September 27, 2023

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Pet Insurance That Covers Pre-Existing Conditions

3 min read
Pet Insurance That Covers Pre-Existing Conditions – Forbes Advisor

If your pet is hurt or becomes ill, pet insurance will help you save money on your overall veterinary expenses. ##

When shopping for pet insurance, it’s essential to understand the policy’s limitations, such as pre-existing condition coverage. Pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing illnesses or injuries like car insurance. Pre-existing conditions must be first properly understood.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?

Pet cover excludes pre-existing conditions due to the high cost of treating them. Pre-existing conditions are illnesses or injuries that began before coverage began, including any waiting period, according to pet insurance companies.

Even dog health insurance does not cover this either due to the short lifespan of dogs (10–13 years, depending on breed). Pet insurers cannot charge many years of premiums to offset pre-existing condition claims.

The dog health insurance plan wouldn’t cover leg treatment if your dog were limping before your waiting period.

What Are Some Pre-Existing Pet Conditions?

Some pet insurers classify pre-existing conditions as curable or incurable.

  • Curable conditions: Embrace pet insurance for dogs and other pets cover curable pre-existing conditions if they recur within 12 months. ASPCA pet insurance does not consider a curable disease “pre-existing” if it has no symptoms for 180 days (excluding knee and ligament conditions). Recurrence after 180 days can be covered as a new issue. *

Curable conditions include:

  • Urethritis
  • Diarrhoea
  • Ear Infections
  • Pneumonia
  • UTIs
  • Vomiting
  • Pre-existing illnesses

Pre-existing conditions include:

  • Allergies
  • Arthritis Bladder crystals
  • Cancer \Diabetes \Epilepsy
  • Stroke
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Dialysis
  • Injuries
  • Urinary blockages

These conditions often require repeated vet visits, medication, and surgery. Pet insurance for dogs or other pets won’t cover incurable pre-existing conditions.

Determining Insurable Pet Conditions

Pet owners may need help identifying pre-existing conditions and what their pet insurance covers. Medical review occurs after policy application. If the coverage doesn’t meet your pet’s needs, insurers usually let you cancel after the examination. *

Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Pet insurance will cover non-pre-existing conditions for pets with pre-existing conditions. Remember these as below:

  • Proactive pet ownership: You should treat the injury or illness immediately to avoid expensive vet bills. Stone says taking precautions can prevent other accidents or infections from the condition.
  • Vaccinate your pet: Don’t let your pet get sick from not getting their shots. If your pet got sick and wasn’t vaccinated, many insurers won’t pay.
  • Pet insurance comparison: Pet insurance won’t cover incurable pre-existing conditions, but it can cover other medical costs. Compare monthly prices, deductibles, waiting periods, and coverage reductions as your pet ages.
  • Get pet insurance early: Pet owners with pre-existing conditions incur costly veterinary expenses. Thus, getting a pet insurance policy early can assist in reducing future costs associated with the same problem.

Should My Pet Be Examined Before Getting Pet Insurance?

Before enrolling your pet, certain pet insurance companies may request your pet’s medical records or proof of a comprehensive veterinary exam to check for any pre-existing conditions or health concerns.

What Happens If a Condition Has Not Yet Been Diagnosed?

Undiagnosed conditions could nonetheless be categorised as pre-existing conditions.

For instance, suppose your dog begins limping in May, and you take him to the veterinarian, but the source of the limp is unknown. If you purchase a pet insurance policy in June and your pet experiences a recurrence of limping, therapies connected to this condition may not be covered because the symptoms existed before the policy’s effective date.

Can symptoms qualify as preexisting conditions?

Even if your pet has not been diagnosed with a condition, if your veterinarian documents symptoms before your coverage begin, they may be considered a preexisting condition. If the symptoms indicate an incurable ailment, it is doubtful that therapy for the underlying issue will be reimbursed.

* Standard T&C Apply

## All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI-approved insurance plan. Standard T&C apply

‘Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.‘

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