WashingtonSB 62482025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Addressing travel insurance.

Sponsored By: Derek Stanford (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 4 mixed.

Refund rights for travel coverage buyers

Beginning January 1, 2027, policyholders and certificate holders can cancel a travel protection plan for a full refund. The window lasts at least 15 days after mailed plan materials arrive, or 10 days after other delivery. This right ends once the covered trip starts or a claim is filed. Marketing must match the policy, and preexisting-condition exclusions must be disclosed before purchase and in plan materials. Policies and plan materials must explain whether coverage pays first or after other insurance.

Clearer prices for bundled travel protection

Beginning January 1, 2027, sellers can offer travel protection plans for one combined price. At or before purchase, sellers must identify included insurance, travel assistance services, and cancellation fee waivers. Buyers must have a chance to review each feature and its price at or before purchase. Delivered plan materials must distinguish the features and provide required insurance disclosures and service-provider contacts.

Travel buyers protected from misleading sales

Beginning January 1, 2027, sellers cannot use opt-out sales for individual or group travel insurance or travel protection plans. Buyers must not have to remove coverage added during a trip purchase. Selling a policy that could never pay any claim for any insured person is an unfair trade practice. Sellers also cannot market blanket travel insurance as free.

Coverage conditions for some travel buyers

Beginning January 1, 2027, sellers can place insurance conditions on trips to destinations that require coverage. Buyers must either buy the required insurance through the seller or agree to obtain compliant coverage elsewhere. Those choosing outside coverage must provide proof before departure. Requiring this choice is not an unfair trade practice.

Premium tax duties for travel insurers

Beginning January 1, 2027, travel insurers must pay Washington premium tax on covered premiums tied to Washington residents or qualifying blanket policyholders. Insurers must document residence or principal place of business and divide premiums among taxing jurisdictions when required. Only charges for travel insurance are included. Travel assistance, cancellation fee waivers, and other noninsurance services are excluded.

Licensing and advice limits for travel sellers

Beginning January 1, 2027, travel insurance producers need licenses, and retailers must register under a licensed producer. Producers must meet application, fee, recordkeeping, training, and disclosure rules; they remain responsible for their retailers. Registered retailers operating under a producer's direction can receive sales compensation. Unlicensed staff cannot interpret technical policy terms, advise on existing coverage, or claim to be insurance experts. Retailers must provide insurer-approved materials identifying the insurer and producer, explaining staff limits, and stating that insurance purchases are generally optional.

Licensing duties and exemptions for travel administrators

Beginning January 1, 2027, travel administrators need an insurance producer license with limited travel insurance authority. Administrators and their employees receive the specified separate producer and adjuster licensing exemptions for travel insurance that administrator handles. Insurers remain responsible for their administrators' acts. Insurers must provide relevant books and records when the state insurance commissioner requests them.

Travel insurers gain options within filing rules

Beginning January 1, 2027, the travel insurance chapter covers Washington residents' in-state transactions and policies delivered or issued for delivery in Washington. It controls conflicting insurance rules; travel assistance and cancellation waivers are excluded unless expressly covered. Insurers can issue individual, group, or blanket policies and vary prices and eligibility by sales channel, subject to inland marine standards. Products use inland marine rate and form filings, though qualifying sickness, accident, disability, or death coverage can use accident and health filings. Each product must use only one filing line.

Travel insurance leaves health plan rules

Beginning January 1, 2027, travel insurance is excluded from the health plan and health benefit plan definitions in Washington's health coverage chapter. Travel insurance instead has its own regulatory framework. The health care facility definition also uses behavioral health hospitals licensed under state law instead of psychiatric hospitals. These definition changes do not specify new premium prices or benefit amounts.

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