Pennsylvania Statutes Title 40 P.S. Insurance § 1171.3. Definitions

As used in this act:

“Abuse” has the meaning given in 23 Pa.C.S. § 6102(a) (relating to definitions), notwithstanding the limited applicability provision in paragraph (5) of the definition of “abuse” in 23 Pa.C.S. § 6102(a). The term also means attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing damage to property so as to intimidate or attempt to control the behavior of another person covered under 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 61 (relating to protection from abuse).

“Affiliated insurer” means an insurer that is an affiliate as defined in section 1401 of the act of May 17, 1921 (P.L. 682, No. 284),  1 known as “The Insurance Company Law of 1921.”

“Commissioner” means the insurance commissioner of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

“Family or household members” has the meaning given in 23 Pa.C.S. § 6102(a) (relating to definitions).

“Insurance policy” or “Insurance Contract” means any contract of insurance, indemnity, health care, suretyship, title insurance, or annuity issued, proposed for issuance or intended for issuance by any person.

“Person” means any individual, corporation, association, partnership, reciprocal exchange, inter-insurer, Lloyds insurer, fraternal benefit society, beneficial association and any other legal entity engaged in the business of insurance, including agents, brokers and adjusters and also means health care plans. As defined in 40 Pa.C.S.A. Ch. 61 relating to hospital plan corporations,  2 40 Pa.C.S.A. Ch. 63 relating to professional health services plan corporations,  3 40 Pa.C.S.A. Ch. 65 relating to fraternal and beneficial societies  4 40 Pa.C.S.A., Ch. 67 relating to beneficial societies  5 and the act of December 29, 1972 (P.L. 1701, No. 364),  6 known as the “Voluntary Nonprofit Health Service Act of 1972.” For purposes of this act, health care plans, fraternal benefit societies and beneficial societies shall be deemed to be engaged in the business of insurance.

“Renewal” or “to renew” means the issuance and delivery by an insurer of a policy superseding at the end of the policy period a policy previously issued and delivered by the same insurer or affiliated insurer, such renewal policy to provide types and limits of coverage at least equal to those contained in the policy being superseded, or the issuance and delivery of a certificate or notice extending the term of a policy beyond its policy period or term with types and limits of coverage at least equal to those contained in the policy being extended: Provided, however, That any policy with a policy period or term of less than twelve months or any period with no fixed expiration date shall for the purpose of this act be considered as if written for successive policy periods or terms of twelve months.

“Victim” means an individual who is or has been subjected to abuse.

“Victim of abuse” means an individual who is a victim or an individual who seeks or has sought medical or psychological treatment for abuse, protection from abuse or shelter from abuse.