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Committee hears industry support for modernizing Alaska's travel insurance law
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Summary
HB 302 would update Alaska's travel insurance statutes to a national model; industry witnesses said the change would improve clarity and consumer protections, the Division of Insurance described current licensing practice, and the committee set an amendment deadline and held the bill over.
Keith Bruce, staff to the chair, told the committee HB 302 replaces Alaska's older travel insurance statutes with language modeled on NAIC/NCOIL guidance to provide clearer consumer protections, streamline licensing for sellers, and create a more uniform framework for regulators and industry.
Karen Alvarado (Grama & Foster) testified the model has been widely adopted and said she hoped Alaska would become the 43rd state to enact the model after recent action elsewhere. "Travel insurance provides peace of mind and financial security," she said, noting Alaska's unique geography and the role of travel insurance when weather or remote locations complicate access to care.
Allianz deputy general counsel Duke de Haas offered support and deferred to written testimony the association had filed previously. Division of Insurance Director Heather Carpenter confirmed that the licensing and limited‑producer processes described in the bill are consistent with current practice; she said implementation is largely online and that the bill may reduce friction for some filings.
Industry witnesses estimated Alaska's travel insurance market at roughly $40–50 million; committee members asked about rates and Alaska‑specific considerations for a heavy tourism state. The committee set an amendment deadline (April 1 at 5 p.m.) and held the bill over for further consideration.
