§ 22:1371 — Definitions

§1371. Definitions
A. If a pet insurer uses any of the terms defined in this Section in a policy of pet
insurance, the pet insurer shall use the definitions of those terms as provided in this Section
and include the definitions in Subsection C of this Section in the policy. The pet insurer shall
also make the definitions available through a link on the main page of the pet insurer's
website or the pet insurer's program administrator's website.
B. Nothing in this Section prohibits or limits the types of exclusions pet insurers may
use in their policies, nor requires pet insurers to utilize any of the limitations or exclusions
defined in this Section.
C. For the purposes of this Subpart, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Chronic condition" means a condition that can be treated or managed, but not
cured.
(2) "Congenital anomaly or disorder" means a condition that is present from birth,
whether inherited or caused by the environment, which may cause or contribute to illness or
disease.
(3) "Hereditary disorder" means an abnormality that is genetically transmitted from
parent to offspring that may cause illness or disease.
(4)(a) "Orthopedic" means conditions affecting the bones, skeletal muscle, cartilage,
tendons, ligaments, and joints.
(b) Orthopedic conditions include but are not limited to elbow dysplasia, hip
dysplasia, intervertebral disc degeneration, patellar luxation, and ruptured cranial cruciate
ligaments.
(c) Orthopedic conditions do not include cancers or metabolic, hemopoietic, or
autoimmune diseases.
(5) "Pet insurance" means a property insurance policy that provides coverage for
accidents and illnesses of pets.
(6)(a) "Preexisting condition" means any condition for which any of the following
are true prior to the effective date of a pet insurance policy or during any waiting period:
(i) A veterinarian provided medical advice.
(ii) The pet received previous treatment.
(iii) Based on information from verifiable sources, the pet had signs or symptoms
directly related to the condition for which a claim is being made.
(b) A condition for which coverage is afforded on a policy shall not be considered
a preexisting condition on any renewal of the policy.
(7) "Renewal" means to issue and deliver at the end of an insurance policy period a
policy which supersedes a policy previously issued and delivered by the same pet insurer or
affiliated pet insurer and which provides types and limits of coverage substantially similar
to those contained in the policy being superseded.
(8) "Veterinarian" means an individual who holds a valid license to practice
veterinary medicine from the appropriate licensing entity in the jurisdiction in which the
individual practices.
(9) "Veterinary expenses" means the costs associated with medical advice, diagnosis,
care, or treatment provided by a veterinarian, including but not limited to the cost of drugs
prescribed by a veterinarian.
(10) "Waiting period" means the period of time specified in a pet insurance policy
that is required to transpire before some or all of the coverage in the policy can begin.
(11)(a) "Wellness program" means a subscription or reimbursement based program
that is separate from an insurance policy and provides goods and services to promote the
general health, safety, or well-being of a pet.
(b) If a wellness program constitutes a contract whereby one undertakes to indemnify
another or pay a specified amount upon determinable contingencies, it is transacting in the
business of insurance and is subject to the provisions of this Title.
(c) The definition provided in this Paragraph shall not be interpreted to classify a
contract directly between a service provider and a pet owner that only involves the two
parties as being the business of insurance, unless other indications of insurance also exist.

Legislative History

Acts 2023, No. 94, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2024.