In the near future I will be introducing legislation to update the regulatory framework for travel insurance in the commonwealth, including provisions governing licensing and registration, which Pennsylvania enacted in 2018 (40 P.S.    4601 et seq.) Travel insurance has been important to the economy for many years and continues to respond to consumer demand. Although the travel insurance market is well-established, travel insurance does not always fit squarely within insurance laws designed for major lines of authority.

This legislation provides a comprehensive codification of the legal requirements specific to travel insurance, including distinguishing between insurance and non-insurance elements of Travel Protection Plans to establish the appropriate scope and reach of the regulatory framework. Additionally, the bill will be based on the Travel Insurance Model Act which has been adopted by the National Council of Insurance Legislators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Specifically, this legislation:

• Establishes uniform meanings of key terms;
• Allows travel products to continue to be offered in a manner that provides a seamless consumer experience and cost-saving efficiencies;
• Clarifies permissible and prohibited sales practices, and the applicability of the state’s unfair trade practices law;
• Requires several consumer disclosures;
• Clarifies further that travel insurance may be sold via individual, group, or blanket policies;
• Clarifies current practice with respect to premium taxes; and
• Clarifies that travel insurance is generally classified and filed as an inland marine line of insurance.

Consumers deserve Travel Protection Plans that work for them. By enacting this legislation, the legislature will benefit consumers and empower regulators by codifying an efficient, fair, uniform, and effective regulatory framework for travel insurance.  By enacting this legislation, Pennsylvania will join at least 32 other states that have already enacted the enhanced travel insurance framework.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1121: P.L.125, No.26, P.L.682, No.284