Have you in any way asked yourself if pet insurance covers pre-existing conditions? Or have you been looking for pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions? If yes, then this article is for you. Pet insurance companies usually do not offer coverage for pre-existing conditions that are already known. Most pet insurance providers consider pre-existing conditions as any health issue that a pet has shown signs of or has been treated for before the policy’s start date, including the waiting period.
However, some companies provide coverage for curable pre-existing conditions. It is advisable to buy pet insurance when your pet is young to make sure that it has coverage for unexpected illnesses, injuries, or emergencies in the future.
What Are Pre-Existing Conditions?
Pre-existing conditions refer to any illnesses or health conditions that your pet experienced symptoms of or got treatment for before the start of your pet insurance policy. This also includes any conditions that developed during the waiting period of your insurance provider, which is the period between buying a plan and being able to file a claim for coverage. Please note that the determination of a pre-existing condition is based on when the symptoms first appeared and not on whether or when a veterinarian diagnosed the condition.
Curable Pre-Existing Conditions
Curable pre-existing conditions are those that, after getting treatment, do not recur frequently. The table below shows the curable conditions, the average treatment cost, and whether pets are covered before diagnosis:
| Curable Conditions | Average Treatment Cost | Covered if Pet is Insured Before Diagnosis |
| Urinary tract infections | $274 | Yes |
| Ear infections | $150 | Yes |
| Upper respiratory infection | $189 | Yes |
| Diarrhea (long-term) | $1,200 | Yes |
| Chronic vomiting | $3,500 | Yes |
| Gastrointestinal issues | About $10,000 | Yes |
| Bladder infections | $3500 | Yes |
Incurable Pre-Existing Conditions
Incurable pre-existing conditions are those that need ongoing treatment, medication, or surgery. Some examples include heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The table below shows the incurable conditions, the average treatment cost, and whether pets are covered before diagnosis:
| Incurable Conditions | Average Treatment Cost | Covered if Pet is Insured Before Diagnosis |
| Any chronic condition | $2,075 | Yes |
| Orthopedic conditions | $2,000 | Yes |
| Hip dysplasia | $1850 per hip | Yes |
| Cancer | $3,950 | Yes |
| Epilepsy | $3,030 | Yes |
| Diabetes | $1,080 | Yes |
| Heart disease | $1,000 | Yes |
| Hyperthyroidism | $750 | Yes |
| Allergies | $500 | Yes |
| Kidney disease | $350 | Yes |
| Arthritis | $324 | Yes |
Unfortunately, pre-existing conditions such as those mentioned above are not covered by pet insurance providers. However, if your pet was insured when it was young and later developed one of these conditions, it would still be covered under your policy.
Pet insurance that covers preexisting conditions
Pet insurance is an important investment for pet owners who want to ensure the health and well-being of their furry friends. There are a lot of providers to choose from, each with its outstanding offerings.
Spot Pet Insurance
Spot insurance offers coverage for injuries and illnesses that are curable and free of treatment and symptoms after 180 days. However, knee and ligament conditions are an exception to this rule. Spot provides a variety of yearly coverage and deductible options that can be tailored to fit your budget. They also provide a discount of 10% for owners with multiple pets. In addition, Spot covers advanced care and alternative therapies, which sets them apart from other providers.
Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace Pet Insurance has coverage for curable pre-existing conditions if your pet has not exhibited any symptoms or gotten treatment for that specific illness for the past 12 months. Also, it provides highly customizable plans and discounts to customers with many pets or military members. They also provide an accident and illness plan with optional wellness coverage as an add-on. This has coverage for things like exam fees and prescription drugs. Moreover, Embrace offers a lessening deductible, which means that every year you don’t file a claim, your deductible is condensed by $50.
Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC
Pets Best insurance covers a variety of curable pre-existing conditions, except for knee and ligament conditions, if your pet has been symptom-free for that condition for the past 180 days. It offers competitively priced plans with an extensive range of deductible options that cater to people on a budget. There is no age limit for sign-ups; this means that you can buy coverage for your pet at any stage of their life. In addition, accident coverage kicks in just three days after sign-up.
Fetch by The Dodo
Fetch by The Dodo may cover pre-existing conditions, provided they are curable, such as acute infections, and your pet has been free of symptoms and treatment for the condition for a year. It provides simple plans with some of the most comprehensive coverage on the market. There is no age limit for registration, and it covers things that most other providers don’t provide. For instance, if your pet goes missing, Fetch will cover expenses for lost pet ads and will even chip in to provide a reward.
Figo Pet Insurance
Figo can cover pre-existing conditions for your pet, but only if your pet has been symptom-free for at least 12 months. However, each case is reviewed individually to know if the condition will be covered. Figo is known for its fast claim processing, which is beneficial for its customers, as most providers need you to pay upfront and wait to be reimbursed. In addition, Figo is one of the few providers that provide 100% reimbursement on plans with deductibles of $500 or more.
Final Thought
If you are looking for pet insurance, it is important to know the limitations of the policy, such as what is considered a pre-existing condition. These types of conditions typically won’t be covered, just like car insurance won’t cover accidents that happen before the policy begins. Understanding what qualifies as a pre-existing condition will help you find the best pet insurance for your furry friend.
