Updated: November 19, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Pet insurance doesn't cover surgeries needed before enrollment due to pre-existing condition exclusions and waiting periods of up to 14 days or longer for covered accidents and illnesses.
Consider your pet's age, breed-specific health risks and behavior patterns to determine if future coverage justifies monthly premium costs.
Schedule the current surgery immediately, research providers with shorter waiting periods and enroll right after recovery to maximize pet insurance coverage for your pet’s future health needs.
Pet insurance won’t cover surgeries that were planned or needed before enrollment since those are considered pre-existing conditions. Most policies also have waiting periods, usually up to 14 days for accidents and longer for illnesses or orthopedic issues.
Any surgery needed during that time isn’t eligible for reimbursement. For example, if your dog tears an ACL and you buy a policy the next day, the surgery still won’t be covered, even if you wait a month to schedule it.
Pet insurance companies handle coverage before surgery in various ways.
Surgery before enrollment won't be covered as pre-existing, but covers future accidents after two days and illnesses after 14 days | |
Current surgery excluded as a pre-existing condition, with 14-day waiting periods for new accidents and illnesses | |
Needed surgery before enrollment won't be covered, but provides immediate accident coverage and a 14-day illness waiting period for future conditions unrelated to current health issues | |
Surgery before enrollment excluded, with 15-day waiting periods for new accidents and illnesses and a six-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia | |
Needed surgery before policy’s effective date considered pre-existing and excluded, but covers new accidents after one day and illnesses after 14 days | |
Surgery before enrollment won't be covered, with 15-day waiting periods for new accidents and illnesses | |
Needed surgery at enrollment excluded as pre-existing, but offers a two-day waiting period for new accidents and 14-day waiting period for new illnesses | |
Current surgery won't be covered, but offers a 14-day waiting period for new accidents, illnesses and orthopedic conditions | |
Surgery before enrollment excluded as pre-existing, but provides immediate accident coverage and a 14-day illness waiting period for future health issues | |
Current surgery won't be covered, with a two-day waiting period for new accidents and a 14-day waiting period for new illnesses | |
Needed surgery at enrollment excluded as pre-existing condition, with three-day accident and 14-day illness waiting periods for future unrelated conditions | |
Surgery before enrollment won't be covered, with five-day accident and 14-day illness waiting periods for new health problems that develop | |
Current surgery excluded as pre-existing, but covers new accidents, illnesses and orthopedic conditions after 14 days | |
Excludes surgery needed before enrollment, with a 14-day waiting period for new accidents and illnesses | |
Surgery before enrollment won't be covered, with a 14-day waiting periods for new accidents, illnesses and orthopedic conditions | |
Needed surgery before enrollment excluded as pre-existing, but covers new accidents after five days and illnesses after 30 days | |
Current surgery won't be covered as pre-existing, with a 15-day waiting periods for new accidents and illnesses | |
Coverage differs based on your state and policy. Take time to read your plan and reach out to your insurer if you’re unsure about what’s covered or excluded.
Compare the top pet insurance companies to determine the best option for your pet:
Buying pet insurance before a needed surgery still helps protect you from future medical costs. While the current procedure won’t be covered, your policy will handle expenses for new accidents, illnesses or unrelated conditions that occur after the waiting period ends.
A few key factors can help you decide if enrolling in pet insurance is worth it, even if your pet needs surgery right away. Review the points below to choose what’s best for your pet’s long-term health coverage.
Pet insurance provides better value for younger animals since they'll need veterinary care for many years to come. A two-year-old dog might require medical treatment for 10 to 15 years, making pet insurance a smart investment over their lifetime.
Some breeds are prone to expensive hereditary conditions as they age. Golden Retrievers often experience hip dysplasia and cancer, while French Bulldogs develop respiratory and back problems. Research your pet's breed to understand potential future veterinary costs that pet insurance could cover.
Active pets that love hiking, running or playing rough with other dogs are more likely to get into accidents or injuries. Curious cats who explore countertops or dogs who eat anything they find are more likely to need emergency veterinary care. Consider your pet's personality and daily activities when evaluating whether future accident coverage justifies the premium costs.
Pet insurance helps pay for new accidents and illnesses based on your policy’s reimbursement rate and deductible. Even if your pet’s upcoming surgery isn’t covered, future health issues could still cost thousands, and insurance can help reduce those expenses.
Pet insurance doesn’t cover surgeries that are already needed when you enroll, but you can still plan ahead for future procedures. The steps below show how to improve your chances of getting veterinary costs covered later on.
Don't postpone necessary surgery since this could worsen your pet's condition and create additional health complications. Pay for the current procedure out of pocket or explore veterinary financing options, such as CareCredit.
Compare pet insurance costs and coverage terms from different insurers before choosing a plan. Also look out for differences in waiting periods, annual limits and reimbursement rates.
Once your pet has recovered from surgery, enroll in pet insurance right away so the waiting period starts as soon as possible.
Some insurers ask for a veterinary exam within a certain timeframe after enrollment. Send in your pet’s paperwork and medical records promptly. Keep copies of your pet’s health records to make future claims easier to process.
Don't let your policy lapse or you risk having new conditions treated as pre-existing problems.
Pet insurance won’t cover your pet’s surgery if it’s already needed when you enroll, but it can help with future vet costs. Consider your pet’s age, breed and activity level to see if getting the best pet insurance before surgery still makes sense financially.
Here are some common questions about pet insurance coverage before a surgery.
You can purchase pet insurance before your pet’s surgery, but the current procedure won't be covered since it's considered a pre-existing condition. Insurance companies exclude conditions that exist before enrollment or during waiting periods.
Before buying a policy, compare multiple quotes and read the fine print to find the most affordable pet insurance with quality coverage for your situation.
Waiting periods vary by provider and condition type. Embrace and MetLife offer immediate accident coverage, but Fetch and Healthy Paws have a 15-day accident waiting period.
Consider your pet’s age and life expectancy (younger pets often benefit more), breed-specific health risks (Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia and cancer) and lifestyle factors when thinking about insurance.
Most insurers permanently exclude pre-existing conditions, but some may offer coverage after a certain period.
Never delay necessary surgery hoping to get insurance coverage.
Any condition that develops during the waiting period is considered pre-existing and won't be covered.
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.
