Although pet insurance generally does not cover pre-existing conditions, there are some exceptions.
Your pet is not just an animal. And just like any family member, making sure they have the best health coverage is important. But what if your loved one already has a known medical problem? Will pet insurance cover this? Here’s the scoop on what pre-existing conditions pet insurance covers.
Pet Insurance Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions
Insurance companies apply this rule to prevent you from buying a policy only after your pet is sick. So if your pet shows signs of allergies or an ear infection before your policy starts, pet insurance usually won’t pay for treatment.
Common pre-existing conditions for pets
Just like humans, pets can have various health problems. Here Are some pre-existing conditions include in pets:
Allergies.
Arthritis.
Cancer.
Diabetes.
Ear or eye infections.
Are pre-existing conditions ever covered?
Some pet insurance companies distinguish between treatable and non-treatable pre-existing conditions. Although incurable conditions are rarely covered, some insurance companies may cover treatable ones after the pet has been symptom-free for a certain period of time.
Treatable vs. incurable pre-existing conditions
Treatable pre-existing conditions can be completely cured with treatment. Some insurers will cover treatable conditions if your pet remains symptom-free for a specified period of time, often six to 12 months.
Examples of treatable pre-existing conditions may include:
Respiratory infections.
Urinary tract or bladder infection.
Vomiting and diarrhea (non-chronic).
broken bones.
Cuts and bruises.
Kennel cough.
Incurable pre-existing conditions are those that will affect your pet for life. These include chronic diseases or conditions for which there is no cure. Insurance policies generally do not cover these conditions if they are present before the policy starts or during the waiting period.
Examples of incurable pre-existing conditions may include:
Allergies.
Cancer.
Diabetes.
Arthritis.
Chronic kidney disease.
Hip dysplasia.
Epilepsy
Heart disease.
Does pet insurance cover bilateral conditions?
A bilateral condition involves parts of the body that come in joints, such as the hips or knees. Pet insurance may not cover bilateral conditions such as hip dysplasia if one side is affected before the policy starts. If your pet previously had problems with one, insurers often exclude the other side as well, as the condition is likely to recur.
Say your dog tore his right cruciate ligament a year before you bought your policy. If he later injures his left cruciate ligament, after the effective date of your policy, the treatment may not be covered because the insurer considers ligament problems a pre-existing condition.
Does pet insurance cover hereditary or congenital conditions?
Hereditary conditions are diseases or disorders that your pet inherits from a parent, such as Addison’s disease, elbow dysplasia or hypothyroidism. Congenital diseases are those that occur when your pet is born. (Some conditions can be both hereditary and congenital.)
Many pet insurance policies cover hereditary or congenital conditions as long as your pet does not show symptoms before coverage begins. Others have limitations or additional charges.
How do insurers determine pre-existing conditions?
Insurers often ask for your pet’s medical history or veterinary records when you apply for a policy. In some cases, if the history is unclear, insurers may require a veterinary examination.
To avoid surprises, some insurers allow you to request a medical history review. This review provides you with a thorough analysis of what will be considered “pre-existing” for your pet. If your insurer distinguishes between treatable and incurable conditions, it can also tell you which problems your pet may have after a symptom-free period may be covered.
Companies like AKC cover all pre-existing conditions when you get continuous coverage for one year, even if they are incurable.
Review your pet’s medical history. This will give you an idea of what the insurance company may classify as pre-existing. Your veterinarian can help clarify what conditions may be considered chronic or treatable, and if pet insurance is worth it for your pet.
Register early. The sooner you sign your pet up for a health plan, the less likely they are to develop existing problems.
Self insurance. If you have an older pet with one or more pre-existing conditions, pet insurance may be prohibitively expensive or may not cover your pet’s medical problems. In these cases, you may be better off setting aside an emergency fund for health care expenses.
What pet insurance companies cover pre-existing conditions?
Companies like AKC cover all pre-existing conditions when you get continuous coverage for one year, even if they are incurable.
Review your pet’s medical history. This will give you an idea of what the insurance company may classify as pre-existing. Your veterinarian can help clarify what conditions may be considered chronic or treatable, and if pet insurance is worth it for your pet.
Register early. The sooner you sign your pet up for a health plan, the less likely they are to develop existing problems.
Self insurance. If you have an older pet with one or more pre-existing conditions, pet insurance may be prohibitively expensive or may not cover your pet’s medical problems. In these cases, you may be better off setting aside an emergency fund for health care expenses.
What pet insurance companies cover pre-existing conditions?
We’ve looked into how a few well-known pet insurance providers handle pre-existing diseases to help you get a better idea.
| Company | Covers Pre-existing Conditions | Wait Time for Curable Conditions |
| AKC | Yes | 365 days |
| Embrace | Yes (if curable) | 12 months symptom-free |
| Figo | Yes (if curable) | 12 months symptom-free |
| MetLife | Some (curable conditions) | Time not specified |
| Nationwide | Yes (if curable) | 6 months symptom-free |
| Pets Best | Yes (if curable) | Time not specified |
| Spot | Yes (if curable) | 180 days symptom-free |
| Trupanion | Some (curable conditions) | Time not specified |
AKC
AKC pet insurance offers coverage for both treatable and incurable conditions after your pet has been insured for 365 consecutive days. So if your cat needs medication for a chronic kidney condition, you will have to pay for it yourself for the first year of the policy. But after that, the AKC would cover it in several states. This is a unique feature, as most other pet insurance companies do not cover incurable pre-existing conditions.
Embrace
Embrace classifies pre-existing conditions as treatable or incurable. The company may cover treatable conditions if your pet remains symptom-free for 12 months. Incurable conditions are never covered.
Figo
Figo does not cover pre-existing conditions unless the pet has been well and symptom-free for at least 12 months. Figo will review your pet’s medical history over the last 12 months when you join in a plan to see if there are any pre-existing conditions.
Met Life
Unless they are signs of a chronic issue, MetLife may pay for treated pre-existing diseases if they return during the duration of your policy.
Additionally, according to MetLife, if you are moving from a group insurance plan, MetLife might pay for any pre-existing medical conditions that your prior group insurance plan had covered.
National Wide
Generally, pre-existing conditions are not covered nationwide. But if your pet hasn’t shown signs of a treatable condition for at least six months, you can request a review.
Pets best
Pets do not cover the best pre-existing conditions unless they are treatable and fully cured. For example, if your dog broke his leg last year and hasn’t had any problems since then, it may be covered if he breaks it again.
Spot
Spot pet insurance generally does not cover pre-existing conditions. But if a condition is treatable, and your pet is symptom-free for 180 days, it may be covered. Knee and ligament conditions are excluded – they are not covered if they occur before the start date of your policy or during the waiting period.
Troponin
Tropanion can cover some treatable pre-existing conditions such as giardia (intestinal infection) if they recur after a symptom-free period.
Conclusion
While pet insurance typically doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, there are exceptions. Understanding the nuances of coverage and policy specifics can help you make informed decisions regarding your pet’s health care.
In navigating the realm of pet insurance, it’s essential to recognize that while pre-existing conditions may pose challenges, there are avenues to explore for ensuring your pet’s well-being.
Beyond insurance, proactive measures such as regular veterinary check-ups, preventive care, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your furry friend can significantly impact their overall health and minimize the impact of pre-existing conditions. By staying informed, proactive, and attentive to your pet’s needs, you can provide them with the best possible care, regardless of their medical history
FAQs
- Can I get pet insurance for a pet with pre-existing conditions?
- It’s challenging but not impossible. Some insurers may provide coverage for curable conditions after a symptom-free period.
- How do I know if my pet’s condition is considered pre-existing?
- Insurers typically rely on medical history and veterinary records to determine pre-existing conditions. You can also request a medical history review for clarity.
- Are there any pet insurance companies that cover pre-existing conditions without waiting periods?
- AKC pet insurance stands out by offering coverage for both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after 365 consecutive days of coverage.
- What should I do if my pet has a pre-existing condition not covered by insurance?
- Consider setting aside an emergency fund for health care expenses or exploring alternative coverage options.
- Can I switch pet insurance companies to get coverage for pre-existing conditions?
- Switching insurers may not necessarily guarantee coverage for pre-existing conditions, as each company has its own policies and criteria.
good inform