CA AB553

Expands the definition of "veterinary expenses" in pet insurance policies to include costs for medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment provided by a person working under the direction of a veterinarian, effective January 1, 2022.

Requires pet insurance policies issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2022, to provide full coverage for sterilization surgery and all associated veterinary expenses without copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, or other cost-sharing requirements.

Prohibits insurers from requiring policyholders to purchase additional benefits or make extra payments to obtain sterilization surgery coverage.

Requires pet insurance cancellation notices to be delivered at least 20 calendar days before the effective cancellation date, or at least 10 calendar days in cases of nonpayment of premiums or fraud.

Allows cancellation notices to be transmitted electronically or by mail, with mail notices subject to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1013 requirements.