40 Pa. C.S. § 4702

Current through Pa Acts 2024-53, 2024-56 through 2024-92

Section 4702 - [Effective 12/9/2024] Definitions

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Chronic condition." A condition that can be treated or managed, but not cured.

"Commissioner." The Insurance Commissioner of the Commonwealth.

"Congenital anomaly or disorder." A condition that is present from birth, whether inherited or caused by the environment, which may cause or contribute to illness or disease.

"Hereditary disorder." An abnormality that is genetically transmitted from parent to offspring and may cause illness or disease.

"Insurance producer." As defined in section 601-A of the act of May 17, 1921 (P.L.789, No.285), known as the Insurance Department Act of 1921.

"Insured." A person on whose behalf a pet insurer is obligated to pay or reimburse covered veterinary expenses under a pet insurance policy.

"Orthopedic condition." As follows:

(1) A condition affecting the bones, skeletal muscle, cartilage, tendons, ligaments or joints.

(2) The term includes elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc degeneration, patellar luxation and ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments.

(3) The term does not include cancer or a metabolic, hemopoietic or autoimmune disease.

"Pet insurance policy." A property insurance policy, certificate or rider that provides coverage for accidents and illnesses of pets.

"Pet insurer." An insurer that issues a pet insurance policy.

"Practice of veterinary medicine." As defined in section 3 of the act of December 27, 1974 (P.L.995, No.326), known as the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act.

"Preexisting condition." A condition for which any of the following apply regarding a pet prior to the effective date of a pet insurance policy for the pet or during any waiting period:

(1) A veterinarian provided medical advice regarding the pet.

(2) The pet received previous treatment.

(3) Based on information from verifiable sources, the pet had signs or symptoms directly related to the condition for which a claim is being made.

"Renewal." As defined in section 3 of the act of July 22, 1974 (P.L.589, No.205), known as the unfair insurance practices act.

"Veterinarian." An individual who holds a valid license to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine from the appropriate licensing entity of the jurisdiction in which the individual engages in the practice of veterinary medicine.

"Veterinary expenses." The costs associated with medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment provided by a veterinarian, including the cost of drugs prescribed by a veterinarian.

"Waiting period." As follows:

(1) 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.

(2) A waiting period may not be applied to a renewal of existing coverage.

"Wellness program." As follows:

(1) A subscription or reimbursement-based program that is separate from a pet insurance policy that provides goods and services to promote the general health, safety or well- being of the pet.

(2) A wellness program does not assume or transfer any risk of loss.

40 Pa.C.S. § 4702

Added by P.L. (number not assigned at time of publication) 2024 No. 19,§ 1, eff. 12/9/2024.