An Act to create 628.34 (16), 628.349 and 632.105 of the statutes; Relating to: pet insurance and granting rule-making authority.
Impact
AB949 would significantly alter existing statutes related to the insurance industry by positioning pet insurance under a clear legislative structure that includes definitions, training requirements for intermediaries, and detailed disclosure mandates. The bill stipulates that purchases of pet wellness programs cannot be a prerequisite for obtaining pet insurance, aimed at preventing insurance providers from conditioning coverage on the sale of additional wellness products. Overall, this legislation would empower consumers by ensuring they have distinct, comprehensive information about their insurance options, thus fostering a more informed decision-making process.
Summary
Assembly Bill 949, introduced in 2026, aims to establish a regulatory framework for pet insurance in Wisconsin by adopting provisions from the model Pet Insurance Act. The bill defines key terms related to pet insurance and wellness programs, ensuring that pet insurance policies clearly differentiate between insurance and wellness offerings. It mandates that pet wellness programs cannot be marketed as pet insurance and outlines specific requirements for their sale and advertising, protecting consumers from misleading claims. This regulation seeks to clarify the relationship between pet insurance and wellness plans, offering transparency for pet owners.
Contention
While supporters of AB949 argue that it will enhance consumer protection and improve the clarity of pet insurance products, opponents may raise concerns regarding the potential for increased costs for insurers due to compliance with new regulations. Some stakeholders within the insurance industry might view the mandates on disclosures and the separation of wellness programs as potentially burdensome. Furthermore, there is a dialogue about whether the new requirements may unintentionally limit the variety of pet insurance products in the market, which could impact choice for pet owners.