Pre-existing conditions are often a major concern for pet owners when selecting insurance. These are any illnesses or injuries your pet has been diagnosed with or has shown symptoms of before you start a policy. Although many insurers avoid covering these conditions, some companies have options that provide limited or full coverage for curable or chronic pre-existing conditions. Let’s dive into the best choices available in the U.S. and how they handle such conditions.
What is a Pre-Existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or health issue that manifests before the start of an insurance policy. Insurers generally classify pre-existing conditions into two categories: curable and incurable.
- Curable conditions are temporary health issues like respiratory infections or urinary tract infections. Some insurers will cover curable conditions if your pet has been symptom-free for a certain period, usually ranging from 6 months to a year.
- Incurable conditions include chronic or lifelong issues such as diabetes, arthritis, or cancer. These are typically not covered, though there are limited exceptions based on the insurer.
Top Pet Insurance Providers for Pre-Existing Conditions
While it’s hard to find pet insurance that fully covers pre-existing conditions, a few companies stand out by offering coverage for curable conditions or special terms for chronic illnesses. Here are the top choices:
1. Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace covers curable pre-existing conditions after your pet has been symptom-free for 12 months. This insurer looks at your pet’s medical history, and if a condition has been successfully treated and hasn’t recurred for a year, it may be covered under the policy going forward. However, incurable conditions remain excluded. This makes Embrace a good option if your pet’s condition is treatable and in remission. Plus, they offer a diminishing deductible, where your deductible decreases by $50 each year you don’t file a claim.
2. AKC Pet Insurance
AKC Pet Insurance offers an exceptional option for chronic pre-existing conditions. After 365 days of continuous coverage, they will cover pre-existing conditions, though this offer is not available in all states, like Florida and Washington. This could be a great option if your pet has a condition that’s stable and managed but still requires treatment long-term.
3. Nationwide Pet Insurance
Nationwide covers curable pre-existing conditions that have been symptom-free for at least six months. While they offer fewer deductible choices and limited reimbursement percentages (50% and 70%), they provide comprehensive coverage that extends to exotic pets. Additionally, their Whole Pet plan is highly inclusive, covering hereditary and congenital conditions, dental care, and behavioral treatments.
4. Fetch by The Dodo
Fetch covers curable pre-existing conditions after a pet has been symptom-free for 12 months. While they don’t cover routine wellness care, they do provide comprehensive illness and accident coverage. They also offer discounts for pets adopted from shelters and rescue centers, making them a budget-friendly option for newly adopted pets.
5. Pumpkin Pet Insurance
Pumpkin covers curable pre-existing conditions if they have been symptom-free for 180 days (except for knee and ligament issues). They also offer an optional wellness package for preventative care and dental treatments, which can help with long-term management of your pet’s health.
Pet Insurance Without a Waiting Period
A major concern for pet owners is the waiting period that typically accompanies insurance policies. Waiting periods can range from two days to over a month, depending on the coverage type (accidents, illnesses, or chronic conditions). If you’re seeking pet insurance with no waiting period, Companion Protect stands out by offering policies that start covering illnesses and injuries immediately. However, pre-existing conditions are still treated with a waiting period that varies based on the condition’s nature.
How Insurers Define and Manage Pre-Existing Conditions
Different pet insurance companies have various criteria for determining pre-existing conditions, and understanding these is crucial:
- Curable vs. Incurable: Most companies will cover a curable condition if your pet has been symptom-free for a set period (typically between 6 months and a year). Incurable conditions, such as chronic or lifelong diseases, are typically excluded.
- Medical Records: Insurers will often ask for your pet’s medical records to check for any conditions or symptoms before the policy start date. Some insurers, like AKC Pet Insurance, offer coverage for certain pre-existing conditions after a year of symptom-free history.
- Appeals Process: Insurers like Embrace allow you to appeal their decision if they label a condition as pre-existing, provided you have documentation showing the condition is resolved.
Can You Lie About Pre-Existing Conditions?
It might seem tempting to omit or hide information about your pet’s medical history, but doing so can backfire. Most pet insurance providers thoroughly check your pet’s medical records during the claims process. If they find that you’ve withheld information, they could deny claims or cancel your policy altogether. Transparency upfront ensures you’re not stuck with unexpected costs down the road.
Changing Pet Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions
If you’re thinking of switching pet insurance providers but your pet has a pre-existing condition, it’s essential to remember that the new policy is unlikely to cover that condition immediately, or ever, depending on its type. However, some providers, like MetLife, may cover pre-existing conditions if they were previously covered under another policy. Always check the fine print before making the switch.
How Do Pet Insurance Companies Find Out About Pre-Existing Conditions?
Pet insurance providers typically require veterinary records to assess the health history of your pet. They use this information to determine if a condition existed before the policy start date. Some insurers may only look at the records from the past 12 months, while others might check your pet’s entire medical history.
Nationwide Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
Nationwide offers pet insurance for curable pre-existing conditions that have been treated and symptom-free for six months. However, coverage varies by plan and may exclude bilateral conditions. Nationwide’s Whole Pet plan is their most comprehensive option, covering conditions like hip dysplasia and even some hereditary issues. Their plans are available for dogs, cats, and even exotic pets, making it a solid choice for households with multiple types of animals.
FAQs
1. What is the best pet insurance for pre-existing conditions?
AKC Pet Insurance is one of the best for pre-existing conditions, as it offers coverage after a year of continuous coverage for chronic conditions.
2. Can pet insurance cover incurable pre-existing conditions?
Typically, incurable pre-existing conditions like diabetes or arthritis are not covered by pet insurance. However, some companies may cover treatments for symptoms, but not the condition itself.
3. How does waiting for symptom-free periods work with pet insurance?
For curable conditions, insurers often require your pet to be symptom-free for 6-12 months before the condition is covered again. The waiting period varies by company.
4. What if my pet’s condition comes back after being symptom-free?
If the condition reoccurs after the waiting period, some insurers will still cover it. However, it depends on the specific policy and condition.
5. How can I lower my pet insurance premium with a pre-existing condition?
You can lower your premium by opting for higher deductibles, reducing coverage limits, or taking advantage of discounts for multi-pet households, like those offered by Fetch or Pumpkin.
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