The Amarnath Yatra is one of the most sacred and challenging Hindu pilgrimages in India. Every year, lakhs of devotees visit the holy Amarnath Cave in Jammu & Kashmir to seek blessings of Baba Barfani (Lord Shiva). However, due to tough terrain, high altitude, unpredictable weather and long trekking routes, the risk factor during the Amarnath Yatra is extremely high.
Therefore, the Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) makes Amarnath Yatra Insurance mandatory for all registered pilgrims.
This article explains everything you need to know:
- What is Amarnath Yatra Insurance?
- What does it cover?
- How much is the premium?
- Eligibility criteria
- How to buy it?
- List of companies offering the plan
- Claim process
Let’s understand in detail.
What is Amarnath Yatra Insurance?
Amarnath Yatra Insurance is a special travel + accidental insurance plan that provides financial protection to pilgrims during the journey to the Amarnath Cave Temple.
It covers casualties like:
- Medical emergency
- Accidents
- Death or disability
- High-altitude sickness
- Weather-related risks
- Helicopter travel risks
👉 This insurance is compulsory for all yatris before obtaining the Yatra Permit.
Why is Amarnath Yatra Insurance Mandatory?
The Amarnath Yatra involves:
- 12,000–14,000 feet high altitude
- 14–22 km trekking
- Extremely cold temperatures
- Snowfall / landslides
- Oxygen deficiency
- Cardiac-related emergencies
- Helicopter route hazards
For the safety of pilgrims, the government ensures every registered devotee is insured.
Coverage Under Amarnath Yatra Insurance Plan
| Coverage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Accidental Death | Covered up to ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
| Permanent Disability | ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 depending on severity |
| Medical Treatment (During Yatra) | Hospitalization expenses covered |
| Accidental Injury | Medical reimbursement |
| Natural Calamities | Avalanche, landslide, flood |
| High Altitude Sickness | Medical assistance + evacuation |
| Helicopter Coverage | Injuries during Heli-service (depending on policy) |
Amarnath Yatra Insurance Premium (2025)
Good news: The insurance is very affordable.
| Category | Premium Amount |
|---|---|
| Adult Pilgrim | ₹100 – ₹150 approx. |
| Senior Citizen | ₹150 – ₹250 approx. |
| Helicopter Yatra Insurance | ₹200 – ₹350 approx. |
👉 Premium may vary based on insurance company and coverage amount.
Eligibility Criteria
To get Amarnath Yatra Insurance, the pilgrim must:
- Be between 13–75 years of age
- Possess a valid Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC)
- Register for the Amarnath Yatra Permit
- Be medically fit to undertake high-altitude trekking
- Submit ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.)
How to Buy Amarnath Yatra Insurance? (Step-by-Step Guide)
✔ Step 1: Visit an Authorized Bank / Registration Centre
While applying for the Yatra Permit, the insurance is automatically issued.
✔ Step 2: Provide CHC (Compulsory Health Certificate)
Issued by authorized doctors only.
✔ Step 3: Submit Documents
- ID Proof
- Photographs
- Health Certificate
✔ Step 4: Pay the Permit + Insurance Fee
Insurance is included in the registration fee.
✔ Step 5: Receive Insurance Policy
You will get:
- Yatra Permit
- Insurance Slip
- Policy Number
- Emergency Helpline Contacts
Insurance for Helicopter Pilgrims (Baltal & Pahalgam Routes)
If you travel via helicopter, insurance coverage is still mandatory.
Helicopter insurance covers:
- Boarding/disembarking injury
- Air turbulence injury
- Medical emergency
- Accidental death
Premium is slightly higher than road/trek pilgrims.
Companies Offering Amarnath Yatra Insurance
Several top insurance companies provide coverage:
- SBI General Insurance
- Oriental Insurance Company
- National Insurance
- New India Assurance
- HDFC ERGO
- ICICI Lombard Travel Insurance
- Bajaj Allianz
- Reliance General Insurance
- TATA AIG
👉 Insurance provider may vary depending on the registration center.
Amarnath Yatra Insurance Claim Process
In case of emergency, follow this process:
✔ Step 1: Inform the insurance company
Use the helpline number printed on your policy slip.
✔ Step 2: Submit documents
- Policy slip
- Yatra permit
- Hospital bills
- Doctor certificate
- Death/disability certificate (if applicable)
✔ Step 3: Claim assessment
The company verifies the case.
✔ Step 4: Claim settlement
Amount is credited within 7–15 working days.
Emergency Helpline Numbers (Amarnath Yatra)
- SASB Helpline: 0194–2313146
- Medical Helpline: 108
- J&K Emergency: 100 / 112
- Tourism Helpline: 1800-180-7137
(Insurance helpline varies by company)
Important Tips for Pilgrims
✔ Carry warm clothing
✔ Stay hydrated
✔ Avoid alcohol & smoking
✔ Walk slowly, take breaks
✔ Keep emergency numbers handy
✔ Don’t trek without medical fitness
FAQ
1. What is pilgrimage insurance?
Pilgrimage insurance is a travel protection plan that covers medical emergencies, accidents, death, disability, trip cancellation, and baggage loss during a religious journey.
2. Is insurance mandatory for Char Dham Yatra?
Insurance is not mandatory for all pilgrims, but it is strongly recommended due to the high-risk terrain and potential medical emergencies.
3. Is Amarnath Yatra insurance compulsory?
Yes. All registered pilgrims must have Amarnath Yatra Insurance provided automatically during registration.
4. How much does Amarnath Yatra Insurance cost?
The premium is very low—between ₹100 to ₹250 depending on age and coverage.
5. What is included in Char Dham Yatra packages?
Packages usually include hotels, meals, transport, permits, sightseeing, and optional add-ons like VIP Darshan or helicopter service.
6. What is the price of Char Dham Yatra by helicopter?
Helicopter Char Dham packages cost between ₹1.2 lakh and ₹2 lakh per person.
7. How to book a Char Dham Yatra package from Delhi?
You can book through UTDB, GMVN, IRCTC, or travel agencies like MakeMyTrip and Yatra.com.
8. What is the best time to visit Char Dham?
The best time is May to June and September to October when the weather is clear.
9. How long is the Char Dham Yatra?
The full road journey takes 10 to 12 days, depending on weather and route.
10. What documents are required for Amarnath Yatra registration?
You need a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC), ID proof, photos, and the registration form.
11. How dangerous is the Amarnath Yatra?
The high altitude, steep terrain, low oxygen levels, and weather shifts make it a high-risk pilgrimage, which is why insurance is mandatory.
12. What is the VIP Darshan package for Char Dham?
VIP packages offer priority darshan, luxury hotels, private vehicles, and faster check-in at temples.
13. Which is the best Char Dham Yatra package for families?
Deluxe or VIP packages with comfortable hotels and private vehicles are best for families and senior citizens.
14. How much does a Char Dham Yatra package cost from Haridwar?
Budget packages start from ₹22,000–₹30,000, while luxury options go up to ₹65,000 per person.
15. Can senior citizens do the Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, but they should undergo a medical check-up and choose comfortable or VIP packages.
16. How to claim pilgrimage insurance?
Call the helpline on your policy slip, submit documents like bills, FIR, ID proof, and claim form. Settlement takes 7–15 days.
17. Is helicopter travel covered in pilgrimage insurance?
Yes, some policies cover injuries or accidents during helicopter boarding or travel.
18. What should pilgrims pack for Char Dham Yatra?
Warm clothes, raincoat, medicines, trekking shoes, ID proof, and a small first-aid kit.
19. Which route is better for Amarnath Yatra—Baltal or Pahalgam?
Baltal is shorter but steeper. Pahalgam is longer but safer and easier for most pilgrims.
20. How many days are required for Amarnath Yatra?
The journey takes 2 to 5 days, depending on whether you trek or take a helicopter.
Also Read – Pilgrimage Insurance India