Maryland § 19-1101

§ 19-1101.

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

    (b)    “Chronic condition” means a condition that can be treated or managed, but not cured.

    (c)    “Congenital anomaly or disorder” means a condition that is present from birth, whether inherited or caused by the environment, that may cause or contribute to illness or disease.

    (d)    “Hereditary disorder” means an abnormality that is genetically transmitted from parent to offspring and may cause illness or disease.

    (e)    (1)    “Orthopedic condition” means a condition affecting the bones, skeletal muscle, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, or joints.

        (2)    “Orthopedic condition” includes elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc degeneration, patellar luxation, and ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments.

        (3)    “Orthopedic condition” does not include:

            (i)    cancer; or

            (ii)    a metabolic, hemopoietic, or autoimmune disease.

    (f)    (1)    “Pet insurance policy” means a property insurance policy that is sold by a pet insurer or pet insurance producer that provides coverage for accidents and illnesses of pets.

        (2)    “Pet insurance policy” includes a certificate or add–on coverage.

    (g)    (1)    “Preexisting condition” means a condition for which any of the following are true before the effective date of a pet insurance policy or during any waiting period:

            (i)    a veterinary practitioner provided medical advice;

            (ii)    the pet received 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.

        (2)    “Preexisting condition” does not include, for a renewal of a pet insurance policy, a condition for which coverage was afforded on the previous policy.

    (h)    “Renewal” means the issuance and delivery at the end of a pet insurance policy period of a policy that:

        (1)    supersedes the policy previously issued and delivered by the same pet insurer or affiliated pet insurer; and

        (2)    provides types and limits of coverage substantially similar to those contained in the prior policy.

    (i)    (1)    “Veterinary expenses” means the costs associated with medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment provided by a veterinary practitioner.

        (2)    “Veterinary expenses” includes the cost of drugs prescribed by a veterinary practitioner.

    (j)    “Veterinary practitioner” has the meaning stated in § 2–301 of the Agriculture Article.

    (k)    “Waiting period” means the period of time specified in a new pet insurance policy that must elapse before some or all of the coverage in the policy begins.

    (l)    “Wellness program” means a subscription– or reimbursement–based program that:

        (1)    is separate from a pet insurance policy; and

        (2)    provides goods and services to promote the general health, safety, or well–being of the pet.