Pet Insurance and Pre-Existing Conditions: What to Understand

Pet insurance is a unique way to protect both pets and their loving owners.

In exchange for a monthly fee to a provider (Cheaper if paid on an annual basis), owners can rest easy knowing their cat or dog has medical coverage in case of an unexpected illness or emergency. And, if the worst happens, they’ll have the financial support to get through it.

when Pet insurance benefits Importantly, it is important for owners to understand that this type of insurance does not work like many others other types. Arguably, the most distinctive way pet insurance differs from health insurance for humans is in how pre-existing conditions are treated. Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered by most pet insurance plans.

That doesn’t mean pet insurance isn’t worth it (it is). But owners need to understand the intricacies of this type of insurance to get the best protection for their pets.

If you’re in the market for pet insurance, get started with a free quote.

Pet insurance and pre-existing conditions

If you have a pet with a pre-existing medical condition, you can usually expect that an insurance provider will not cover those specific issues. But what exactly is a pre-existing condition?

“A pre-existing condition is something that happens before you enroll or during the waiting period.” Brought to you by the Dodo Explains “Unlike other providers, we do not cover pre-existing conditions.”

Spot pet insurance also does not cover such medical issues.

“A pre-existing condition is any injury or illness that occurs or shows symptoms before coverage begins or during the waiting period,” they explain. their website. “A condition is considered pre-existing whether or not it has been formally diagnosed or treated; what matters is when it occurs or when symptoms first appear.”

But, Spot notes, pet owners who fall into this category should not despair.

“However, with a plan offered by SPOT, this does not mean that the condition cannot be covered in the future if it is curable,” they explain. “An injury or illness that is curable, incurable, and free of treatment and symptoms for 180 days, excluding knee and ligament conditions, will no longer be considered pre-existing. If a knee or ligament condition occurs before the coverage becomes effective date or waiting period, Any future ones will not be covered.”

Lemonade pet insurance goes a step further when clarifying what conditions will and will not be covered

“A curable condition is a temporary condition or injury that resolves for at least 12 months and can be considered for coverage in eligible states (check with customer service to see if curable conditions are covered in your state),” Pet Insurer Comment. “Knee or ligament conditions and chronic conditions such as allergies, asthma or cancer cannot be cured.

Not sure what type of coverage your pet qualifies for? Get a free price check from Spot and find out now.

How Pre-Existing Conditions Are Determined

While each pet insurance provider is unique, there are some reliable ways to determine a pet’s pre-existing conditions.

“A pre-existing condition is determined by your pet’s medical records,” explains Lemonade. “So any illness symptoms or diagnosis before the end of your policy waiting period will be treated as a pre-existing condition.”

This is a key reason why pet owners should act quickly on a plan (assuming it also provides for certain conditions) before illness strikes and coverage becomes more expensive.

“Your pet may not show signs of this medical condition at birth or during the first few years of their life,” notes Lemonade Pet Insurance. “But if you wait until symptoms develop to get insurance, the condition likely won’t be covered on your policy, which is a great game-changer for pet owners struggling with vet bills related to a chronic condition.”

Bottom line

there There are many reasons to buy pet insurance. But perhaps the best reason to get it early is to avoid coverage issues. If you sign up with a provider now, while your pet is still relatively young and healthy, you can get more comprehensive coverage at a lower cost.

Have more questions about pet insurance and pre-existing conditions? It’s easy to get a quote and see what you qualify for.