§ 33-24-403 — Definitions

33-24-403 . Definitions. (1) If a pet insurer uses any of the terms in this part in a policy of pet insurance, the pet insurer shall use the definition of each of those terms as set forth in this section and include the definition of the terms in the policy.
(2) Nothing in this part prohibits or limits the types of exclusions pet insurers may use in their policies or require pet insurers to have any of the limitations or exclusions defined below.
(3) As used in this part, the following definitions apply:
(a) "Chronic condition" means a condition that can be treated or managed, but not cured.
(b) "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.
(c) "Hereditary disorder" means an abnormality that is genetically transmitted from parent to offspring and may cause illness or disease.
(d) "Orthopedic" refers to conditions affecting the bones, skeletal muscle, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and joints. It includes but is not limited to elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc degeneration, patellar luxation, and ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments. It does not include cancers or metabolic, hemopoietic, or autoimmune diseases.
(e) "Pet" means any domesticated animal normally maintained in or near the household of its owner. It does not include livestock as defined in 81-8-213 kept for any commercial purpose.
(f) "Pet insurance" means a property insurance policy that provides coverage for accidents and illnesses of pets.
(g) (i) "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:
(A) a veterinarian provided medical advice;
(B) the pet received previous treatment; or
(C) based on information from verifiable sources, the pet had signs or symptoms directly related to the condition for which a claim is being made.
(ii) A condition for which coverage is afforded on a policy may not be considered a preexisting condition on any renewal of the policy.
(h) "Renewal" means to issue and deliver at the end of an insurance policy period a policy that supersedes a policy previously issued and delivered by the same pet insurer or affiliated pet insurer and that provides types and limits of coverage substantially similar to those contained in the policy being superseded.
(i) "Veterinarian" means an individual who holds a valid license to practice veterinary medicine under 37-18-305 or a similar state law in the jurisdiction in which the veterinarian practices.
(j) "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.
(k) "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. Waiting periods may not be applied to renewals of existing coverage.
(l) "Wellness program" means a subscription or reimbursement-based program that is separate from an insurance policy and that provides goods and services to promote the general health, safety, or wellbeing of the pet. A wellness program otherwise meeting the definition of insurance set forth in 33-1-201 is still subject to Title 33. This definition is not intended to classify a contract directly between a service provider and a pet owner that only involves the two parties as being insurance unless other indicia of an insurance contract also exist.

Legislative History

En. Sec. 3, Ch. 40, L. 2025.