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Senate committee hears bill to standardize travel insurance rules
Summary
Supporters told the Senate Committee on Labor and Business that House Bill 2,128 would adopt a National Association of Insurance Commissioners model to standardize travel insurance definitions, consumer disclosures and allowable packaging across states; proponents said 37 states have adopted similar language and the bill has no fiscal impact.
Chair Taylor opened a public hearing on House Bill 2,128, which would update Oregon law to adopt a model act on travel insurance developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
John Powell, representing the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, told the committee the measure “updates and standardizes travel insurance laws and sets definitions for travel insurance.” Powell said the bill codifies consumer protections, clarifies permissible and prohibited sales practices, requires disclosures, and allows travel insurance to be sold either as individual or group policies. He added the bill classifies travel insurance as an inland marine line of insurance and permits travel products to be packaged with non‑insurance assistance services such as 24/7 help lines. Powell said the measure comes with “no revenue impact and minimal fiscal impact” and that 37 states have adopted the NAIC model.
Powell and Karen Alvarado appeared as proponents; Alvarado provided technical assistance. Chair Taylor asked what would change in Oregon if the bill passed. Powell responded that travel insurance is already sold in Oregon but current statutes contain “gray areas” about what constitutes travel insurance and what disclosures are required; the bill’s aim is greater consistency across states and clearer rules for consumers and sellers.
The committee closed public comment and scheduled a work session on the bill for the following Tuesday.
Evidence in the hearing focused on aligning state rules with an NAIC model, consumer disclosure requirements, and classifying travel insurance for regulatory filing purposes. No opposition testimony was recorded in the transcript.
