Bill > H961

This bill amends existing Massachusetts law to establish regulations for travel insurance, which is defined as coverage for personal risks related to travel, such as trip cancellation, lost baggage, or medical issues during a trip, but excludes major medical plans for long-term travelers. It introduces the concept of a "Limited Lines Travel Insurance Producer" (a licensed entity like a managing general underwriter or agent) who can oversee travel insurance sales. Travel retailers, which are businesses that arrange travel services, can offer this insurance under the producer's license if they provide clear information about coverage, claims, and cancellation processes, and disclose the insurer and producer's contact details. The bill also requires the producer to maintain a register of all travel retailers they authorize, designate a "Designated Responsible Producer" (DRP) responsible for compliance, and ensure that key personnel undergo fingerprinting. Travel retailers and their employees are prohibited from providing technical advice on insurance terms or evaluating a customer's existing coverage, and must clearly state they are not licensed insurance experts. The producer is ultimately responsible for the travel retailer's compliance with these new regulations.