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WashingtonSB 62482025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Addressing travel insurance.

Sponsored By: Derek Stanford (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

New licensing and training for travel sellers

Starting January 1, 2027, anyone selling travel insurance must meet limited-lines licensing rules. The producer must keep and submit a yearly register of travel retailers, name a licensed compliance lead, ensure fingerprinting where required, pay fees, and provide staff training. Travel administrators must hold a producer license with the travel limited line; they are exempt from one adjuster license rule for the travel insurance they handle. Insurers are responsible for administrators’ acts and records. Registered travel retailers may be paid for offering insurance under a licensed producer’s direction.

Stronger travel insurance sales protections

Beginning January 1, 2027, sales and ads must match the real policy. Insurers must tell you about any preexisting-condition exclusions before you buy and in your policy papers. You get a full refund window: at least 15 days after mailed papers or 10 days after electronic delivery, unless you started the trip or filed a claim. Sellers cannot use prechecked boxes or call blanket coverage “free.” Unlicensed store staff cannot explain technical terms or give insurance advice; they must provide insurer-approved materials with contact information.

Premium tax rules for travel insurers

Beginning January 1, 2027, insurers must pay Washington premium tax on travel insurance premiums tied to Washington residents and certain blanket policyholders with a Washington nexus. Insurers must document residence or principal place of business. They must report only the insurance portion of any bundled plan, not travel assistance or cancellation fee waivers. Premiums that cover multiple jurisdictions must be apportioned.

Clear rules and terms for travel insurance

Beginning January 1, 2027, Washington sets a full chapter of rules for travel insurance sold or delivered to state residents. The law defines what counts as travel insurance and what does not, like travel assistance and cancellation fee waivers. This chapter controls over conflicting state insurance rules. The insurance commissioner can adopt rules to carry out this chapter and must repeal any conflicting older rules.

Travel insurance not a health plan

As of January 1, 2027, travel insurance is not treated as a “health plan” under state law. This separates travel insurance from regular health-plan rules and clarifies which rules apply.

Flexible pricing and filing for travel insurance

Beginning January 1, 2027, travel insurance is filed under inland marine rules, or under accident and health if it covers sickness, accident, disability, or death. Each product must be filed under only one line. Rates may differ by marketing or distribution channel.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Derek Stanford

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Bob Hasegawa

    Democratic • Senate

  • Claudia Kauffman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Perry Dozier

    Republican • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 142 • No: 1

House vote • 3/4/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 94 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 2/11/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026*.

    3/23/2026Senate

  2. Chapter 165, 2026 Laws.

    3/23/2026Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    3/23/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/10/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/5/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/5/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4.

    3/4/2026Senate

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/4/2026Senate

  9. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    3/4/2026Senate

  10. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/2/2026Senate

  11. APP - Majority; do pass.

    3/2/2026Senate

  12. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/2/2026Senate

  13. CPB - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/25/2026Senate

  14. CPB - Majority; do pass.

    2/25/2026Senate

  15. Referred to Appropriations.

    2/25/2026Senate

  16. First reading, referred to Consumer Protection & Business.

    2/14/2026Senate

  17. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    2/11/2026Senate

  18. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/11/2026Senate

  19. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/11/2026Senate

  20. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/10/2026Senate

  21. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/4/2026Senate

  22. BTE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/4/2026Senate

  23. First reading, referred to Business, Trade & Economic Development.

    1/21/2026Senate

  24. Introduced

    1/21/2026Senate

Bill Text

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