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HB 2046

Authorizing insurers to file certain travel insurance policies under the accident and health line of insurance.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Travel insurance can be filed under either accident & health or inland marine, expanding options for coverage and alignment with NAIC model.

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Bill Summary · HB 2046

Summary — HB 2046 (2025)

Authorizing insurers to file certain travel insurance policies under the accident and health line of insurance

Purpose

HB 2046 clarifies how “travel insurance” products may be classified and filed with the Kansas Insurance Department. The bill aligns Kansas law with the NAIC Travel Insurance Model Act so that certain travel-insurance coverages may be offered and regulated either under an accident & health line or under an inland marine line, reducing filing confusion for insurers and improving consumer access to travel-related coverages.

Key provisions

  • Amends K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 40-2,239 to allow travel insurance that provides coverage for sickness, accident, disability, or death occurring during travel — whether offered exclusively or together with emergency evacuation and/or repatriation of remains — to be classified and filed under either:
    • the accident and health line of insurance, or
    • the inland marine line of insurance (current default).
  • Confirms travel insurance may be issued as individual, group, or blanket policies.
  • Permits eligibility and underwriting standards to be developed for travel protection plans designed for specific marketing or distribution channels, provided those standards also meet Kansas’ underwriting standards for inland marine insurance.
  • Makes technical amendments and repeals the prior version of the statute (replaces the existing section with the amended language).
  • As amended in committee, the act takes effect upon publication in the Kansas Register.

Who is affected

  • Insurers and underwriters that market travel insurance products — especially life/health insurers who may prefer to file certain travel coverages under accident & health.
  • Insurance producers and distribution channels that sell travel protection plans.
  • Consumers seeking travel-related coverages (medical during travel, emergency evacuation, repatriation of remains), who may see broader product availability.
  • Kansas Insurance Department (regulatory filing classification and oversight).

Fiscal impact

  • The Kansas Insurance Department reported enactment would have no fiscal effect (Division of the Budget fiscal note, Jan. 28, 2025).

Background and rationale

  • Bill introduced at the request of the American Council of Life Insurers. Supporters stated the change reduces insurer confusion about filing lines of business and ensures consumers have access to travel-related coverages consistent with the NAIC model.

Procedural status (selected)

  • Introduced: Jan. 23, 2025.
  • Sponsored/requested by: American Council of Life Insurers (Travis Grauerholz).
  • Amends: K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 40-2,239.
  • Committee action: Reported favorably; Senate committee amended to set effective date upon publication.
  • Current status (as provided): Motion to accede adopted; Senators Dietrich, Fagg and Francisco appointed as conferees.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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