How IRCTC's 35 Paise Travel Insurance Works, Claim Process And Other Details

The recent tragic train accident in Odisha has once again highlighted the importance of passenger safety and the need for robust insurance coverage. In response to such incidents, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) introduced an affordable travel insurance scheme that offers coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh. Let's delve into the workings of IRCTC's 0.35 paise travel insurance and understand the process to claim the benefits it provides.

Eligibility for IRCTC Travel Insurance

• The scheme is only available to Indian citizens who purchase their e-tickets using the NGeT Website Application.
• This scheme is not open to citizens of other countries.
• Foreigners and children under the age of five are not eligible.

Benefits of Travel Insurance-

1) Death:

If the Insured receives accidental bodily injury during the Trip that results in death within 12 months of the date of the accident or adverse incident, the Insured is eligible for 100% of the Sum Insured indicated in the Schedule applicable.

2) Permanent Total Disability:

If the Insured receives an accidental bodily injury during the Trip that results in permanent complete disability within 12 months of the date of the accident or untoward incident. Permanent total disability shall be defined as either of the following for the purposes of this Insurance, and compensation will be paid at 100% of the Sum Insured stated in the Schedule relevant to such Insured.

3) Permanent Partial Disability:

If an injury incurred during the trip leads in a permanent partial disability within 12 months after the incident, the insured individual is eligible to receive Rs 7,50,000. However, the percentage of the available funds will be determined by the passengers' conditions as indicated in the policy.

4) Hospitalisation expenses:

The policy pays for medical expenses up to Rs 2,000,000 incurred during the treatment of an injury acquired during the travel during the insurance period.

5) Transportation of mortal remains:

If the Insured dies during the Trip as a result of a train accident and untoward incidents as defined in sections 123 read with sections 124 and 124A of the Railways Act, 1989, the Insurance Company would reimburse Rs.10,000/- for the cost of transferring his mortal remains to his customary abode or to a cremation or burial location.

Documentation required:

In case of Death Claim:

• The Railway Authority's report confirming the train accident or strange incident
• The Railway Authority's report detailing the people who were ruled dead.
• Personal Accident Claim Form duly completed and signed by Nominee / Legal Heir with NEFT details and a cancelled cheque
• Photo identification of the nominee
• For Death Claims, only the nominee declared when purchasing insurance through the IRCTC portal will be paid.
• In the absence of a nominee, the claim will be paid to the Legal Heir based on the Legal Heir / Succession Certificate.

In case of Disablement Claim:

• Report of attending doctor confirming the amount of disability.
• Medical expenditures related to a doctor's prescription.
• Personal Accident Claim Form duly completed and signed by insured / nominee
• Attested copy of disability certificate issued by the Civil Surgeon of the hospital where the treatment was received, showing the percentage of impairment.
• A copy of the FIR that has been attested to.
• All X-Ray / Investigation reports and films that substantiate the disablement.
• Claim form with the beneficiary's NEFT details and a cancelled cheque
• Before and after pictures of disability

In case of Hospitalization Expenses for Injury

• Railway Authority report verifying the train accident or adverse incident Discharge summary
• Original hospital expenses and medical bills associated with a doctor's prescription
• Advance and final receipts must be numbered, signed, and stamped.
• Prescriptions for medications,
• Diagnostic Test Reports, X-Ray, Scan, ECG, and others, as well as doctor's orders requiring such tests)
• Cash memos/bills for drugs purchased elsewhere

What is the Claim Procedure?

• The Insured or his nominee or legal successor shall provide to the Insurance Company's nearest office, not later than 4 months following the date of occurrence of the Insured Event, a full statement in writing as per the claim form and any other information particularly relevant to the making of such claim. The insured, their nominee, or legal heir is required to provide the Insurance Company with all necessary information, assistance, and supporting documents pertaining to any claims made under this policy.
• Proof in accordance with the policy requirements must be supplied to the Insurance Company in connection with any matters on which a claim is made.

Other Key Points-

• The scheme is optional, but if chosen, it will be mandatory for all passengers booked under a single PNR number.
• Only CNF/RAC/Part CNF tickets are eligible for optional travel insurance at the time of booking.
• The premium, effective 01-Nov-2021, is Rs. 35 per traveller, inclusive of all taxes.
• Customers will receive policy information directly from insurance companies via SMS and email, as well as a link to fill out nomination data. However, the policy number can be discovered in the ticket booking history on the IRCTC portal.