Puerto RicoPS 097620th Legislative Assembly (2025-2028)SenateWALLET

Para añadir un nuevo Capítulo 48 a la Ley Núm. 77 de 19 de junio de 1957, según enmendada, conocida como “Código de Seguros de Puerto Rico", a los fines de regular el ofrecimiento y la venta de pólizas de seguros para mascotas, establecer divulgaciones mínimas y uniformes al consumidor, definir términos aplicables, disponer requisitos básicos de póliza y prácticas de mercadeo, facultar al Comisionado de Seguros para su implantación y fiscalización; y para otros fines relacionados

Sponsored By: Thomas Rivera Schatz (PNP)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Stronger coverage rights for pet owners

The law covers pet insurance offered or delivered in Puerto Rico, including policies for dogs, cats, and other companion animals. Insurers can decide which species qualify, but must use the law’s definitions when using those terms in policies. Those definitions must appear in the policy or an added policy document, with a clear website link. Waiting periods apply only at the start of coverage: up to 30 days for illness or orthopedic conditions unrelated to accidents, and none for accidents. Insurers must allow a waiver through a licensed veterinarian’s exam after purchase and cannot require an exam for renewal. Insurers must disclose exclusions for preexisting conditions and prove they apply when denying a claim. They cannot reclassify a previously covered condition as preexisting at renewal; optional added coverage for cancer and certain other diseases remains allowed.

Clearer pet insurance costs and refunds

Before purchase and issuance, insurers must explain exclusions, waiting periods, deductibles, your share of costs, and per-event, annual, or lifetime limits. They must disclose possible coverage cuts, changed terms, or premium increases tied to claims, pet age, or location, subject to the Commissioner’s prior approval. Claim-payment methods and any benefit tables must appear in the policy and online, including how fee-based reimbursement limits work. Required vet exams must be explained, including who pays, possible preexisting-condition exclusions, and exam requirements for a waiting-period waiver. At issuance, buyers must receive a separate key-policy disclosure in at least 12-point type, also linked from the insurer’s homepage. Buyers must also receive insurer, Commissioner, and applicable agent contact information. You have at least 15 days to review and return the policy for a premium refund, unless you filed a claim during that period.

Pet wellness plans stay separate

Sellers cannot present a wellness program as pet insurance or market it during an insurance sale, application, or negotiation. When insurers or agents sell these programs, buying one must be optional and cannot be required to get insurance. Costs must be separately identified, terms must be in a separate document, and benefits cannot duplicate the insurance policy’s coverage. Advertising must be truthful, with a bold notice in at least 12-point type explaining that the program is not insurance. Wellness benefits included in an insurance policy, or programs structured as insurance, are subject to the Insurance Code.

Stronger oversight of pet insurance sellers

Pet insurance agents must hold the required license and complete training before selling, seeking buyers, or negotiating policies. Insurers must train agents on exclusions, waiting periods, wellness plans, coverage, and policy rules; the Commissioner can evaluate comparable training from another U.S. jurisdiction. Policy forms, added coverage documents, disclosures, and rates need the Puerto Rico Insurance Commissioner’s approval before use. The Commissioner can require corrections, stop future use of unlawful forms or rates, and impose Insurance Code penalties, fines, restitution, or refunds. The law takes effect immediately upon approval and overrides conflicting general Insurance Code rules. Necessary regulations are due within 90 days of approval; existing insurers and agents have 180 days to meet disclosure and minimum-policy requirements.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Thomas Rivera Schatz

    PNP • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 74 • No: 0

House vote • 6/24/2026

Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/23/2026

Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

Yes: 26 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Ley Núm. 186 — Firmada por la Gobernadora

    8/17/2026Senate
  2. Enviado a la Gobernadora

    7/20/2026House
  3. Firmado por el Presidente de la Cámara

    7/14/2026House
  4. Firmado por el Presidente del Senado

    7/7/2026Senate
  5. Se dispone que sea enrolado

    6/29/2026House
  6. Cuerpo de Origen concurre con enmiendas

    6/29/2026Senate
  7. Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

    6/24/2026House
  8. Aprobado con enmiendas del informe

    6/24/2026House
  9. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales de la Cámara

    6/24/2026House
  10. Remitido a Comisión de Calendarios de la Cámara

    6/23/2026House
  11. Entirillado del Informe

    6/23/2026House
  12. 2do Informe Comisión rendido con enmiendas

    6/23/2026House
  13. Devuelto a la Comisión(es)

    6/18/2026House
  14. Se retira 1er Informe

    6/18/2026House
  15. Remitido a Comisión de Calendarios de la Cámara

    6/16/2026House
  16. Entirillado del Informe

    6/16/2026House
  17. 1er Informe Comisión rendido con enmiendas

    6/16/2026House
  18. Referido a Comisión(es)

    4/7/2026House
  19. Aparece en Primera Lectura de la Cámara

    4/7/2026House
  20. Texto de Aprobación Final enviado a la Cámara

    3/23/2026Senate
  21. Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

    3/23/2026Senate
  22. Aprobado con enmiendas en sala

    3/23/2026Senate
  23. Aprobado con enmiendas del informe

    3/23/2026Senate
  24. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales del Senado

    3/23/2026Senate
  25. Remitido a la Comisión de Reglas y Calendario del Senado

    3/12/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Se dispone que sea enrolado

    6/29/2026

  • Texto de Aprobación Final enviado a la Cámara

    3/23/2026

  • Radicado

    1/22/2026

  • Radicado (Senado mirror)

    1/22/2026

Related Bills

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