Pet insurance.

Existing law provides for the regulation of various types of insurance by the Department of Insurance. This bill would provide for the regulation of pet insurance, as defined. The bill would, in connection with the sale of a new, amended, or renewed pet insurance policy on or after July 1, 2011, require pet insurers to reasonably disclose to the consumer (1) if the policy excludes coverage on the basis of a preexisting condition or other disorder, as specified, (2) any policy provision that limits coverage in a specified manner, and (3) whether the insurer reduces coverage or increases premiums based on claims experience in any preceding policy period. The bill would also, with respect to pet insurance policies marketed, issued, amended, renewed, or delivered on or after July 1, 2011, require pet insurers that determine claim payments on any basis or that use a benefit schedule to clearly disclose that basis or schedule in the policy and through a link on the insurer's Internet Web site, as specified. The bill would enact other related provisions. The bill would require the department to post on its Internet Web site a list of the insurers that offer, issue, or underwrite pet insurance in the state; the names of the products that those insurers offer, issue, or underwrite; the names of their general agents with authority to offer, issue, or underwrite pet insurance; and a link to insurers' company profiles maintained by the department.