If pet insurance covers pre-existing conditions, they tend to be curable conditions. Respiratory illnesses and bladder or urinary tract infections are examples of curable pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies consider risk when creating policies, and pre-existing incurable conditions can result in more claims and higher payouts. Companies can choose to exclude pre-existing conditions instead of denying coverage completely. However, there are exceptions, so contact a prospective insurer to learn about how their policies can meet your pet's needs.
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Does Pet Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
Pet insurance companies generally do not cover pre-existing conditions.
When you buy pet insurance, there is often a waiting period before coverage becomes effective. The waiting period is usually longer for illnesses — at around two weeks — while accidents are covered only a few days after the policy goes into effect. A condition that emerges before the waiting period expires can be considered a pre-existing condition.
While you can get pet insurance with a pre-existing condition, it depends on the type of condition, the carrier and the insurance plan. Some companies offering pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions that are curable. Incurable pre-existing conditions will be excluded permanently from coverage.
Knowing whether a pre-existing condition is curable can help you determine if you can get insurance for your pet’s pre-existing conditions.
Why Don’t Pet Insurance Companies Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
You may wonder, does any pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions? The vast majority of insurers do not. There are two reasons pet insurance companies don’t cover pre-existing conditions.
First, pet insurance, like other forms of insurance, protects against sudden and unforeseen accidents and illnesses. It does not cover things that have already occurred. Second, if pet insurance does cover any pre-existing conditions, it would be difficult for the insurer to offset their claims costs through premiums.
Can You Still Get Pet Insurance If Your Pet Has a Pre-Existing Condition?
Yes, you can still get pet insurance if your pet has a pre-existing condition. While other accidents and illnesses are covered, pre-existing conditions won’t be. For instance, if your pet has diabetes before you enroll in pet insurance, the insurer won’t cover any procedures or vet costs due to diabetes. But if your pet gets a respiratory infection or breaks a leg, the procedures and vet costs for the infection or broken leg are covered.
How Do Pet Insurance Companies Find Out About Pre-Existing Conditions?
Pet insurance companies find out about pre-existing conditions by reviewing your pet’s medical records.
Carriers have experts to review records, and if your pet has never been tested or seen by a vet, the insurer will require you to have your pet evaluated. Even if your pet only has symptoms of a condition that isn’t confirmed, it can be considered pre-existing by the company. If you’re trying to learn how to get around pre-existing condition pet insurance clauses, you are chasing a lost cause.
You may think it’s easy to get around pre-existing conditions clauses that pet insurance companies have by just not telling them about your pet’s health problems. If you do this, you could face legal consequences, as lying on an insurance application could be considered insurance fraud.
Which Pet Insurance Companies Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
Some pet insurance companies will cover curable pre-existing conditions, but many will not. Companies that will cover them typically require a waiting period of up to 12 months before your pet is eligible for coverage. If your pet remains symptom-free throughout the waiting period, the insurer might cover the pre-existing condition.
Here is a list of pet insurance companies that will cover pre-existing conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about pet insurance covering pre-existing conditions? Here are the answers to some of the most common questions people ask about pre-existing condition pet insurance.
Pet insurance does cover pre-existing conditions, but it depends on the condition and insurer. Some companies may cover curable pre-existing conditions, like diarrhea, vomiting or respiratory infections. But incurable pre-existing conditions, like allergies, arthritis and diabetes, are not covered.
Pet insurance companies find out about pre-existing conditions by reviewing your pet’s medical history. Any condition your pet shows symptoms of or has been diagnosed with can be considered a pre-existing condition. The carrier may require an exam before approving coverage if your pet hasn’t had a recent vet visit.
Although most pet insurers don’t cover pre-existing conditions, some do. ASPCA, Pets Best, Pumpkin, MetLife, Nationwide and Spot are a few pet insurance companies that cover pre-existing conditions as long as they are curable. Some of these carriers also cover congenital and hereditary conditions.
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