Is Re 1 Travel Insurance Worth It for Railway Journeys?
The recent tragic accident of a Ponnani native during a train journey to Telangana has highlighted the importance of travel insurance. Despite its minimal cost of Re 1 or less, many passengers often overlook the ‘Travel Insurance’ option when booking tickets online. This insurance covers accidental death, permanent or partial disability, hospitalization expenses, and the transportation of mortal remains due to an accident during a train journey, providing significant financial support in case of unforeseen events. Here’s what you need to know about railway insurance options and how to avail of them:
How to Avail IRCTC Insurance?
Booking Process: Book tickets through the IRCTC website or mobile app. This option is not available for tickets purchased at railway station counters.
Insurance Option: Tick the checkbox for travel insurance after entering passenger details and before payment. Upon ticket confirmation, you will receive an email from your insurance provider with details and options to specify nominee information.
In Case of an Accident: Inform your insurance company and notify the TTE or station master to assist and document the incident. Nominees of deceased passengers should follow the same procedure.
Medical Assistance: Seek medical help immediately and obtain detailed reports from doctors.
Claim Form: Download a claim form from the IRCTC website or obtain it from railway authorities. Complete the form with all required details and your signature.
Supporting Documents: Gather necessary documents such as the accident confirmation report from Railways, the train ticket, medical certificates, doctor’s report, police FIR (if required), and before-and-after photographs of the passenger.
Submission: Submit the completed form and supporting documents to the IRCTC insurance claim handling authority within the specified timeframe.
Benefits of IRCTC Insurance
Compensation for Death: In the event of death, the insured passenger’s nominee or legal heirs can claim compensation. Proper documentation and submission of claim forms are essential for processing claims. This includes an official report of the deceased, proof of identity, e-ticket details, the completed claim form, and other relevant documents.
Processing Time: The timeframe for claim processing can vary from weeks to months depending on the complexity of the case and the incident.
Important Considerations
Advocate Narayan R, a specialist in consumer cases, notes that accidents not caused by railway errors may not be covered under the policy. For instance, a person slipping from a moving train might not be eligible for coverage. Additionally, nominee details can be added through the email received after ticket booking.
