Pet Insurance That Covers Pre-Existing Conditions

Shawn Plummer

CEO, The Annuity Expert

When it comes to our beloved pets, we always want the best for them. However, as pet owners, we understand that our furry friends can get sick or injured anytime. And as much as we wish we could prevent it, sometimes, they come with pre-existing conditions. Unfortunately, pet insurance policies typically exclude pre-existing conditions, making it challenging for pet owners to provide the best possible care for their pets. However, some companies now offer pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions. In this guide, we will explore pre-existing conditions and how to find the right pet insurance policy that covers them.

Understanding Pre-Existing Conditions in Pets

Pre-existing conditions are defined as any illness or injury your pet has before getting pet insurance. This can include chronic diseases such as diabetes or arthritis, congenital disabilities, or any already diagnosed or treated condition. Pet insurance companies typically exclude pre-existing conditions from their coverage. Therefore, it is crucial to understand your pet’s medical history and whether they have any pre-existing conditions before purchasing pet insurance.

Pet Insurance That Covers Pre-Existing Conditions

The Importance of Pet Insurance That Covers Pre-Existing Conditions:

Having a pet insurance policy covering pre-existing conditions can be life-changing for you and your pet. It can provide peace of mind and financial support for ongoing treatments or future emergencies. With pet insurance, you can care for your pet’s health without worrying about the cost of veterinary bills. Additionally, pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions can help pet owners manage the costs of treatment, which can sometimes be overwhelming.

What to Look for in a Pet Insurance Policy That Covers Pre-Existing Conditions

When looking for a pet insurance policy that covers pre-existing conditions, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, make sure you read the policy’s fine print to understand the exact coverage it offers. Some policies may cover only certain pre-existing conditions or may have a waiting period before coverage begins. Secondly, check if there are any annual or lifetime coverage limits. Lastly, ensure that the policy offers adequate coverage for accidents and illnesses that may occur in the future.

Coverage Details

When looking for pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, it is essential to review the coverage details of each policy carefully. Some policies may have restrictions on which pre-existing conditions are covered or offer only partial coverage. Make sure to read the fine print and understand the exact terms of the policy before purchasing.

It is also essential to consider the level of coverage for non-pre-existing conditions. Look for policies that cover accidents, illnesses, and emergencies, and make sure the policy offers adequate coverage for these situations. Some policies may have annual or lifetime coverage limits, so check these limits and ensure they fit your needs.

In addition, consider whether the policy requires you to use specific veterinary clinics or specialists. Some policies may require you to use only in-network providers, while others may allow you to choose your provider. It is essential to know these details before purchasing a policy.

Waiting Periods

Another essential factor to consider when choosing pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions is the waiting period. A waiting period is a time that must pass before coverage for a specific condition begins. For pre-existing conditions, the waiting period is typically more extended than for other conditions, and it may vary from policy to policy.

For example, some policies may require a waiting period of 30 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses, while others may have longer waiting periods. It is important to note that coverage for pre-existing conditions may not begin until after the waiting period has passed, so make sure to check the waiting periods for each policy carefully.

Additionally, some policies may have different waiting periods for different conditions. For example, a policy may have a 6-month waiting period for coverage of diabetes but only a 30-day waiting period for coverage of a broken leg. Make sure to check the waiting periods for each condition that your pet has before purchasing a policy.

Annual and Lifetime Coverage Limits

Another essential factor to consider when choosing pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions is the annual and lifetime coverage limits. These limits determine the maximum amount of money the policy will pay out for covered expenses in a given year or over the policy’s lifetime.

Some policies may have annual limits, meaning that once the limit is reached, the policy will not cover any additional expenses until the next policy year. Other policies may have lifetime limits, meaning that once the limit is reached, the policy will no longer cover any expenses for that condition, even if the policy is still in effect.

When looking for pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, it is crucial to consider these limits and choose a policy with limits that fit your needs. For example, if your pet has a chronic condition, choosing a policy with high lifetime limits may be essential to ensure that your pet’s ongoing care is covered.

It is also important to note that some policies may have separate limits for pre-existing and non-pre-existing conditions. Make sure to check these limits and choose a policy that provides adequate coverage for both types of conditions.

Coverage for Future Accidents and Illnesses

While pre-existing conditions are important when choosing pet insurance, it is also important to consider coverage for future accidents and illnesses. Pet insurance policies that cover pre-existing conditions may have limitations or exclusions for other conditions.

When looking for pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, review the policy’s coverage for accidents, illnesses, and emergencies that may occur in the future. Look for policies that offer comprehensive coverage for various conditions and treatments, including hospitalization, surgery, diagnostic tests, and prescription medications.

In addition, consider whether the policy has any exclusions or limitations for specific conditions or treatments. For example, some policies may exclude certain breeds or conditions common in those breeds. Other policies may limit the number of times a specific treatment can be covered or require pre-authorization before certain treatments can be covered.

Top Companies Offering Pet Insurance That Covers Pre-Existing Conditions

Here are some of the top pet insurance companies that offer coverage for pre-existing conditions:

  • Embrace Pet Insurance: Embrace Pet Insurance offers a unique plan called “Diminishing Deductible” that covers pre-existing conditions. They have a waiting period of 14 days for illnesses and two days for accidents.
  • Petplan Pet Insurance: Petplan Pet Insurance offers coverage for pre-existing conditions with their “Covered for Life” plan. They also have a waiting period of 14 days for illnesses and accidents.
  • Trupanion Pet Insurance: Trupanion Pet Insurance covers pre-existing conditions in their policy, but they have a waiting period of 30 days before coverage starts.
  • Healthy Paws Pet Insurance: Healthy Paws Pet Insurance offers coverage for pre-existing conditions after a 12-month waiting period. They have no annual or lifetime coverage limits, and their policy covers accidents, illnesses, and emergencies.

Next Steps

Finding pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions can be challenging, but it is possible. Researching and comparing policies is crucial to ensure you find the right coverage for your pet’s needs. Remember to check for waiting periods and coverage limits and read the policy’s fine print to understand what is covered. With the right pet insurance policy, you can give your pet the medical care they need without worrying about the cost.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is pet insurance worth it for pre-existing conditions?

Absolutely! Even if your pet has existing medical conditions, you can still purchase insurance. Unfortunately, treatments for the pre-existing issue won’t be covered; however, you’ll receive coverage for any subsequent diseases or injuries that may arise later. Ultimately, investing in pet insurance is worth it despite its limitation on preexisting problems.

Should I get pet insurance before or after the vet visit?

I suggest securing pet insurance even before conducting the animal’s initial exam. When owners know that an insurance policy will cover some or all of their veterinary care, decisions can be made concerning prognosis instead of focusing solely on cost.

What is the waiting period for pet insurance?

Before making any claims, you must wait for a designated amount after obtaining pet insurance. This “waiting period” protects against fraud by ensuring that no one can be reimbursed for an injury or illness before purchasing the policy. As such, waiting periods are fundamental components of pet insurance policies and serve critical purposes in safeguarding your finances from bogus payouts.

Why doesn’t pet insurance work like health insurance?

Compared to human health insurance, pet insurance functions under a “fee-for-service” model. Following paying the deductible on your part, with this type of plan, your provider will receive payment directly from the insurer.

Why does pet insurance matter?

Pet health insurance is a great way to minimize the expenses associated with diagnosing, treating, and managing your furry friend’s medical issues. No one-size-fits-all answer can tell you if pet health insurance is right for you – therefore, it would be wise to chat with your vet and analyze all of the available options before making a decision.

How do insurance companies know if your pet has a pre-existing condition?

How do pet insurance providers identify pre-existing conditions? Generally, a thorough veterinary examination or medical history review is conducted to determine any health issues the insurance policy will not cover. Therefore, these reviews are vital for companies to understand your pet’s existing medical state before providing coverage.

Shawn Plummer

CEO, The Annuity Expert

I’m a licensed financial professional focusing on annuities and insurance for more than a decade. My former role was training financial advisors, including for a Fortune Global 500 insurance company. I’ve been featured in Time Magazine, Yahoo! Finance, MSN, SmartAsset, Entrepreneur, Bloomberg, The Simple Dollar, U.S. News and World Report, and Women’s Health Magazine.

The Annuity Expert is an online insurance agency servicing consumers across the United States. My goal is to help you take the guesswork out of retirement planning or find the best insurance coverage at the cheapest rates for you. 

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