Pet insurance can help make costs more manageable. But preexisting conditions may be excluded from coverage. We talk below about what preexisting conditions are, whether your insurer covers them, and alternatives if it doesn’t.
What Are Preexisting Conditions in Pets?
In general, preexisting conditions in pets are any conditions your pet experienced, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, before enrolling in pet insurance or during a policy’s initial waiting period. (A waiting period of two weeks is typical for accident and illness insurance.) The exact definition of a preexisting condition in pets varies by insurer, as does how far back an insurer will look at medical records to judge whether a condition is preexisting. Typically, you can still purchase a policy if your pet has preexisting conditions. But insurers may exclude recent ailments and certain conditions from coverage.
Bilateral Conditions
Bilateral conditions are medical issues that can and often do appear on both sides of the body, such as hip dysplasia. Your insurer may not cover a bilateral condition on either side if the first instance is a preexisting condition. In other words, insurers may not cover a bilateral condition that develops on a second side if your pet developed symptoms on the first side before the insurance coverage was in effect or before the waiting period ended. For example, say your dog has a preexisting cruciate ligament tear on its right knee. Your pet goes on to develop the condition on its left knee while insured. Pet insurance companies may consider the new cruciate tear as a preexisting condition that’s ineligible for pet insurance coverage.
Common Preexisting Conditions in Pets
Insurers specify in the policy what conditions are considered preexisting, but common ones include cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. Insurers may consider these to be incurable preexisting conditions, along with other common chronic conditions like:
AllergiesDiabetesHyperthyroidism and hypothyroidismUrinary or bladder crystals and blockagesBilateral conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament issues, cataracts, and luxating patellas
Your policy’s terms dictate which incurable conditions are permanently excluded from coverage, regardless of how long your pet was symptom-free before a recurrence. But some curable preexisting conditions may later be eligible for coverage if there are no symptoms or episodes for the time specified. These include:
Ear infectionsRespiratory infectionsUrinary tract and bladder infectionsDiarrheaVomitingOther gastrointestinal disorders
How Does Your Insurance Provider Evaluate Your Pet?
Pet insurers look at your pet’s medical record to determine preexisting conditions. Medical records include your pet’s:
History of vet visits and symptoms examinedWellness tests detailsPersonal details, such as age and breedVaccination statusHistory of medicationsEmergency hospital visitsDiet and exercise habits
Any diagnoses or symptoms appearing before you enrolled or at any point during the policy’s waiting period are seen as preexisting. Generally, the earlier you get pet insurance, the fewer preexisting conditions will be on your pet’s medical record, making it more likely they’ll be covered when the first symptoms appear. Insurers also look at your pet’s breed to determine common breed-specific ailments to exclude from coverage, such as deafness in Dalmatians and cardiomyopathy in Persian cats. It’s crucial to read your policy’s terms before enrolling to ensure you have the coverage you think you do.
Insurance for Pets With Preexisting Conditions
You’ll have a tough time finding a pet insurance company that provides coverage for a recent or symptomatic preexisting condition as soon as you enroll. But some are more lenient than others with definitions and waiting periods, so it helps to shop around. For example, insurers like ASPCA Pet Health Insurance cover curable preexisting conditions after 180 days of no symptoms and treatments, while Embrace requires waiting 12 months. To find the best pet insurance company for pets with preexisting conditions, analyze pet insurance policies to determine the following:
What constitutes a preexisting conditionFine print exclusions for occurrences or recurrences of specific conditions, even if your pet meets waiting periods Length of special and general waiting periodsAny health coverage exclusions for your pet’s breed
Alternatives to Pet Insurance
If pet insurance doesn’t cover expenses related to your companion’s preexisting condition, there are alternatives to help make treatment costs more affordable.
Veterinary Discount Plans
Vet discount plans are programs where vets within a network agree to offer discounts on certain procedures. It’s not pet insurance, but it can lower fees for treatments your pet needs. You can join programs online or find discount cards at outlets like drug stores and convenience stores.
Comparison Shopping
Veterinary procedures don’t all cost the same at every veterinary office. You can save significantly by calling local vets and seeing who has better prices.
Pet Savings Fund
Having a general emergency fund or one just for your pet can go a long way in relieving the mental and financial stress of unexpected vet bills. While you can do this with a separate savings account at your bank, alternatives like Pawp allow access to a $3,000 fund for emergencies once a year in exchange for a fixed premium of $19 per month.
Credit Financing and Payment Plans
Vets may partner with credit card companies like CareCredit to offer financing options. Others work with service providers to provide payment plans. Check with your local vet what options are available.
Financial Assistance Programs
Some foundations and programs help low-income families and other groups afford the cost of vet medical care, such as:
FACE Foundation Brown Dog Foundation, Inc. Handicapped Pets Foundation Magic Bullet Fund The Pet Fund
