Updated: November 19, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Pet insurance still provides financial protection after a diagnosis by covering new, unrelated accidents and illnesses, though the diagnosed condition becomes a pre-existing exclusion.
Consider your pet's age, breed-specific health risks and lifestyle when deciding if getting pet insurance coverage still makes financial sense after a diagnosis.
Research providers that cover pre-existing conditions, compare multiple quotes and policies and maintain continuous coverage to maximize chances of future coverage for your pet’s diagnosed condition.
You can still buy pet insurance after your pet is diagnosed with a condition, but that condition will be considered pre-existing and won’t be covered under the new policy. Future illnesses or injuries are still covered as long as they aren’t related to the diagnosed condition.
Pet insurance can still help with unexpected vet bills by providing reimbursement for eligible costs after you file a claim—it just won’t apply to the condition your pet already had.
Pet insurance companies handle coverage after a diagnosis in different ways, as shown in the table below.
Covers the diagnosed condition after 365 days of continuous enrollment, regardless of whether it’s curable or incurable | |
Covers the diagnosed condition if it’s curable and your pet is symptom-free and treatment-free after 180 days | |
Covers the diagnosed condition if it’s curable and your pet is symptom-free and treatment-free after 12 months | |
Covers the diagnosed condition if it’s curable and your pet is symptom-free and treatment-free after 365 days | |
Covers the diagnosed condition if it’s curable and your pet is symptom-free and treatment-free after 12 months | |
Permanently excludes the diagnosed condition from coverage, regardless of whether it’s curable | |
Covers the diagnosed condition if it’s non-chronic and your pet is symptom-free and treatment-free after 12 months | |
Permanently excludes the diagnosed condition from coverage, with no exceptions for curable conditions or symptom-free periods. | |
Covers the diagnosed condition if you switch providers through your employer | |
Covers the diagnosed condition if it’s curable and your pet is symptom-free and treatment-free after six months | |
Covers the diagnosed condition if it’s cured and no further treatment is needed | |
Covers the diagnosed condition if it’s curable and your pet is symptom-free and treatment-free after 365 days | |
Covers the diagnosed condition if it’s curable and your pet is symptom-free and treatment-free after 180 days | |
Covers the diagnosed condition if it’s curable and your pet is symptom-free and treatment-free after 180 days | |
Covers the diagnosed condition if it’s curable and your pet is symptom-free and treatment-free after 180 days | |
Permanently excludes the diagnosed condition from coverage, with no exceptions for curable conditions or symptom-free periods | |
Covers the diagnosed condition if it’s curable and your pet is symptom-free and treatment-free after 12 months | |
Coverage varies by state and policy terms. Always review your specific policy documents to understand exact coverage terms, exclusions and limitations.
Compare the top pet insurance companies to determine the best option for your pet:
Getting pet insurance after a diagnosis still helps you prepare for future health issues that aren’t connected to your pet’s current condition. The diagnosed condition won’t be covered because it’s considered pre-existing, but any new, unrelated problems that come up later may still qualify for coverage.
These points will help you decide if pet insurance is worth it after your pet’s diagnosis.
Younger pets with many years ahead benefit most from pet insurance since they have more time to develop unrelated conditions. Older pets may still benefit if they're healthy otherwise, but the window for new coverage becomes smaller. Consider whether your pet has enough remaining years to make the premiums worthwhile.
Certain breeds are more prone to specific health conditions that aren’t related to your pet’s current diagnosis. For example, if your German Shepherd was diagnosed with allergies, they could still develop hip dysplasia later. Research your pet's breed to understand what future health issues might arise.
Active pets that spend time outdoors, interact with other animals or have adventurous personalities are more likely to experience accidents or injuries unrelated to their current diagnosis. Consider your pet's daily activities and temperament when weighing whether future accident coverage justifies the premium costs.
Pet insurance reimburses you for covered costs when new, unrelated health issues arise after your pet's diagnosis. Evaluate whether the potential reimbursements for future conditions justify the ongoing premium costs, especially considering your pet's remaining years and health risks.
Most insurers won’t cover your pet’s existing diagnosis, but some offer limited options in certain situations. Check these steps to see if any coverage is available for your pet’s condition.
Look into insurers that offer coverage for curable or incurable conditions after a set waiting period. Check how each company defines “curable” and the symptom-free period they require.
Request complete veterinary records from the past 12 months, including the diagnosis, treatment plans, and follow-up visits. Insurers review these documents to decide which issues count as pre-existing and which ones may still qualify for future coverage.
Compare pet insurance costs from at least three providers and ask how they deal with your pet’s condition. Read through each sample policy to see the terms, waiting periods and exclusions before you sign up.
Send in your application with all the needed documents and keep your premiums paid on time so you don’t get any coverage gaps. Keep notes on your pet’s health and any new symptoms. Policies that cover pre-existing conditions usually need ongoing, uninterrupted enrollment.
Pet insurance is still worth getting after a diagnosis because it helps cover future accidents or illnesses that aren’t linked to your pet’s current condition.
Think about your pet’s age, breed and activity level, since these influence their risk for new health issues. When you compare plans to find the best pet insurance, look for companies that offer some pre-existing condition options and allow continuous coverage.
The following are common questions about how pet insurance works after your pet has been diagnosed.
You can still get pet insurance after your pet receives a diagnosis. The diagnosed condition will be considered pre-existing and won't be covered, but your policy will provide financial protection for new, unrelated accidents and illnesses.
AKC covers both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous coverage. Several providers like ASPCA, Pumpkin, Rainwalk and Spot cover curable conditions after 180 symptom-free days. Meanwhile, Embrace, Figo and Wagmo require 12 symptom-free months for curable conditions. Before purchasing a policy, compare multiple quotes and read the fine print to find the cheapest pet insurance with quality coverage for your situation.
Think about your pet’s age, breed and lifestyle when deciding if pet insurance is worth it after a diagnosis. Younger pets tend to get more value and active pets that spend time outdoors are more likely to get into accidents.
Pet insurance covers new accidents and injuries that occur after your policy begins, even if your pet has a pre-existing condition. The pre-existing condition exclusion only applies to the diagnosed condition and related issues.
If your pet breaks a bone, gets hit by a car or experiences another unrelated emergency, those costs are covered based on your policy terms.
Curable pre-existing conditions are temporary health issues that can be fully resolved, like ear infections, urinary tract infections or broken bones. Incurable conditions are chronic, lifelong issues like diabetes, allergies or arthritis that require ongoing management.
Most insurers only consider covering curable conditions after a symptom-free period, while incurable conditions remain permanently excluded except at AKC.
If your pet’s condition is curable and treatment is complete, it might help to wait until they’ve been symptom-free for the period your insurer requires before enrolling. Just remember that waiting has risks, as your pet could get sick or injured during that time.
Insurance companies won't cover conditions related to your pet's diagnosis. If your pet was diagnosed with diabetes before enrollment, future health issues like diabetic cataracts or neuropathy wouldn't be eligible for reimbursement.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
