Does pet insurance cover preexisting conditions?

What are preexisting conditions in pet insurance?

A preexisting condition in pet insurance refers to any health issue, illness or injury that your pet had before your policy started or during the waiting period. These conditions are often excluded from coverage because pet insurance is designed to protect you from costs associated with future problems, not existing conditions. There are two types of preexisting conditions:

• Incurable conditions: These are chronic (ongoing) conditions that cannot be completely cured. Examples include diabetes, arthritis, Cushing’s disease and cancer.
• Curable conditions: These are conditions that can be treated and healed. Curable conditions include ear infections, broken bones and parasites.

Some insurance providers offer coverage for curable conditions after a waiting period without symptoms or treatment. Waiting periods for curable preexisting coverage vary by provider, so pay close attention when selecting pet insurance.

How do preexisting conditions affect pet insurance coverage?

Preexisting conditions generally don’t impact the overall coverage offered by pet insurance. However, most pet insurance companies won’t cover any condition that was diagnosed before your policy began. You may also receive a claim denial if you waited to seek medical attention for a problem until your policy became effective (called the policy’s “effective date”).

For example, if your dog has a history of hip dysplasia, any treatments related to that condition will likely be excluded from your policy. However, this exclusion won’t affect coverage for new, unrelated conditions that arise after your policy's effective date.

Ultimately, while preexisting conditions themselves most likely won’t be covered, pet insurance still provides valuable protection for a wide range of other health issues, from accidents to new illnesses and conditions.

What options are available for pets with preexisting conditions?

For pets with preexisting conditions, there are still several options for coverage, depending on the insurer and the nature of the condition. While most providers do not cover preexisting conditions, some offer exceptions based on whether the condition is curable or incurable and how long the pet has been symptom-free. Below is a table outlining the waiting periods of four pet insurance providers when it comes to covering curable preexisting conditions:

Even when it won’t cover preexisting conditions, pet insurance may be worthwhile to help you cover new and unexpected illnesses or accidents.

How to choose the best pet insurance plan

When you’re choosing the best pet insurance plan, it’s important to consider your pet’s health history, including any preexisting conditions. While most pet insurance providers exclude coverage for preexisting conditions, some offer exceptions for curable conditions. Be sure to check the policy details to see whether your provider covers preexisting conditions after a waiting period and whether any exclusions apply. Also, consider getting a pet insurance plan as soon as possible when you get a pet to help avoid preexisting condition exclusions.

Preexisting condition coverage is just one factor to consider. Pet owners should review the full list of benefits and restrictions when selecting a plan. For example, you’ll want to look for:

• Coverage for accidents and new illnesses: While preexisting conditions may be excluded, the plan should still cover new injuries and health issues.
• Waiting periods: Understand how long you’ll need to wait before coverage for certain conditions begins, especially for curable preexisting conditions.
• Annual limits: Check the annual payout limits for different types of care, as some plans may have higher limits for surgeries or emergencies.
• Deductibles and premiums: Look for a balance between premiums and deductible amounts that fit within your budget while still finding good coverage for unexpected costs.
• Reimbursement rates: Make sure the plan offers reimbursement options that work for you — whether that’s through a percentage-based system or a set amount per service.

Choosing the best plan comes down to understanding the full scope of what’s covered and ensuring that it meets your pet’s needs and your budget. Failing to understand your policy can result in unexpected costs, so make sure to review all the terms and conditions thoroughly before making a decision.