SB 1588

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that, except in specified circumstances, insurance companies offering travel insurance to residents of this State are subject to provisions of the Code concerning unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Requires that all documents provided to consumers prior to the purchase of travel insurance, including, but not limited to, sales materials, advertising materials, and marketing materials, are consistent with the travel insurance policy itself, including, but not limited to, forms, endorsements, policies, rate filings, and certificates of insurance. For travel insurance policies or certificates that contain preexisting condition exclusions, provides that information in writing about the exclusions shall be located in a conspicuous place and an opportunity to learn more about the preexisting condition exclusions shall be provided at any time prior to the time of purchase, immediately following, but no later than 5 business days following, the purchase, and in the coverage's fulfillment materials. Unless the insured has either started a covered trip or filed a claim under the travel insurance coverage, allows a policyholder or certificate holder to cancel a policy or certificate for a full refund of the travel protection plan price within specified time frames. Requires the insurance company to disclose in the policy documentation and fulfillment materials whether the travel insurance is primary or secondary to other applicable coverage. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 215 ILCS 5/424 from Ch. 73, par. 1031 215 ILCS 5/500-109 new Adds reference to: 215 ILCS 5/500-10 215 ILCS 5/Art. XLVI heading new 215 ILCS 5/1620 new 215 ILCS 5/1625 new 215 ILCS 5/1630 new 215 ILCS 5/1635 new 215 ILCS 5/1640 new 215 ILCS 5/1645 new 215 ILCS 5/1650 new 215 ILCS 5/1655 new 215 ILCS 5/1660 new 215 ILCS 5/500-108 rep. Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code to create the Travel Insurance Act. Sets forth the scope and purposes of the Travel Insurance Act. Sets forth provisions concerning licensing and registration of travel insurance business entities. Provides that the Director of Insurance may issue producer licenses and limited lines producer licenses. Provides that each travel insurance business entity shall pay the Department of Insurance a fee of $500 for its initial license and $500 for each renewal license, payable on May 31 annually. Sets forth provisions concerning travel protection plans. Provides that travel protection plans may be offered for one price for the combined features that the travel protection plan offers in the State if specified requirements are met. Sets forth provisions concerning travel insurance sales practices. Provides that no entity shall act or represent itself as a travel administrator for travel insurance in this State unless that entity is a licensed property and casualty insurance producer in the State, holds a valid managing general agent license in the State, or holds a valid third-party administrator license in the State. Provides that specified practices are unfair methods of competition and unfair and deceptive acts and practices. Provides that travel insurance may be classified and filed under an inland marine line of insurance. Provides that travel insurance may be in the form of an individual, group, master, or blanket policy. Provides that the Department may adopt rules to implement the Article. Defines terms. Repeals a provision concerning travel insurance business entity licenses. Effective 90 days after becoming law.