2024 California Code
Insurance Code - INS
DIVISION 2 - CLASSES OF INSURANCE
PART 9 - Pet Insurance
Section 12880.
12880. For purposes of this part, the following definitions shall 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 otherwise 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, including elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc degeneration, patellar luxation, and ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments. “Orthopedic” does not include cancers or metabolic, hemopoietic, or autoimmune diseases.
(e) “Pet insurance” means an individual or group property insurance policy that provides coverage for accidents and illnesses of pets, and other veterinary expenses.
(f) “Preexisting condition” means any condition for which a veterinarian provided medical advice, the pet received treatment for, or the pet displayed signs or symptoms consistent with the stated condition prior to the effective date of a pet insurance policy or during any waiting period.
(g) “Producer” means a person licensed pursuant to Section 1625 or 1625.5 who transacts pet insurance in California.
(h) “Renewal” has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 660.
(i) “Veterinarian” means an individual who holds a valid license to practice veterinary medicine from the Veterinary Medical Board pursuant to Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 4800) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code or other appropriate licensing entity in the jurisdiction in which the individual practices.
(j) “Veterinary dental care” means the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions, diseases, and disorders of the oral cavity, the maxillofacial region, and associated structures.
(k) “Veterinary expenses” means the costs associated with medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment provided by a veterinarian, including, but not limited to, veterinary dental care, the cost of drugs prescribed by a veterinarian, and services provided under the supervision of a veterinarian.
(l) “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.
(m) “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 well-being of the pet.
(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 612, Sec. 1. (SB 1217) Effective January 1, 2025.)
