Ohio § 3970.01

§ 3970.01.

As used in this chapter: (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 condition ” means a condition affecting the bones, skeletal muscle, cartilage, tendons, ligaments,

and joints.  “ Orthopedic condition ” includes elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc degeneration, patellar

luxation, and ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments.  “Orthopedic condition” does not include cancer or metabolic, hemopoietic, or autoimmune

diseases. (E) “ Pet insurance ” means a property insurance policy that provides coverage for accidents and illnesses

of pets. (F) “ 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: (1) A veterinarian provided medical advice. (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. (G) “ Renewal ” means to issue and deliver, at the end of a pet insurance policy period, a policy

that supersedes a policy previously issued and delivered by the same pet insurer or

an affiliated pet insurer, and which provides types and limits of coverage substantially

similar to those contained in the policy being superseded. (H) “ Veterinarian ” means an individual who holds a valid license to practice veterinary medicine under

Chapter 4741. of the Revised Code or from the appropriate licensing entity in the

jurisdiction in which the veterinarian practices. (I) “ Veterinary expenses ” means the costs associated with medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment provided

by a veterinarian, including the cost of drugs prescribed by a veterinarian. (J) “ Waiting period ” means a period of time specified in a pet insurance policy that is required to elapse

before some or all of the coverage in the policy begins. (K) “ Wellness program ” means a subscription- or reimbursement-based program that is separate from a pet

insurance policy and provides goods or services to promote the general health, safety,

or well-being of the pet.