When Pranav Kumar booked his train ticket from Delhi to Lucknow through IRCTC, he barely noticed the optional travel insurance checkbox. The cost? Just 45 paise. “Why would I need insurance for a six-hour journey?” he wondered, skipping over it like many others do. Two weeks later, Pranav watched the news of a train derailment in a neighbouring state in disbelief. Dozens injured. Several feared dead. The chilling thought hit him: What if it had been me?

As train travel continues to be the backbone of Indian mobility, IRCTC’s optional travel insurance, at just 45 paise, might be the quietest yet the most powerful feature you are overlooking.

What does 45 paise cover?

The insurance coverage kicks in when you board a train with a valid e-ticket. The travel insurance typically covers the following:

Accidental death: ₹10 lakh payout

Permanent total disability: ₹10 lakh payout

Permanent partial disability: Up to ₹7.5 lakh

Hospitalisation due to injury: Up to ₹2 lakh

Transportation of mortal remains: ₹10,000

It covers not only the ride, but also the process of boarding and disembarking from the train. The fine print? You must be an Indian resident and travel on a valid IRCTC e-ticket. The 45 paise includes a base premium of just ₹0.38 and an IGST charge of ₹0.07.

What you need to do

After booking your tickets, you will receive a separate email from the insurance company partnered with IRCTC. Make sure to provide your nominee details directly to the insurer. Some of the insurers include United India Insurance Co. Ltd., Liberty General Insurance, and Royal Sundaram General Insurance, among others.

Why it matters

Imagine losing a limb and the ability to work; will your family be able to afford the medical bills and the lost income? For 45 paise, this cover is,  perhaps, one of the most affordable high-benefit insurance covers. It is not just about protecting yourself; it’s about protecting your family from financial ruin.

In a country where over 2 crore passengers travel by train daily, accidents, though rare, are not unheard of. From slips while getting on or off the train to more serious derailments or collisions, the risks are real. Yet, awareness about this micro-insurance scheme remains shockingly low.

This insurance isn’t a reimbursement-based model. In the event of death or disability, beneficiaries receive a direct payout. Hospital expenses are also reimbursed up to a specified limit.

Therefore, next time you book a ticket on IRCTC, take a moment to check that tiny box that says travel insurance for ₹0.45. Sometimes, the smallest choices are the smartest ones.