Key Takeaways
- Pet insurance may cover “curable” pre-existing conditions like kennel cough, but generally doesn’t cover other preexisting conditions.
- Pet insurance companies for preexisting conditions may want a medical exam or request medical records when you buy a policy.
- An insurer may instead request medical records following a pet insurance claim to see if a preexisting condition exists.
Pet insurance may cover a preexisting condition depending on the policy and the type of condition. If your pet has a preexisting condition, you can still buy coverage, but the company may require that the pet is symptom-free for a period to cover the condition.
Even if your pet has been diagnosed with an incurable condition, pet insurance is still an option. You may get coverage for other issues like accidents, illnesses and prescriptions. You can also buy add-on wellness coverage, which pays for routine expenses like annual wellness exams and vaccinations.
Do Pet Insurance Policies Cover Pre-existing Conditions?
Pet insurance companies may cover “curable” preexisting conditions like ear infections and kennel cough, but the specific policy dictates whether the company covers certain conditions. Pet insurers won’t typically cover “incurable” preexisting conditions like cancer and hip dysplasia.
You don’t need a diagnosis for a pet insurance company to consider it a preexisting condition. Symptoms can be considered a preexisting condition even if your pet hasn’t been diagnosed with the condition. For instance, let’s say you bring your pet to the vet because it was limping, and the veterinarian didn’t diagnose the cause. Your pet’s limp will now be in its medical records, and if it resolves itself but comes back months or years later, a pet insurance company could consider it a preexisting condition.
Even though there isn’t a diagnosis, a pet insurance company could deny future pet insurance claims if an undiagnosed issue resurfaces later.
A pet insurance company may want to see your pet’s medical records to check for preexisting conditions. That’s the case for Embrace. You can still cancel coverage if the company won’t cover your pet for preexisting conditions after a medical record review.
Not all companies require a medical history review, such as ASPCA pet insurance. That insurer doesn’t demand a vet exam or your pet’s medical records when buying a policy.
A company may alternatively want to see medical records following a pet insurance claim. One example is Pets Best, which may require medical records to see if a preexisting condition exists.
The Best Pet Insurance Companies
What’s a List of Pre-existing Conditions for Pet Insurance?
Some pet insurers will cover curable preexisting conditions, such as an ear infection, after your pet is free of symptoms and treatment for a period of time (such as 180 days). Pet insurance may also cover other types of conditions if they don’t arise until after you buy a policy and following the coverage’s waiting period. Here’s a list of preexisting conditions for pet insurance and whether it’s covered.
| Type of condition | Is this preexisting condition covered? | Examples of condition |
|---|---|---|
| Curable conditions | Some pet insurers cover curable conditions | Bladder infections, diarrhea, ear infections, urinary tract infections and vomiting |
| Incurable conditions | No | Allergies, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, intervertebral disc disease and kidney disease |
| Bilateral conditions | No | Cruciate ligament tear and hip dysplasia |
| Hereditary/congenital conditions | No | Congenital heart disease, hypothyroidism and idiopathic epilepsy |
Which Pet Insurance Companies Cover Pre-existing Conditions?
Here’s a look at the pet insurance companies that cover preexisting conditions and which ones don’t.
| Company | What’s covered? | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Curable preexisting conditions (except for knee and ligament conditions) if your pet is free of symptoms and treatments for 180 days. | Via Forbes Advisor's Partner | |
| Curable preexisting conditions for plans through Lemonade that have been resolved for at least 12 months may be covered. Curable preexisting conditions for plans sold through Trupanion are not covered. | Via Forbes Advisor's Partner | |
| Curable preexisting conditions if your pet is symptom- and treatment-free for 12 months. | Via Forbes Advisor's Partner | |
| Preexisting conditions may be eligible after a 365-day waiting period and only for treatment that occurs after the waiting period. | Via Forbes Advisor's Partner | |
| Curable preexisting conditions if your pet does not show any symptoms within 12 months from the day you purchased your plan. | Via Forbes Advisor's Partner | |
| Figo recommends you call their Customer Experience to determine if your pet’s curable preexisting conditions qualify for coverage after being symptom-free within 12 months of last treatment. | Via Forbes Advisor's Partner | |
| Curable preexisting conditions if the pet has been free of symptoms and has had no further treatment for 180 days. | Via Forbes Advisor's Partner | |
| Does not cover curable preexisting conditions. | Via Forbes Advisor's Partner | |
| Preexisting conditions that have been cured and resolved for at least 12 months. Eligibility requirements depend on your state. | Via Forbes Advisor's Partner | |
| Preexisting conditions that were previously covered under a MetLife group benefits policy will be covered if you switch to a MetLife Pet policy. | Via Forbes Advisor's Partner | |
| You can ask Nationwide to review preexisting conditions that have been cured, and an exception may be added. | Via Forbes Advisor's Partner | |
| Curable preexisting conditions (except for knee and ligament conditions) if the condition has been free of symptoms and treatment for 180 days. | Via Forbes Advisor's Partner | |
| Covers an illness or injury that is a one-time incident that resolves on its own or through treatment. If your pet’s condition has been resolved by a licensed veterinarian and remains free of treatment for related symptoms for at least 365 days, your pet’s condition may be covered. | Via Forbes Advisor's Partner | |
| Curable conditions (except for knee and ligament conditions) that have been free of treatment and symptoms for 180 days. | Via Forbes Advisor's Partner | |
| Curable conditions if your pet was free of symptoms and professional treatment for 180 days (except for knee and ligament conditions). | Via Forbes Advisor's Partner | |
| Does not cover any preexisting conditions. | Via Forbes Advisor's Partner |
Finding the Right Insurance for a Pet with Preexisting Conditions
Jason Metz
Insurance Lead Editor
Ashlee Valentine
Insurance Editor
Michelle Megna
Insurance Lead Editor
Buy a Pet Insurance Plan Early On
I encourage you to buy a plan before your pet develops any health issues, like diabetes or orthopedic conditions. If you wait until after your pet develops health problems, you won’t be covered for vet bills related to those issues.
Insurance Lead Editor
Be a Proactive Pet Owner
I would urge pet owners to be proactive with their pet’s health care. Address any injuries and illnesses so they don’t worsen and stay current on your pet’s vaccinations to help reduce the chances of developing an incurable condition.
Insurance Editor
Not All Insurers Require a Vet Exam
If you want to skip the veterinary exam before buying a policy, I recommend looking for a company that doesn’t require it, such as ASPCA pet insurance.
Insurance Lead Editor
Pet Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is pet insurance still worth it if a pet doesn’t get coverage for a preexisting condition?
Even if an insurance company doesn’t cover your pet’s preexisting condition, pet insurance may still be worthwhile because of its other types of coverage.
For instance, pet insurance covers accidents and injuries, common and serious illnesses, procedures, prescriptions and alternative treatments. Pet insurance policies vary, so you’ll want to understand exactly what the policy covers and what it doesn’t cover.
What role do waiting periods play in preexisting conditions?
If a condition or symptoms begin during a policy’s waiting period, the pet insurance company generally considers the issue a preexisting condition.
Waiting periods may be for a short time, such as 15 days, or much longer for more serious conditions like orthopedic issues. Waiting periods for more serious conditions may last six to 12 months.
How can I avoid insurance companies finding preexisting conditions?
The best way to avoid preexisting condition exclusions is to buy pet insurance when the pet is young and healthy. These conditions typically develop over time, which is why it’s wise to purchase pet insurance when the pet is young and keep that coverage throughout its life.
Compare Pet Insurance Plans
Via Forbes Advisor's Partner
