RSA 402-P:1 · Definitions

402-P:1 Definitions. – In this chapter:

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I.

"Chronic condition" means a condition that can be treated or managed, but not cured.

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II.

"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.

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III.

"Department" means the New Hampshire insurance department.

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IV.

"Hereditary disorder" means an abnormality that is genetically transmitted from parent to offspring and may cause illness or disease.

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V.

"Pet insurance" means a property insurance policy that provides coverage for accidents and illnesses of pets.

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VI.

"Preexisting condition":

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(a)

Is 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:

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(1)

A veterinarian provided medical advice;

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(2)

The pet received previous treatment; or

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(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.

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(b)

Does not include a condition that was covered under a preceding policy period prior to the renewal so long as there was no break in the superseding policy periods.

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VII.

"Veterinarian" means an individual who holds a valid license to practice veterinary medicine from the appropriate licensing entity in the jurisdiction in which he or she practices.

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VIII.

"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.

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IX.

"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.

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X.

"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.

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XI.

"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.

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XII.

"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.

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XIII.

If a pet insurer uses any of the defined terms in this section in a policy of pet insurance, the pet insurer shall use the definition of each of those terms as set forth in this section and include the definition of the terms 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. Source. 2023, 149:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2024.

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