SECTION 38.2-3518. Standards for policy provisions  

A. Pursuant to the authority granted in § 38.2-223 , the Commission may issue rules and regulations to establish specific standards, including standards of full and fair disclosure, for the sale of individual accident and sickness insurance policies. These rules and regulations shall be in addition to and in accordance with applicable laws of this Commonwealth, including Chapter 34 (§ 38.2-223 et seq.) and Articles 1 (§ 38.2-223 et seq.) and 2 (§ 38.2-223 et seq.) of this chapter which may cover but shall not be limited to:

1. Terms of renewability;

2. Initial and subsequent conditions of eligibility;

3. Nonduplication of coverage provisions;

4. Coverage of dependents;

5. Coverage of persons eligible for Medicare by reason of age;

6. Preexisting conditions;

7. Termination of insurance;

8. Probationary periods;

9. Limitations;

10. Exceptions;

11. Reductions;

12. Elimination periods;

13. Requirements for replacement;

14. Recurrent conditions; and

15. Definition of terms including but not limited to the following: hospital, accident, sickness, injury, physician, accidental means, total disability, partial disability, nervous disorder, guaranteed renewable, and noncancellable.

For the purposes of this article, "licensed health care practitioners", to the extent required by law, shall be deemed physicians.

B. Pursuant to the authority granted in § 38.2-223 , the Commission may issue rules and regulations that specify prohibited policies or policy provisions not otherwise specifically authorized by statute that in the opinion of the Commission are unjust, unfair, or unfairly discriminatory to the policyowner, beneficiary, or any person insured under the policy.

1980, c. 204, § 38.1-362.13; 1981, c. 575; 1986, c. 562.