Bill > H971

This bill seeks to amend the definition of "health benefit plan" in Massachusetts law to exclude travel insurance. It also establishes a new chapter in the General Laws to create a comprehensive legal framework for the sale of travel insurance in the state. The key provisions of this bill include: - Defining terms related to travel insurance, such as "limited lines travel insurance producer," "travel administrator," and "travel retailer." - Allowing limited lines travel insurance producers to sell, solicit, or negotiate travel insurance through licensed insurers, and setting requirements for travel retailers offering travel insurance. - Specifying that travel insurance may be provided under individual, group, or blanket policies. - Requiring travel insurers to pay premium tax on travel insurance premiums paid by Massachusetts residents or businesses. - Regulating the sales practices for travel insurance, such as prohibiting the marketing of travel insurance as "free" and requiring disclosures about pre-existing condition exclusions. - Classifying travel insurance under the inland marine line of insurance, or the accident and health line if it includes specific medical coverages. - Allowing the insurance commissioner to promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this new travel insurance law.