Section 83-87-3 - DefinitionsFor purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed herein:
(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) "Pet insurance" means a property insurance policy that provides coverage for accidents and illnesses of pets.(e) "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; or(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. A condition for which coverage is afforded on a policy cannot be considered a preexisting condition on any renewal of the policy.
(f) "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insurer and which provides types and limits of coverage substantially similar to those contained in the policy being superseded.(g) "Wellness program" means a subscription or reimbursement-based program that is separate from an insurance policy that provides goods and services to promote the general health, safety, or well-being of the pet. Any wellness program that meets the definition of insurance as provided in Section 83-5-5, shall be considered insurance and shall be subject to the insurance code. This definition is not intended to classify a contract directly between a service provider and a pet owner that only involves the two (2) parties as being "the business of insurance," unless other indications of insurance also exist.Added by Laws, 2023, ch. 330, SB 2228,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2023.