The bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the sale of travel insurance in Washington State, amending existing laws and introducing new definitions and requirements. It clarifies that the chapter applies to travel insurance sold to state residents and outlines the types of coverage included, such as trip cancellation and emergency evacuation. The bill distinguishes travel insurance from cancellation fee waivers and travel assistance services, which are not classified as insurance. It also introduces definitions for terms like "aggregator site" and "travel protection plans," ensuring clarity in the insurance landscape. Additionally, the bill sets licensing requirements for travel insurance producers and retailers, mandates the provision of essential information to consumers, and requires travel insurers to pay premium taxes on travel insurance premiums.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions to enhance consumer protection, such as requiring timely delivery of fulfillment materials and allowing a cancellation period for travel protection plans. It prohibits negative option marketing practices and mandates disclosure of whether coverage is primary or secondary to other insurance. The bill also defines the role of travel administrators and classifies travel insurance under an inland marine line of insurance, allowing for flexibility in filing rates and forms. It empowers the commissioner to adopt necessary rules for implementation and establishes that the act may be cited as the Washington Travel Insurance Act. Overall, these changes aim to improve transparency and regulatory clarity in the travel insurance market while enhancing consumer protections.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 48.17.060, 48.43.005