No free travel insurance in trains from September 1

The Indian Railways said it will not provide free travel insurance to its passengers starting September 1. Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has decided to stop free travel insurance starting September 1 and “the option of free insurance will be optional”.

Travellers, while booking tickets through its website or mobile application, will have to choose from two options: to opt-in or opt-out of travel insurance. IRCTC has been giving free travel insurance to passengers since December 2017 with an aim to promote the digital transaction. The Railways had earlier also waived off ticket booking charge for users who make payments via debit cards.

The insurance provided by the IRCTC had a maximum cover of Rs 10 lakh in case of a person’s death during a train journey, Rs 7.5 lakh if a person is disabled due to an accident, Rs 2 lakh if injured and Rs 10,000 for transportation of mortal remains.

The order to charge for the travel insurance will be generated in a few days. However, the amount has not been disclosed yet., reported ET.