Unfortunately, most standard pet insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions. Here’s how they typically handle them:
What is a Pre-Existing Condition?
- Any health issue that showed symptoms or was diagnosed before your pet’s insurance coverage started, or during any waiting periods the policy may have.
- This includes chronic conditions (like arthritis or allergies) and anything noted in your pet’s medical records, even if not actively treated.
How Pet Insurance Excludes Pre-Existing Conditions:
- Full Exclusion:Â The most common approach. The insurance company won’t cover any costs related to the pre-existing condition, including future flare-ups or complications.
- Curable vs. Incurable:Â Some plans might distinguish:
- Curable conditions (like a resolved ear infection) may be covered after a waiting period.
- Incurable or chronic conditions (diabetes, hip dysplasia) are likely permanently excluded.
- Bilateral Conditions:Â If a pre-existing issue occurs in one body part (like a leg injury), problems developing in the opposite matching body part (other leg) might also be excluded.
Are There Exceptions?
- Very Limited:Â A few newer pet insurance companies might offer limited coverage for some manageable pre-existing conditions under very specific circumstances.
- Group Plans:Â If you get pet insurance through your employer, it might have slightly more lenient terms than individual plans.
Why the Restriction?
Insurers exclude pre-existing conditions to prevent people from enrolling pets only when they know they’ll need expensive treatment. This helps keep premiums affordable for everyone.
What to Do if Your Pet Has Pre-Existing Conditions
- Enroll Young & Healthy:Â The best way to ensure coverage is to get pet insurance when your pet is young and before any health problems develop.
- Look for the Few Exceptions:Â Spend time researching the few companies that might offer some limited pre-existing condition coverage.
- Budget for Vet Care:Â If your pet has existing issues, set aside a dedicated savings fund for their ongoing healthcare costs.