Rockville, MD (April 23, 2025) — The US Travel Insurance Association (USTIA) is pleased to announce that Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico has signed SB 168 into law, enacting its version of the NCOIL/NAIC Travel Insurance Model Act and making New Mexico the 38th state to adopt a version of this legislation. This also marks the first state action on the Model Act in 2025, continuing strong momentum for the nationwide effort to modernize and streamline travel insurance regulation.
“We are excited that another state has enacted its version of the NCOIL/NAIC Travel Insurance Model Act,” said Caren Alvarado, Co-Chair of the USTIA Law and Regulatory Committee. “This enables New Mexico consumers to benefit from a regulatory structure that is generally consistent with that in existence in the vast majority of the United States.”
The legislation is based on the Travel Insurance Model Act developed by the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and is set to take effect on or after June 20, 2025.
“The legislation also provides additional clarity for regulators and the industry, and will likely lead to increased competition and more product availability for New Mexico consumers,” said Duke de Haas, Co-Chair of the USTIA Law and Regulatory Committee. “Being able to collaborate with regulatory agencies and key stakeholders is crucial for the success and sustainability of any industry, including travel insurance, and we are appreciative of the opportunity to partner effectively.”
USTIA applauds New Mexico, and the other 37 states who have already approved the Travel Insurance Model Act, for their leadership and continued commitment to protecting travelers and fostering innovation within the travel insurance sector.
About the US Travel Insurance Association (USTIA)
USTIA is a nonprofit association of insurance carriers and allied businesses involved in the development, administration, and marketing of travel insurance and assistance services. USTIA promotes fairness, integrity, and a commitment to excellence in the travel insurance industry, with a mission to educate the public on travel insurance while maintaining high industry standards.
