Rhode Island § 27-83-2 - Pet Insurance Act [Effective January 1, 2026.]

§ 27-83-2. Definitions. [Effective January 1, 2026.]

(a) If a pet insurer uses any of the terms in this chapter in a policy of pet insurance, the pet insurer shall use the definition of each of those terms as set forth herein and include the definition of the term(s) in the policy. The pet insurer shall also make the definition available through a clear and conspicuous link on the main page of the pet insurer or pet insurer’s program administrator’s website.

(b) Nothing in this chapter shall in any way prohibit or limit the types of exclusions pet insurers may use in their policies or require pet insurers to have any of the limitations or exclusions defined below.

(c) For purposes of this chapter:

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

(2) “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.

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

(4) “Orthopedic” refers to conditions affecting the bones, skeletal muscle, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and joints. It includes, but is not limited to, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc degeneration, patellar luxation, and ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments. It does not include cancers or metabolic, hemopoietic, or autoimmune diseases.

(5) “Pet insurance” means a property insurance policy that provides coverage for accidents and illnesses of pets.

(6) “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.

(iv) A condition for which coverage is afforded on a policy cannot be considered a preexisting condition on any renewal of the policy.

(7) “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.

(8) “Veterinarian” means an individual who holds a valid license to practice veterinary medicine from the appropriate licensing entity in the jurisdiction in which the individual practices.

(9) “Veterinary expenses” means the costs associated with medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment provided by a veterinarian, including, but not limited to, the cost of drugs prescribed by a veterinarian.

(10) “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. Waiting periods may not be applied to renewals of existing coverage.

(11) “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 wellbeing of the pet. If any wellness program:

(i) Pays or indemnifies another as to loss from certain contingencies called “risks,” including through reinsurance;

(ii) Pays or grants a specified amount or determinable benefit to another in connection with ascertainable risk contingencies; or

(iii) Acts as a surety, it is transacting in the business of insurance and is subject to the insurance code, as defined in § 27-54.1-1. 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.