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BC Insurance Regulation Update and Letter-Writing Campaign: What Travel Advisors Need to Know

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The Insurance Council of British Columbia is currently reviewing proposed changes to the Restricted Insurance Agency (RIA) framework, including the introduction of mandatory commission disclosure. While intended to enhance transparency, this approach raises significant concerns for the travel insurance sector.

ACTA has filed formal submissions outlining the potential impacts including but not limited to the fact, that this cannot be approached as a blanket regulatory issue given travel insurance operates within a unique distribution model that differs from other insurance sectors.

The details of the Restricted Insurance Agency Licence Rules Consultation can be found here.

Key Concerns

  • Commission is already embedded in the insurance premium and not an added fee—disclosure may mislead consumers
  • Risk of market distortion, as insurers may adjust commissions to avoid thresholds
  • Shifts focus away from coverage suitability to compensation
  • Potential to erode client trust and create confusion in the advisory process
  • Uneven application, as direct and online providers are not held to the same requirements
  • Misalignment with the New Brunswick model, where travel insurance is not a regulated sector

ACTA’s position is that travel insurance should be exempt within this framework. The current proposed blanket approach may lead to unintended consequences, including impacts on advisor livelihoods, disruption to the travel industry, and reduced access to professional advice for consumers.

At a time when travel insurance is more important than ever, ensuring travellers receive proper guidance and appropriate coverage must remain the priority.

Your Voice Matters

This represents an important opportunity to ensure that regulatory changes are practical, proportionate, and aligned with the operational realities of our industry. A letter-writing template has been created to help you submit feedback to your local MLA (you may customize it as needed). Click here for MLA Letter Campaign

  • You can also submit feedback directly to the Insurance Council using the official consultation link or via email April 27, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PDT:
  • Important:  Individuals sending a letter in a personal capacity are not required to register or report under the lobbyist registry. However, where correspondence is sent on behalf of a company or organization, applicable lobbyist registration and reporting requirements must be observed: Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists for BC | Home

ACTA remains committed to advocating on your behalf and welcomes continued dialogue to support both consumer protection and a sustainable travel advisor profession.

2026-04-09 16:20:31

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