Ohio § 3970.04

Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 3970.04, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 3970.04.

(A) A pet insurance policy shall include all of the following: (1) Disclosure of whether the pet insurance policy excludes coverage due to any of the

following: (a) A preexisting condition; (b) A hereditary disorder; (c) A congenital anomaly or disorder; (d) A chronic condition. (2) Disclosure of whether the pet insurance policy excludes coverage for any reason other

than those listed in division (A)(1) of this section and, if so, the following statement: “Other exclusions may apply.  Please refer to the exclusions section for more information.” (3) Disclosure of whether the pet insurance policy or rider limits coverage through a

waiting period, affiliation period, deductible, coinsurance, or an annual or lifetime

policy limit; (4) Disclosure of whether the pet insurer reduces coverage or increases premiums based

on the insured's claim history, the age of the covered pet, or a change in the geographic

location of the insured; (5) Disclosure of whether the underwriting company differs from the brand name used to

market and sell the pet insurance policy or rider. (B)(1) Pet insurance may be canceled by the purchaser within thirty days after the purchaser

first receives the associated policy, rider, or certificate.  The pet insurer shall issue a full refund to the purchaser within thirty days after

receiving timely notice of cancellation under this division, so long as no claim has

been made under the pet insurance.  The purchaser may provide notice of cancellation to the pet insurer or through the

insurance agent from which the pet insurance was purchased. (2) Pet insurance policies shall include a notice prominently printed on the first page,

or attached to the first page, that provides specific instructions for canceling the

insurance under division (B)(1) of this section.  The notice shall include the following statement, or a substantially similar statement: “You have thirty (30) days from the day you receive this pet insurance policy, rider,

or certificate to review it and, if you decide not to keep it, cancel the pet insurance.  You do not have to tell the company why you are canceling the insurance.  If you decide not to keep the insurance, you may cancel it by giving notice to the

company at its administrative office or to the insurance agent from which you bought

the insurance.  If you cancel the insurance within that time, and have not filed a claim, the company

is required by law to grant a full refund within 30 days after it receives your notice

of cancellation.  The refund will be sent directly to the person who paid for the insurance.  The pet insurance policy, rider, or certificate will be void as if it had never

been issued.” (C) A pet insurer shall clearly disclose a summary description of the basis or formula

on which the pet insurer determines claim payments under the policy.  This information shall also be posted through a clear and conspicuous link on the

main page of the pet insurer's or pet insurer's program administrator's publicly accessible

web site. (D) A pet insurer that uses a benefit schedule to determine claim payment under a pet

insurance policy shall do both of the following: (1) Clearly disclose the applicable benefit schedule in the policy. (2) Disclose all benefit schedules used by the pet insurer under its pet insurance policies

through a clear and conspicuous link on the main page of the pet insurer's or pet

insurer's program administrator's publicly accessible web site. (E) A pet insurer that determines claim payments under a pet insurance policy based on

usual and customary fees, or any other reimbursement limitation based on prevailing

veterinary service provider charges, shall do both of the following: (1) Include a usual and customary fee limitation provision in the policy or rider that

clearly describes the pet insurer's basis for determining usual and customary fees

and how that basis is applied in calculating claim payments; (2) Disclose the pet insurer's basis for determining usual and customary fees through

a clear and conspicuous link on the main page of the pet insurer's or pet insurer's

program administrator's publicly accessible web site. (F) If any medical examination by a licensed veterinarian is required to effectuate coverage,

the pet insurer shall clearly and conspicuously disclose the required aspects of the

examination prior to purchase of a pet insurance policy and, if applicable, disclose

that examination documentation may result in a preexisting condition exclusion. (G) A pet insurer shall clearly and conspicuously disclose to the purchaser any requirements

relating to waiting periods. (H) A pet insurer shall include a summary of all pet insurance provisions required by

divisions (A) to (G) of this section in a separate document titled “Insurer Disclosure

of Important Policy Provisions,” and do both of the following: (1) Post the document through a clear and conspicuous link on the main page of the pet

insurer's or pet insurer's program administrator's publicly accessible web site; (2) Upon delivery of any new pet insurance policy, provide the purchaser with a copy

of the document in at least twelve point font. (I) At the time a pet insurance policy is issued or delivered to a policyholder, the

pet insurer shall include a written disclosure with both of the following: (1) The address and customer service telephone number of the pet insurer or the agent; (2) If the policy is issued or delivered by an agent, a statement advising the policyholder

to contact the agent for assistance. (J) The disclosures required by this section are in addition to any other disclosures

required by law.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 3970.04

What does Ohio Revised Code § 3970.04 cover?

Section 3970.04 is part of the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutory law of Ohio. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Ohio § 3970.04?

A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 3970.04" (Ohio). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Ohio law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Ohio official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Ohio attorney.

How does Ohio § 3970.04 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Ohio can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.