(a)  The purpose of this chapter is to promote the public welfare by creating a comprehensive legal framework within which travel insurance may be sold in this state.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 27-79.1-2

  • Travel assistance services: means non-insurance services for which the consumer is not indemnified based on a fortuitous event, and where providing the service does not result in transfer or shifting of risk that would constitute the business of insurance. See Rhode Island General Laws 27-79.1-3
  • Travel insurance: means insurance coverage for personal risks incident to planned travel, including:

    (i)  Interruption or cancellation of trip or event;

    (ii)  Loss of baggage or personal effects;

    (iii)  Damages to accommodations or rental vehicles;

    (iv)  Sickness, accident, disability, or death occurring during travel;

    (v)  Emergency evacuation;

    (vi)  Repatriation of remains; or

    (vii)  Any other contractual obligations to indemnify or pay a specified amount to the traveler upon determinable contingencies related to travel as approved by the commissioner. See Rhode Island General Laws 27-79.1-3

(b)  The requirements of this chapter shall apply to travel insurance policies and certificates that are delivered or issued for delivery in this state. It shall not apply to cancellation fee waivers and travel assistance services, except as expressly provided herein.

(c)  All other applicable provisions of the state’s insurance laws shall continue to apply to travel insurance; provided that the specific provisions of this chapter shall supersede any other provisions of the general or public laws that would otherwise be applicable to travel insurance.

History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 44, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 51, § 2.