California pet insurance bill moves forward

A California bill on pet insurance now has the support of the state Veterinary Medical Board (VMB), but the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) still has a “watch” status for the bill.

The measure, AB2411, would provide for the regulation of pet insurance in California. The bill would add pet insurance as an official class of insurance, and would also require pet insurance companies to disclose certain information to consumers.

For example, the bill would require an insurer to disclose to a consumer: if the policy excludes coverage on the basis of a preexisting condition or other disorder; any policy provision that limits coverage in a specified manner; and whether the insurer reduces coverage or increases premiums based on claims experience in any preceding policy period.

Previously, the bill prohibited pet insurers from excluding coverage on the basis of a preexisting condition provision for claims made beyond six months after a consumer signed up for the plan. It was amended on April 15 to remove that and other language and make it more of a consumer protection bill, according to California VMB member Tom Kendall, DVM, CVPM.