A pre-existing condition is defined as any illness, injury, or irregular symptoms noticed by you or your vet before the end of your waiting period, even if your pet never received treatment for it.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No, as a general rule pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, but there are some exceptions. Paw Protect, for example, is one of the only pet insurance companies that distinguishes between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions, helping to provide the best long-term coverage for your furry friend.
Before purchasing a policy, it is important to know which pre-existing conditions your pet insurance company classifies as curable or incurable. Curable pre-existing conditions might be covered if your pet goes 12 months symptom and treatment free while incurable pre-existing conditions will never be covered.
Curable pre-existing conditions
Examples of curable conditions include:
- Urinary tract/bladder infections
- Respiratory infections
- Vomiting, diarrhea, & other gastrointestinal disorders
- Other curable conditions
Incurable pre-existing conditions
If your cat or dog has shown symptoms or been diagnosed with any of the following conditions prior to signing up for a pet insurance plan (including Paw Protect), those conditions – and any related conditions – will be permanently excluded from your pet insurance coverage:
- Allergies
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Lipomas or skin lumps
- Urinary or bladder crystals or blockages
- Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
- Any orthopedic condition, as well as any orthopedic illness or injury on the opposite side of a prior injury. (See example below.)
- Other chronic conditions
Are bilateral conditions covered?
A bilateral condition is an ailment or disease that affects both sides of the body, such as a cruciate ligament tear or cataracts. There is a higher risk of the same condition developing on the other side of the body, so if a pet has a pre-existing bilateral condition, many insurers – Paw Protect included – would not able to cover the condition on the other side.
Have you visited your vet in the last 12 months?
Some insurers, such as Paw Protect, have terms and conditions which require you to have a documented visit to the vet within the 12 months prior to purchasing your policy or during your 14-day waiting period. Your pet needs a documented exam performed by a licensed veterinarian.
Still unsure whether your pet’s pre-existing condition is covered?
Not everything is black and white when it comes to your pet’s health, so it’s important to understand what is considered pre-existing before you enroll in any pet insurance policy.
With Paw Protect, you can request a free Medical History Review after your policy purchase. Our claims adjusters will review the prior 12 months medical history on your pet and let you know what would be considered pre-existing.