Pet Insurance for Existing Health Issues: Key Things to Understand
Key takeaways
- Many pet health insurance providers do not include coverage for issues that existed before the policy was purchased, such as problems that develop during the initial waiting phase.
- Insurance companies for pets typically separate treatable from untreatable prior health issues and may provide coverage based on these distinctions.
- Typically, coverage for treatable pre-existing conditions necessitates that your pet remains free of symptoms for a specific duration prior to qualifying for the benefit.
When obtaining pet insurance, the expectation is that the coverage will assist with expenses when your animal companion requires veterinary care. Nevertheless, if your pet is receiving treatment for an issue it has had before, the benefits may not cover it.
In numerous instances, even the best insurance companies will not include pre-existing conditions. Nevertheless, certain pet insurance policies may cover treatable pre-existing conditions once your animal has remained free of symptoms for a specific duration.
Before you get a pet insurance policy, make sure you understand pet insurance coverage limitations, exclusions, waiting periods and what’s considered a pre-existing condition.
Do pet insurance policies cover health issues that existed before enrollment?
Most pet insurance plans do not cover pre-existing medical conditions. That said, certain insurers make a distinction between treatable and untreatable pre-existing issues. Should an insurer offer coverage for treatable pre-existing conditions, they often require that your animal has shown no symptoms for a specific duration, generally ranging from six months to one year.
Top pet insurance options for pre-existing health issues
Evaluate the expenses, advantages, and characteristics of leading pet insurance providers to determine the best provider for your beloved animal's requirements.
Spot
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
- Average cost: $44.14 per month
- Annual coverage options: $2,500 to unlimited
- Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, 90%
- Deductible options $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
Embrace
- Rating : 4 stars out of 5
- Average cost : $60.00 per month
- Annual coverage options : $2,000 to unlimited
- Reimbursement options : 70%, 80%, 90%
- Deductible options $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
AKC
- Rating : 3.5 stars
- Average cost : $58.33 per month
- Annual coverage options : $2,500-$10,000
- Reimbursement options : 70%, 80%, 90%
- Deductible options $100, $250, $300, $400, $500, $600, $750, $1,000
What criteria do pet insurance providers use to identify health issues that existed before coverage began?
Pet insurance providers typically classify a pre-existing condition as an illness or ailment that your animal had been identified with or received treatment for prior to signing up for the veterinary coverage. Moreover, several pet insurance firms also view a condition as pre-existing if signs are addressed during the initial waiting phase after enrollment.
The likelihood of a hereditary or breed-related health issue being classified as a pre-existing condition may vary depending on the insurer, even if your pet has not exhibited symptoms before joining a pet insurance policy.
Curable
A treatable prior health issue refers to a condition that can be addressed and resolved through medical care. These are typically ailments that disappear following treatment, allowing your animal companion to live without symptoms. Examples include:
- Ear infections
- Common colds or another type of sickness
- Nausea or loose stools not connected to an ongoing health issue
- Urinary tract infections
- Dental illnesses like gingivitis
Incurable
A permanent health issue that exists before treatment cannot be cured. Rather, you may take drugs or undergo different treatments to control the signs. Some instances are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Allergies
- Cruciate ligament tears
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
Are there any companies that provide insurance for prior medical conditions?
Certain pet insurance companies provide protection for treatable prior health issues. For instance, Spot It will include coverage for a treatable underlying health issue if your pet has not shown symptoms or needed care for the condition for 180 days. Embrace provides protection for treatable pre-existing health issues once your pet has gone without symptoms or medical intervention for 12 continuous months after the last occurrence.
A notable pet insurance provider is AKC. This insurer offers coverage for permanent health issues such as cruciate ligament damage and hip dysplasia once you have maintained uninterrupted coverage for 365 days.
Is a veterinary check-up required to obtain pet insurance?
Pet insurance usually doesn't require a veterinary check-up. That said, getting one may help lower (or eliminate) the waiting time before coverage starts for specific health issues and hereditary problems. Moreover, you could be asked to share past medical documents so the insurer can determine if your animal has any ongoing health concerns.
Does pet insurance remain beneficial for pets with prior health issues?
Even if your family pet has an ongoing health issue, pet insurance could still be beneficial financially. It may cover expenses related to unexpected injuries or ailments that aren't connected to the pre-existing condition.
If your pet experiences an urgent health issue or accident, pet insurance may help lower your expenses. Take time to assess your circumstances to decide whether the... Is pet insurance worth the cost? , even if your pet has an underlying health issue.
FAQ
Is it possible to obtain pet insurance for a pet with an existing health issue?
Certainly, pet insurance is available even if your animal has a prior health issue. That said, expenses connected to this condition may not be covered under your policy.
For how long should a condition remain without symptoms to be regarded as treatable?
It varies depending on the pet insurance provider. Certain companies view it as treatable if your pet remains without symptoms for 180 days, whereas some may ask for 365 days or longer.
Are hereditary conditions considered pre-existing?
Some pet insurance companies consider hereditary and breed-specific conditions pre-existing. Others will cover those conditions after a special waiting period, while some companies don’t consider them pre-existing as long as they haven’t been treated prior to enrollment in a plan.
Is pet insurance likely to pay for issues related to a condition that was treated before?
The availability of coverage can vary depending on the insurer, as some require your pet to stay free of symptoms for a set duration. Nevertheless, certain pet insurance providers might exclude specific conditions from coverage, such as an ear infection, if your pet had prior treatment for it.
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