Read first time 01/28/2005.   Referred to Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance.

     AN ACT Relating to prohibiting discrimination in life insurance based on lawful travel destinations; and adding a new section to chapter 48.18 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 48.18 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) No life insurer may deny or refuse to accept an application for insurance, or refuse to insure, refuse to renew, cancel, restrict, or otherwise terminate a policy of insurance, or charge a different rate for the same coverage, based upon the applicant's or insured person's past or future lawful travel destinations.
     (2) Nothing in this section prohibits a life insurer from excluding or limiting coverage of specific lawful travel, or charging a differential rate for such coverage, when bona fide statistical differences in risk or exposure have been substantiated. A risk or exposure is substantiated when the insurer demonstrates risk or exposure greater than in all other countries where the insurer does not exclude or limit coverage.