If you’re considering buying accident and illness coverage for your pet, you may find that many insurers don’t cover pre-existing conditions. This can be frustrating, especially if your pet has a health condition that needs continuous treatment. We’re here to help you understand what this coverage exclusion means and how you can still make the most out of pet insurance.
What Is a Pre-Existing Condition?
In pet insurance, a pre-existing condition is any condition your pet showed symptoms of before you purchased an insurance policy. So, if you enroll in a pet insurance plan after your pet has become ill or injured, the insurer will not pay any claims associated with that ailment or accident.
When a policy is started, most pet insurance companies have a waiting period before coverage begins for accidents and illnesses. These periods vary by insurer and can vary by coverage. If a condition is diagnosed during a waiting period, it’s considered a pre-existing condition and will not be covered by the policy moving forward.
Some insurers may even classify a condition that arises after the waiting period as a pre-existing condition. For example, cancer is often considered a pre-existing condition even if there weren’t any signs during the waiting period because it can take a long time to develop.
Curable Pre-Existing Conditions
A curable pre-existing condition is an illness or injury that your pet has had but hasn’t shown signs or symptoms of within a certain timeframe that is specified and varies by insurer. Generally, if your pet’s medical history shows that there were no instances of these things within a year, they’re eligible to be covered for curable conditions.
Examples of Curable Pre-Existing Conditions
- Bladder infections
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Respiratory infections
Incurable Pre-Existing Conditions
Let’s say that your pet suffers from a different condition in the same area as the original pre-existing condition they were diagnosed with, and the cause is undetermined. The insurance company could count both conditions as a single pre-existing condition, even though they may not be directly related.
For example, let’s say your pet has a nasty bout of gastritis that clears up and then has problems with colitis a few months later. These two illnesses can be considered the result of a general inflammatory health issue, which would make both conditions ineligible for coverage. So even if your pet goes without another flare-up for a long time, your insurance won’t cover incurable conditions.
Examples of Incurable Pre-Existing Conditions
- Allergies
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Hyper and hypothyroidism
- Orthopedic injuries
- Urinary cysts
Bilateral Pre-Existing Conditions
A bilateral condition affects both the left and right sides of the body. In most cases, the condition forms on one side of the body and spreads to the other side.
Examples of Bilateral Pre-Existing Conditions
- Cruciate ligament tear
- Glaucoma
- Hip dysplasia
Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
Hereditary and congenital conditions are usually considered pre-existing if your pet shows symptoms or is diagnosed before your insurance starts.
- Hereditary conditions are passed down from a pet’s parents. They might not be noticeable at birth, but can develop over time.
- Congenital conditions are present from birth, even if symptoms don’t show up right away.
Because these conditions can last a lifetime and be expensive to treat, many pet insurance companies won’t cover them if they appear before your policy begins. That’s why it’s smart to sign up early—while your pet is still healthy—to get the best chance at full, continuous coverage later on.
Examples of Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
- Cleft palates
- Epilepsy
- Hydrocephalus
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. It’s designed to help offset the cost of future, unexpected medical emergencies and veterinary bills, not costs for previous ones. For example, if your pet gets hit by a car and needs X-rays and surgery, pet insurance can help significantly lower the cost of care.
What Insurers Offer Pre-Existing Condition Pet Insurance Coverage?
Every insurance company is different, so you have to do your research. Some insurers may handle pre-existing conditions differently from others. For example, some may or may not cover curable pre-existing conditions.
Here’s a list of pet insurance companies that cover curable pre-existing conditions to help you start your search. We highly recommend contacting the insurer you’re considering for further clarification on coverage details.
| Insurer | Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| Embrace Pet Insurance | Covers curable pre-existing conditions if your pet is free of symptoms and treatment for 12 months. |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Program | Covers curable pre-existing conditions (except for knee and ligament conditions) if your pet is free of symptoms and treatment for 180 days. |
| Fetch Pet Insurance | Covers curable pre-existing conditions if your pet is free of symptoms within 12 months from the day your plan was purchased. |
| Prudent Pet Insurance | Covers one-time curable pre-existing conditions if your pet is free of symptoms or treatment for at least 365 days. |
| Pets Best Pet Insurance | Covers curable pre-existing conditions (except for knee and ligament conditions) if your pet is free of symptoms and treatment for 180 days. |
| Lemonade Pet Insurance | Covers curable pre-existing conditions if your pet is free of symptoms and treatment for at least 12 months.* |
| Pumpkin Pet Insurance | Covers curable pre-existing conditions (except for knee and ligament conditions) if your pet is free of symptoms and treatment for 180 days. |
| Spot Pet Insurance | Covers curable pre-existing conditions (except for knee and ligament conditions) if your pet is free of symptoms and treatment for 180 days. |
| Healthy Paws Pet Insurance | Covers acute conditions (e.g., an ear infection) that completely resolve or heal and are not chronic. |
| Figo Pet Insurance | Covers curable pre-existing conditions if your pet is free of symptoms and treatment for at least 12 months. |
* Eligibility may vary by state.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It for Cats or Dogs With Pre-Existing Conditions?
Yes, it's still worth buying pet insurance. If your pet has a pre-existing condition, they’re still eligible for coverage of future accidents and illnesses. Make sure you compare your options to see if there are higher premiums or any exclusions from coverage. Each insurance company is different, so make sure you shop around to get the coverage your pet needs at the most affordable price.
Tips for Finding Insurance for a Pet With Pre-Existing Conditions
Here are some tips for finding pet insurance for a pet that has pre-existing conditions.
Get a Veterinary Exam
Take your pet to the vet for an exam before enrolling in pet insurance. This will give you context about your pet's health that can help guide your pet insurance search. Also, the medical records from this visit will be reviewed by an insurer to verify any pre-existing conditions.
Insure Your Pet Sooner Rather Than Later
The best thing you can do to help ensure your pet is covered for as much as possible is to get them insured when they’re young. Premiums will be less expensive for a puppy or kitten than for an older dog or cat. Plus, the coverage will be in place before most chronic conditions start appearing.
If you start coverage when they’re young, things that would be considered pre-existing conditions later when filing a claim will likely already be covered since they aren’t present on your pet’s medical records.
Enroll Your Pet in a Wellness Pet Insurance Plan
Some insurers offer pet wellness plans as an optional add-on to their accident and illness plans. This type of coverage typically has no waiting period and covers costs for annual vet exams, routine treatments, and preventative medicine to help keep your pet healthy and catch any problems early
Chat With a Pet Insurer Representative
Speaking with a customer service representative from an insurer you’re looking at enrolling with can help clarify any specific questions you may have about coverage and exclusions.
Pre-Existing Conditions FAQs
Does my pet need to be examined before enrolling in pet insurance?
It depends on the insurer, but most pet insurance companies require a veterinary examination before enrollment or shortly afterward to assess pre-existing conditions.
Compare Pet Insurance Plans
