Paw Protect provides coverage for breed-specific, genetic, hereditary, and congenital conditions assuming they are not pre-existing to when your coverage starts.
Hereditary and genetic conditions
A hereditary or genetic condition is caused by a defect in certain genes transmitted to a puppy or kitten from their parents. These inherited conditions can affect both purebred and mixed breed dogs and cost thousands of dollars to diagnose and treat.
Paw Protect covers hereditary conditions as standard with no per-incident or per-condition limits at no added cost. We cover diagnostic testing, surgery, rehabilitation, and more for hereditary or genetic conditions. Common genetic disorders in dogs and cats include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Cancer
- Allergies
Congenital conditions
A congenital condition is a medical issue that a dog or cat is born with, but that could lay dormant until provoked by an illness or accident. Congenital conditions do not always show symptoms right away.
Paw Protect offers coverage for congenital conditions as long as your pet hasn’t been diagnosed or shown symptoms prior to the start of coverage, which is why getting pet insurance early is crucial.
Common congenital diseases in dogs and cats include:
- Hernia
- Aortic stenosis
- Hypothyroidism
Is cherry eye covered by Paw Protect?
Paw Protect covers cherry eye – a condition, suspected to be congenital, in which the lachrymal gland in a dog’s third eyelid (yep!) prolapses – as long as your dog didn’t show signs or symptoms of the condition before you took out your policy.
Important information about pre-existing conditions and waiting periods
There is a two-week illness waiting period which begins on your policies’ effective date. Orthopedic conditions have additional waiting or exclusion periods that vary by state.