HARRISBURG – A new law aimed at streamlining and improving travel insurance in the commonwealth will boost consumer confidence, according to Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York), who sponsored the measure.
“By modernizing this law to reflect the reality that more and more Pennsylvanians are traveling in a post-pandemic world, adding these commonsense consumer protections will benefit consumers,” Phillips-Hill said. “Bringing greater transparency to fees and pricing with travel insurance, as well as differentiating between travel insurance and assistance services will make for better informed and less frustrated consumers.”
Under Act 28 of 2024, the updates to state’s insurance laws will codify an efficient, fair, uniform, and effective regulatory framework for travel insurance. For example, the new law will allow consumers to request additional features and a pricing breakdown of their travel insurance policy. The law will also require insurers to list contact information for individuals who can assist with travel insurance cancelation fee waivers and additional assistance services.
Additionally, the law will require travel protection plans to be distinguishable between travel assistance service and travel insurance. The measure will also protect consumers online by requiring insurers to list coverage options that must be selected by the consumer through an “opt-in” option, instead of an “opt-out” option.
The law goes into effect in 90 days.