Bill > SB6248

This bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework for travel insurance in Washington state, defining "travel insurance" as coverage for personal risks related to planned travel, such as trip cancellation, lost baggage, or medical emergencies during travel, but excluding major medical plans for extended trips. It clarifies that "travel assistance services" (like destination information or emergency referrals) and "cancellation fee waivers" are not insurance. The bill requires individuals or businesses selling travel insurance to be licensed as limited lines travel insurance producers, with travel retailers needing to be registered under such a producer and provide specific disclosures to consumers about coverage, claims, and cancellation processes. It also mandates that travel insurers pay premium taxes on travel insurance premiums paid by Washington residents and clarifies that travel protection plans, which can combine insurance, assistance services, and waivers, must clearly disclose all components to the consumer. The bill prohibits unfair trade practices related to travel insurance, such as offering policies that could never pay claims or marketing blanket travel insurance as free, and sets rules for marketing, including providing clear information about pre-existing condition exclusions and allowing consumers a refund period after purchase. It also addresses licensing exemptions for travel administrators and classifies travel insurance under inland marine insurance for rate and form filings, while allowing certain health-related travel insurance to be filed under accident and health lines.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6248&Year=2025&Initiative=false