§ 22:1373 — Policy conditions

Louisiana § 22:1373

• Jurisdiction: Louisiana
• Title 22: Insurance

Text

§1373. Policy conditions
A. A pet insurer may issue policies that exclude coverage based on one or more
preexisting conditions if appropriate disclosures are provided to the policyholder. The pet
insurer has the burden of proving that a preexisting condition exclusion applies to the
condition for which a claim is being made.
B.(1) A pet insurer may issue policies that impose waiting periods upon effectuation
of the policy, not to exceed thirty days, for illnesses or orthopedic conditions not resulting
from an accident. Waiting periods for accidents are prohibited.
(2) A pet insurer utilizing a waiting period in compliance with this Subsection shall
include a provision in the policy that allows the waiting period to be waived upon completion
of a medical examination. A pet insurer may require the examination to be conducted by a
licensed veterinarian after the purchase of the policy.
(3) A medical examination performed pursuant to Paragraph (2) of this Subsection
shall be paid for by the policyholder, unless the policy provides that the pet insurer will pay
for the examination.
(4) A pet insurer may specify elements to be included as part of the examination and
require documentation thereof if the specifications do not unreasonably restrict a
policyholder's option to have the waiting periods waived as provided in Paragraph (2) of this
Subsection.
(5) Waiting periods and the requirements applicable thereto shall be disclosed to
consumers prior to the policy purchase.
(6) Waiting periods shall not be applied to renewals of existing coverage.
C. A pet insurer shall not require a veterinary examination of a covered pet for a
policyholder to have a policy renewed.
D. If a pet insurer includes any prescriptive, wellness, or noninsurance benefits in
the policy form, the provisions shall be made part of the policy contract and shall conform
to all applicable provisions of this Title and department rules and regulations.
E. Eligibility to purchase a pet insurance policy shall not be based on participation,
or lack of participation, in a separate wellness program.

Legislative History

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