In the occasion of an eligible declare, the advantages underneath this coverage will probably be paid inside 15 days upon receipt of the required paperwork.

In which circumstances can this insurance coverage be claimed?

In the occasion of accidents similar to practice collisions, practice derailments, or another mishaps, passengers or their nominees can declare compensation. The coverage protection will probably be primarily based on the Passenger Name Record (PNR) and can embrace protection for demise, everlasting whole incapacity, everlasting partial incapacity, hospitalisation bills and transportation of mortal stays.

Insurance protection for various circumstances is dependent upon:

Terms and situations for claiming insurance coverage

-The scheme is relevant solely to Indian residents who e-book their e-tickets via the official IRCTC web site. Foreign residents will not be eligible for this scheme.

-The scheme is non-obligatory, but when chosen, it turns into obligatory for all passengers booked underneath one PNR quantity.

-Optional Travel Insurance can solely be availed for Confirmed (CNF), Reserved Against Cancellation (RAC), or Partially Confirmed (Part CNF) tickets on the time of reserving.

-Children under 5 years of age who e-book tickets with out a berth/seat will not be eligible for the non-obligatory journey insurance coverage.

-In case a passenger opts for insurance coverage, any claims or liabilities will probably be between the insured particular person and the insurance coverage firm.

How to assert?

-After choosing insurance coverage, replace nominee particulars on the insurance coverage firm’s web site. You will obtain a hyperlink and coverage quantity through SMS.

-If nominee particulars will not be up to date and an unlucky incident happens, the declare will probably be settled with the authorized heirs of the policyholder.

-Claims must be filed inside 4 months from the date of the accident. In the case of a demise declare, a report from the railway authorities and the listing of deceased passengers should be submitted.

-The insurance coverage firm will course of claims via the NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) course of. KYC paperwork of the insurer/nominee could also be required throughout the settlement.

-Claim paperwork must be despatched to the Claims division of the closest workplace of the Insurance Company. Check the Insurance Company’s web site for the deal with particulars.