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HI HB544

Bill

Status

Passed

5/19/2025

Primary Sponsor

Andrew Garrett

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2025 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for pet insurance in Hawaii effective January 1, 2026, based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Pet Insurance Model Act.

  • Requires pet insurers to disclose coverage exclusions (chronic conditions, congenital anomalies, hereditary disorders, preexisting conditions), waiting periods, deductibles, coinsurance, and policy limits before purchase.

  • Permits waiting periods of up to 30 days for illnesses and orthopedic conditions (not accidents) and allows insurers to waive waiting periods upon completion of a veterinary medical examination.

  • Prohibits medical examinations as a requirement for policy renewal and prohibits policy eligibility from being based on participation in separate wellness programs.

  • Requires insurance producers to be licensed under property and casualty lines and complete training covering preexisting conditions, waiting periods, differences between insurance and wellness programs, and underwriting practices.

Legislative Description

Relating To Pet Insurance.

Regulation

Last Action

Act 079, on 05/19/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1179).

5/19/2025

Committee Referrals

Judiciary3/21/2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection3/6/2025
Consumer Protection & Commerce1/21/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available