Pet Insurance in Louisiana
If you buy pet insurance Louisiana owners can use, state legal protections apply. These rules cap coverage delays and govern how companies handle claims.
- State statute La. R.S. 22:1371-22:1375 In force since January 1, 2024
- Regulator: Louisiana Department of Insurance
- For complaints, File a complaint.
- Waiting, illness: A 30-day maximum applies to both illness and orthopedic waiting periods.
- Waiting, accident: Accident coverage requires no waiting period.
- Renewal no wait: At renewal, insurers cannot reapply a waiting period.
- Free look: Within 15 days of receiving a new policy, you can return it for a refund of your premium.
Sources: Louisiana Department of Insurance: file a complaint, Louisiana Department of Insurance home page, state page chart for NAIC Pet Insurance Model Act (#633), pet insurance policy conditions and official text, Louisiana Revised Statutes, Louisiana Legislature: Act No. 94 (2023 Regular Session, HB 579)
Under Act No. 94 of 2023 and HB 579, La. Revised Statutes 22:1371 through 22:1375 became effective on January 1, 2024. Policy wait times, claim denials, and agent licensing fall under clear standards set by these rules statewide.
The Louisiana Department of Insurance regulates all companies and agents selling plans here, based on standards included in NAIC's model law adoption list. Throughout North America, 7.6 million pets are covered, reaching 5.99% of US dogs along with 2.29% of US cats.
Louisiana pet insurance laws
All policies sold here must follow strict rules for coverage and the treatment of buyers by companies. A waiting period is the time between buying a plan and when coverage begins paying vet bills. Companies must follow these limits under the state pet insurance statute:
- Illness and orthopedic waits have a 30-day limit.
- Accidents cannot have a waiting period.
- At renewal, an insurer cannot reapply a waiting period to your policy.
A free look lets you send a new policy back within 15 days of receipt and receive a premium refund. The regular payment you make to keep a policy active is called a premium.
Under the law, 1 pre-existing condition definition covers vet advice, treatment, or signs arising before coverage begins or during an active waiting period. The insurer must prove that its exclusion applies when a company rejects your claim as pre-existing. Before selling a plan, insurance agents must also hold a license and finish pet insurance training.
Louisiana pet insurance companies
Published availability from several national providers covers all 50 states:
- Plans from Spot, Embrace, and Fetch are offered nationwide.
- Nationwide offers coverage throughout the US and DC.
- Trupanion serves the US, DC, and Puerto Rico, but some people in certain states may not have access to all products or discounts.
- Nationwide, AKC Pet Insurance sells policies (not every feature is available in every state).
The North American Pet Health Insurance Association reports that the average dog accident and illness premium is $836 yearly, or $70 monthly. Cat coverage for accidents and illness averages $435 each year, or $36 each month. The figures apply nationwide rather than to Louisiana; 4.27% of US pets have coverage. The quote you receive depends on the species, age, breed, and ZIP code of your pet.
How do you file a pet insurance complaint in Louisiana?
State regulators can review your case if you face a denied claim, a delayed refund, or an agent's conduct. Through the Louisiana Department of Insurance, you can file a formal complaint online using the consumer services page. Before you send your request, collect your policy paperwork, vet records, and any written messages from the insurer so the department can review the facts.
Request prices for your pet's plan
We do not sell insurance, provide quotes, or bind policies; your request goes to an insurance agency.