Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions: What You Need to Know

You want your sick or injured pet to have the best possible care, but tests, surgeries, and medications are expensive. While a pet insurance plan can help cut back on overwhelming vet bills, getting coverage is complicated if your pet has a history of health issues. Learn how to navigate complex policy questions and find pet insurance for pre-existing conditions.

What Is Considered a Pre-Existing Condition in Pet Insurance?

A pre-existing condition is an illness or injury your pet developed before you purchased insurance or during the waiting period. Chronic illnesses, such as allergies, arthritis, dermatitis, and diabetes, are some of the most common pre-existing conditions.

Many hereditary diseases also fall under this definition, including heart disease, epilepsy, and some cancers. A past injury, such as a broken bone, also usually qualifies as a pre-existing condition.

Insurers sometimes distinguish between incurable conditions, which require long-term care, and curable pre-existing conditions, such as:

• Kennel cough
• Urinary tract infections
• Respiratory infections
• Ear infections

Some pet insurance companies will cover curable conditions once the pet has been symptom-free and hasn't received treatment for a set period.

Why Pet Insurance Often Excludes Pre-Existing Conditions

Pet insurance companies exclude pre-existing conditions to manage their risk levels and keep premiums affordable. Providers would struggle financially if they allowed customers to sign up for insurance only when their pets became ill or injured.

For this same reason, pet insurance policies typically have annual or lifetime limits on how much they'll pay for a condition, and many exclude routine and preventive care. Before you purchase a plan, carefully review any exclusions, such as if pet insurance includes dental care or allows for curable pre-existing conditions.

Can You Get Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions?

A pre-existing condition doesn't prevent you from obtaining insurance for your pet, but the coverage probably won't apply to that illness or injury. Providers offer a variety of options for different situations and health histories.

Factors Affecting Pet Insurance Coverage

Many pet insurance plans include limitations or restrictions, such as:

• Time-based coverage: Some policies only cover claims 12 months after a condition begins.
• Partial coverage: Partial coverage may focus on specific treatments, such as surgeries or diagnostic tests.
• Limited coverage: Some insurance, such as accident-only policies, applies exclusively to certain conditions.
• Waiting periods: Insurance providers often won't cover a condition for six months to a year.
• Look-back periods: Insurers look at your pet's health history in a certain timeframe, known as the look-back period.
• Condition-specific clauses: Some pet insurance policies exclude pre-existing, breed-specific conditions.

A policy's details will reveal whether your pet's medical history or current health will cause challenges when filing a claim.

Which Pet Insurance Providers Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?

These companies offer coverage for temporary or curable pre-existing conditions as long as they resolve within a year:

• AKC pet insurance
• ASPCA pet insurance
• Embrace
• Lemonade
• Felix Cat Insurance, which provides pet insurance for cats with pre-existing conditions

Keep in mind that plans under these providers often differ by state.

Alternatives to Traditional Pet Insurance

Chronic kidney disease, parasites, tooth decay, and other conditions can result in enormous veterinary medical expenses, but you can reduce your pet's risk with preventive care, including dental appointments, regular checkups, and shots. When an accident or unexpected illness does occur, you can explore other payment options.

Savings Accounts

A savings account can replace or supplement pet insurance for dogs with pre-existing conditions. Use this money for regular vet visits, dental cleanings, emergency surgeries, and medications. Some companies offer special pet savings health plans, or you can open an account through your regular bank.

Wellness and Discount Plans

Another option is purchasing a wellness or discount plan through your veterinarian's office or a third-party provider. A wellness plan gives you money back after submitting a vet bill for routine care. Discount plans are similar but provide lower service rates and cover both routine and emergency treatments.

Credit and Financing Tools

Financing isn't a perfect solution because you have to pay interest, but it may be your best option in an emergency. Some veterinarians offer payment plans. Alternatively, you can apply for special financing programs for pet medical care or use a personal credit card.

Should You Still Insure a Pet With Pre-Existing Conditions?

Insurance is often a good way to protect your pet — even if they have pre-existing conditions. Remember that a policy may not cover your pet's existing health issues, but it will help pay for illnesses and injuries occurring down the line. Consider your pet's risk level, such as their age and whether you live near a busy road.

With these factors in mind, weigh the policy's monthly cost against how much you would have to pay for treatment without insurance. On average, emergency surgery for pets costs between $2,000 and $5,000, while basic imaging costs between $150 and $600. Pet insurance for a dog costs around $46 a month, on average.

FAQs

Is pet insurance worth it with pre-existing conditions?

Pet insurance is often a good option for pets with pre-existing conditions. Although the policy won't cover that condition, it can help with treatment for new injuries and illnesses occurring after the policy purchase and waiting period are complete.

How can you get around pre-existing conditions in pet insurance?

Most pet insurance providers exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage, including diagnosed illnesses and injuries. Other options for financial support include pet wellness and discount plans, savings accounts, and financing.

Does the best pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Some of the best pet insurance companies cover pre-existing conditions. However, most only include curable conditions after the pet is symptom-free for a minimum amount of time.

How To Choose the Best Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Insurance can safeguard your pet, allowing you to pay for costly medical care without breaking the bank. Unfortunately, finding pet insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions can be difficult for many.

With MoneyAtlas, you can explore the best life insurance options, get financial tips, and explore pet insurance policies. Reach out to learn more about MoneyAtlas and get help finding the best pet insurance for pre-existing conditions on the market today.