AB 553

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Existing law generally regulates classes of insurance, including pet insurance. Under existing law, pet insurance is an individual or group insurance policy that provides coverage for veterinary expenses, which are defined as the costs associated with medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment provided by a veterinarian. This bill would expand the definition of veterinary expenses to include costs associated with medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment provided by a person working under the direction of a veterinarian. The bill would require a pet insurance policy issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2022, to provide full coverage for a sterilization surgery and the veterinary expenses associated with, or arising from, the sterilization surgery, and would prohibit an insurer from accepting or requiring an additional payment for sterilization surgery. The bill would require a notice of cancellation for a pet insurance policy issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2022, to be delivered at least 20 calendar days before the effective date of the cancellation, or at least 10 calendar days before the effective date in cases of nonpayment of premiums or fraud.