Travel insurance will become optional from September 1, a higher official from IRCTC stated on Saturday. Passengers booking tickets via mobile or website will be provided with two options. Either they can opt for insurance cover or they can opt out of it, the official clarified. It will no longer be provided for free. A premium would be charged.
IRCTC removed the insurance premium of 92 paise last December to promote digital transaction. Earlier IRCTC charged for online ticket booking. But that was waived off too, the official stated.
Insurance cover
Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, insurance companies paid ₹ 2,47,14,275 as compensation. IRCTC partnered with ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Royal Sundaram General Insurance and Shriram General Insurance to provide travel insurance. Out of the 19 companies that participated in 2016, 17 were found eligible and 3 were chosen through bidding process.
The amount offered to legal heir are ₹ 10 lakh in case of death or permanent disability, ₹ 7.5 lakh for partial disability, ₹ 2 lakhs for hospital expenses if injured and ₹ 10,000 for transportation of mortal remains.
The revised charges will be posted in few days.