Pet Insurance by State
For pet insurance by state, 17 states have dedicated pet insurance laws, while the rest handle policies under general insurance law.
Policy forms and consumer complaints fall under state insurance departments in all 51 US jurisdictions. The NAIC activity tracker shows related activity in 6 states, while 28 have no model law activity. Insurers still file policy forms with the state insurance regulator in states without a separate pet statute.
Sources: NAIC's model law status chart
State pet insurance laws
A waiting period runs from the time you buy a policy until coverage starts. Dedicated state pet insurance laws limit it. A pre-existing condition is also defined as any health problem your pet showed before coverage started. Insurers must give you policy disclosures that are clear, along with a free look period. That period lets you review a new policy and return it. Agents who sell pet coverage must get specific training, as state rules that follow the NAIC Pet Insurance Model Act require.
Pet insurance model act: the states that adopted it
In 2022, the NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) adopted a model law for pet insurance to create the same consumer protections nationwide.
Look up your state
Each state profile includes local pet insurance law status and rules, a link to the insurance regulator, and the complaint page. Insurers that publish availability there also appear, helping you see which companies offer policies where you live.
Common questions
What does the free look period mean, and how does pet insurance cancellation work?
If you haven't filed a claim, the free look window on a new policy lets you cancel for a full refund. Model law states put these refund rules in state law. Elsewhere, cancellation falls under general insurance rules and the terms of your policy contract. Once the initial window closes, you can still cancel any time under your policy's terms.