Vet bills add up fast for a sick or injured pet, but most insurers won't cover anything diagnosed before you bought the policy. This guide explains what counts as a pre-existing condition, which insurers will cover curable ones, and which alternatives can help if a condition is locked out.
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:
Some pet insurance companies will cover curable conditions once the pet has been symptom-free and hasn't received treatment for a set period.
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.
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.
Many pet insurance plans include limitations or restrictions, such as:
A policy's details will reveal whether your pet's medical history or current health will cause challenges when filing a claim.
These companies offer coverage for temporary or curable pre-existing conditions as long as they resolve within a year:
Keep in mind that plans under these providers often differ by state.
We review several of these insurers in more depth, including MetLife, Nationwide, Lemonade and Pumpkin. Check the symptom-free window before you buy, because it is the clause that decides whether a curable condition ever becomes eligible.
Chronic kidney disease, parasites, tooth decay, and similar conditions can run thousands in vet bills. Preventive care (dental cleanings, annual checkups, vaccinations) lowers the odds. When something acute does happen, the alternatives below can help cover the bill.
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.
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.
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.
Insurance is often a good way to protect your pet — even if they have pre-existing conditions. The policy won't cover those existing conditions, but it will pay for new illnesses and injuries after the waiting period. Consider your pet's risk profile (age, breed, indoor vs outdoor) when deciding.
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.
Insurance helps pay for unexpected vet bills. Finding coverage when your pet already has a pre-existing condition is the harder part.
MoneyAtlas covers life insurance comparisons and personal finance basics. Read more about MoneyAtlas, or jump to the best pet insurance shortlist for plans that cover curable pre-existing conditions.
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