summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes the "Pet Insurance Act," which creates a comprehensive legal framework within which pet insurance may be sold in the State. Under the bill, several consumer protections related to policy renewals, waiting periods, policy limits, conditions, and benefit schedules are included, including disclosures a pet insurer transacting pet insurance must disclose to consumers, such as: (1) if the policy excludes coverage due to: (a) a preexisting condition; (b) a hereditary disorder; (c) a congenital anomaly or disorder; or (d) a chronic condition; and (2) if the policy includes any other exclusions, using the following statement: "Other exclusions may apply. Please refer to the exclusions section of the policy for more information." The bill provides limits on how insurers can deny pet insurance claims related to preexisting conditions of covered pets, and requires the insurer to prove a preexisting condition limitation applies. The bill additionally provides requirements to insurers and insurance producers to clearly differentiate pet wellness programs from insurance policies to eliminate consumer confusion between what services are covered by insurance. Finally, the bill provides training requirements for insurance producers to ensure that producers are appropriately prepared to present information to consumers. The bill also stipulates that an insurance producer can only be licensed to sell pet insurance if the producer holds an active life, health, personal lines, or property and casualty line of authority.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "Pet Insurance Act," establishes a comprehensive legal framework for selling pet insurance in the state, introducing several consumer protections. It mandates that pet insurers clearly disclose policy exclusions, such as those for preexisting conditions (conditions a pet had before the policy started), hereditary disorders (genetically passed down), congenital anomalies or disorders (present from birth), or chronic conditions (manageable but not curable), and requires insurers to prove that a preexisting condition exclusion applies when denying a claim. The act also requires insurers to clearly differentiate pet wellness programs, which are services to promote general pet health and are not insurance, from actual insurance policies to prevent consumer confusion. Furthermore, insurance producers, or agents, must complete specific training on topics like preexisting conditions and the differences between insurance and wellness programs, and can only sell pet insurance if they hold an active license in life, health, personal lines, or property and casualty insurance. The bill also includes provisions for policy renewals, waiting periods before coverage begins, policy limits, and benefit schedules, and grants consumers a 30-day period to review and return a policy for a full refund if unsatisfied.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Withdrawn Because Approved P.L.2025, c.224. (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A942 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1000/942_I1.HTM |
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