Best Pet Insurance for Pets with Pre-Existing Conditions
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If you have human medical insurance, then you’ve likely heard of a pre-existing condition and know how troublesome it can be to get approval for coverage. Unfortunately, the same barriers exist with pet insurance, too. Pet insurance companies typically don’t provide coverage for known conditions your pet was diagnosed with before purchasing a pet insurance policy.
However, there can be caveats to this. Pet insurance companies typically classify curable pre-existing conditions versus incurable ones. If your pet suffered from a curable condition in the past, such as a broken bone, you can likely get coverage if it happens again and a certain amount of time has passed. Keep in mind, unlike our medical insurance, a pre-existing condition (like a chronic condition) for a pet doesn’t mean they’re excluded from getting pet insurance–it simply means the provider won’t cover an injury or illness that showed signs or symptoms before the policy effective date.
Yes, this can get a little complicated, but we’re here to help make a little more sense of it and provide you with our choices for the best pet insurance for pre-existing conditions.
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What are pre-existing conditions in pets?
Pre-existing conditions in pets are medical conditions or illnesses before the pet's insurance coverage began or before the owner adopted or purchased the pet. These conditions can vary widely, including chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, allergies, heart disease, respiratory issues, or conditions resulting from accidents or injuries.
When purchasing pet insurance, it's crucial to understand how pre-existing conditions are defined and covered. In many cases, pre-existing conditions may not be covered under a new policy or may be limited. Some insurers may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions after a waiting period or with certain restrictions.
If your pet has a pre-existing condition, it's essential to disclose this information to the insurance provider when applying for coverage to avoid potential issues with claims later on. Additionally, discuss with your veterinarian the best course of action for managing your pet's condition and ensuring they receive the necessary care.
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Common pre-existing conditions in pets
The most common pre-existing conditions in pets can vary depending on the species, breed, pet’s age, and animal lifestyle. However, some of the more frequently encountered pre-existing conditions across different types of pets include:
- Allergies. Pets can develop allergies to various environmental factors, such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods.
- Dental disease. Dental problems, including periodontal disease, gingivitis, and tooth decay, are common in pets, especially as they age.
- Obesity. Just like humans, pets can struggle with obesity, which can lead to various health issues such as diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease.
- Arthritis. Older pets, as well as certain breeds prone to joint issues, may develop arthritis, causing pain and mobility issues.
- Skin conditions. Pets can suffer from various skin problems, including infections, hot spots, dermatitis, and parasites like fleas and mites.
- Ear infections. Dogs, in particular, are prone to ear infections, often due to factors like moisture buildup, allergies, or ear anatomy.
- Urinary tract issues. Cats especially can develop urinary tract problems such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bladder stones.
- Heart disease. Heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure or heart murmurs, can affect both dogs and cats, particularly as they age.
- Diabetes mellitus. Pets, particularly overweight or older cats and dogs, can develop diabetes, requiring management with insulin injections and dietary changes.
- Cancer. Unfortunately, pets can also develop cancer, including various types such as lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and mammary tumors.
These are just a few examples, and pets can experience many other pre-existing conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups and early detection are essential for managing these conditions effectively and ensuring your pet's well-being.
What does pet insurance cover?
Pet health insurance typically covers a range of vet bills related to unexpected accidents, illnesses, health conditions, and injuries. Coverage can vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific policy you choose, but here are some common components of pet insurance coverage:
- Accidents. Coverage for injuries resulting from accidents such as broken bones, lacerations, poisoning, or foreign object ingestion.
- Illnesses. Coverage for medical conditions and illnesses such as infections, gastrointestinal issues, respiratory problems, and more.
- Hereditary and congenital conditions. Some policies cover hereditary and congenital conditions, which are inherited or present at birth, such as hip dysplasia, heart defects, and certain genetic disorders.
- Chronic conditions. The policy terms may cover ongoing or chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, allergies, and asthma.
- Diagnostic tests. Coverage for diagnostic procedures, including blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, and other imaging studies to diagnose pet health issues.
- Prescription medications. Coverage for prescription medications prescribed by a veterinarian to treat covered conditions.
- Surgery. Coverage for surgical procedures, including anesthesia, hospitalization, and follow-up care, for covered conditions and injuries.
- Alternative therapies. Some policies may cover alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, physical therapy, or hydrotherapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Emergency care. Coverage for emergency veterinary care, including visits to an emergency clinic, after-hours care, and hospitalization for critical conditions.
- Cancer treatment. Depending on the policy terms, some policies provide coverage for cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
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- Get 10% off when you bundle
- Get 5% off by paying annually
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Overview of the best pet insurance or pre-existing conditions
Provider | Best for |
Figo | 100% reimbursement option |
Spot | Add-on coverages |
MetLife | Any breed |
Embrace | Unlimited reimbursement |
Lemonade | Fast claims approval |
ASPCA | Immediate coverage |
Nationwide | Most comprehensive coverage |
Figo
Figo stands out for several reasons among the best pet insurance plans and one reason is its coverage for curable pre-existing conditions. Figo may cover a pre-existing condition if at least 12 months have passed since your pet showed symptoms or received treatment. So this means if your pet has suffered from a broken bone, respiratory illness, or another condition in the past, but it’s been at least 12 months since it was treated, it’s likely covered.
We never know what a day might bring for our pets, but Figo offers free 24/7 access to a licensed veterinarian professional, so you can get answers to your questions quickly if an illness or injury occurs. Figo also offers a quick reimbursement time frame, with most claims closing in less than three business days.
Pros:
- Covers curable pre-existing conditions
- 24/7 access to licensed veterinarian care
- Reimbursement within a few business days
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer an accident-only plan
- Must submit information for pricing
Spot pet insurance
Spot is worth considering if your pet has a pre-existing condition and has been free from treatment and symptoms for at least 180 days, although there are exclusions such as ligament and knee conditions. Spot won’t cover a pre-existing condition that occurred during the waiting period, which is typical of pet insurance policies. If Spot does cover your pet’s curable condition, you’ll likely appreciate the quick reimbursement of around three business days.
Spot also offers expansive add-on coverages, such as preventative care, which covers annual vet visits, routine care, and dental cleanings. This offers you more well-rounded coverage with your pet policy. You can also purchase an accident-only policy or accident plus illness coverage.
Pros:
- Covers curable pre-existing conditions
- Can choose between accident-only or accident-plus coverage
- Can use any vet
Cons:
- Excludes ligament and knee conditions from coverage
- Must submit information for pricing
MetLife
While pet insurance providers don’t typically fully cover pre-existing conditions, MetLife may offer some relief in this area. A MetLife pet insurance policy will actually cover conditions that were previously covered by another pet insurance company for group benefits coverage. MetLife also has an extensive appeals process, which lets a pet parent appeal a decision if a claim is originally denied due to a pre-existing condition.
MetLife not only uses friendlier language regarding pre-existing conditions, but its policies cover cats and dogs of all ages and breeds. Policyholders also have 24/7 telehealth access to a licensed veterinarian and a 0-day accident waiting period.
Pros:
- Covers curable pre-existing conditions
- 24/7 access to licensed veterinarian care
- Covers all ages and all breeds
Cons:
- Can take up to 10 days for reimbursement
Embrace
Embrace offers coverage for curable pre-existing conditions for your cat or dog as long as they’ve remained symptom-free and treatment-free for at least 12 months, even if they were diagnosed by a veterinarian previously. Embrace pet insurance defines a pre-existing condition as an injury, illness, or abnormality your vet noted in a previous visit. Embrace also covers your pet’s accidents, unexpected illnesses, genetic conditions, and cancer, and you can add dental coverage if you like.
In addition to its policy for these conditions, Embrace has other features worth noting. You can use it at any vet in the U.S. Embrace also offers unlimited reimbursements, and you can even use the mobile app to submit your claims and manage your account.
Pros:
- Covers curable pre-existing conditions
- Submit claims via the mobile app
- Can use any vet in the U.S.
Cons:
- Must submit information for pricing
- Sign up in seconds
- Get paid in minutes
- Get 5% Off for 2 or more pets
- Get 10% off when you bundle
- Get 5% off by paying annually
- Award-winning service
Lemonade
Like most pet insurance policies, Lemonade doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. It also doesn’t say whether or not it will cover curable conditions. However, it’s worth bringing up Lemonade because it does offer comprehensive coverage for diagnostics, procedures, and medications, plus you can add on a wellness preventative package. You may also find out you’re eligible for one of Lemonade’s several discounts, such as paying an annual lump sum, having more than one pet, or 10% off if you purchase another Lemonade policy.
Lemonade is only available in 37 states, but since this list likely changes frequently, it’s worth checking back to see if you have coverage.
Pros:
- User-friendly digital experience
- Quick claims approval
- Several discounts available
Cons:
- Only available in 37 states
- Limiting language concerning pre-existing conditions
ASPCA
ASPCA does offer the possibility of covering pre-existing conditions, as long as they’re considered curable and have remained symptom- and treatment-free for at least 180 days. Most plans make pet parents wait 12 months, but ASPCA is one of the few offering the much shorter 180-day time frame. You should note knee and ligament conditions are excluded from this and won’t be covered no matter how long they’ve been symptom-free.
ASPCA offers accident-only plans and preventive plans (for an additional charge). One unique feature is that it offers immediate pet insurance coverage, ideal for pet owners who don’t want to wait. You can also select plans with up to a 90% deductible for those who want to keep out-of-pocket costs to a minimum.
Pros:
- Covers curable pre-existing conditions with a 180-day symptom- and treatment-free waiting period
- Immediate coverage available
- Offers a 10% multi-pet discount for each additional pet
Cons:
- Must submit an online quote or call
Nationwide
Nationwide doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. However, it’s worth mentioning on our list because it offers extensive and comprehensive coverage compared to other pet insurance options. It offers coverage for accidents, like broken bones or accidental poisoning, preventative services (such as annual exam fees), and illnesses. All three areas are covered in one plan, so you may not have to add pricey options to afford a well-rounded policy.
Nationwide has other ways of customizing your policy, including choosing from several deductible options, starting at $100 for an annual plan. You can also select anywhere between a 50% to a 90% reimbursement to manage your out-of-pocket costs more effectively. Just bear in mind that if you select the higher reimbursement rate, then your premiums will increase.
Pros:
- Comprehensive coverages, including accident, illness, and wellness plans in one
- Offers a low $100 annual deductible option
- Choose from 50% to 90% reimbursement plans
Cons:
- Age limit of 8 years old for new enrollments
- Must submit a quote online or work with an agent
The best pet insurance or pre-existing conditions summary
Provider | Monthly cost | Waiting period | Can use any vet |
Figo | Must submit a quote request | Not disclosed | Yes |
Spot | Must submit a quote request 10% multi-pet discount | Date of purchase until the effective date of the policy | Yes, in the U.S. and Canada |
MetLife | Cats start at $9 Dogs start at $11 | 0-day waiting policy for accidents | Yes, in the U.S. |
Embrace | Must submit a quote request | 0-day for accidents, 14-day for illnesses | Yes |
Lemonade | Must submit a quote request | 14-day for illnesses | Yes |
ASPCA | Must submit a quote request | Immediate coverage | Yes, in the U.S. or Canada |
Nationwide | Rates start at $16 | 14-day | Yes, in the U.S. |
- Sign up in seconds
- Get paid in minutes
- Get 5% Off for 2 or more pets
- Get 10% off when you bundle
- Get 5% off by paying annually
- Award-winning service
FAQs
How can I manage my pet's pre-existing conditions without insurance?
Managing your pet's pre-existing conditions without insurance may involve regular veterinary check-ups, medication, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. Discuss with your veterinarian the best course of action for managing your pet's health and ensuring they receive the necessary care.
Can I get coverage for unrelated conditions if my pet has pre-existing conditions?
Yes, many pet insurance policies will still cover unrelated conditions, even if your pet has pre-existing conditions. It's essential to review the policy details carefully to understand what is covered and what is excluded.
How do pet insurance companies determine pre-existing conditions?
Pet insurance companies usually determine pre-existing conditions based on your pet's medical history, including veterinary records and any past diagnoses or treatments. If your pet has been diagnosed or treated for a condition before getting insurance, it will likely be considered pre-existing.
The bottom line
Finding pet insurance for your four-legged with a pre-existing condition isn't as difficult as it seems. The insurance providers listed here offer coverage for your pet based on their pre-existing condition and the number of days that have passed since the detection of the same. While some do have a waiting period, several others have none. Irrespective of the pet insurance company you choose to work with, pet insurance is necessary, and it will save you money in the long run.
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Writer
Sara Coleman is a former corporate gal turned creative entrepreneur. She began writing professionally several years ago and now contributes to multiple websites, blogs, and magazines. She’s also an avid reader and can’t resist a great historical fiction novel. Sara holds a BA in journalism from the University of Georgia and can be found supporting her Bulldogs every chance she has. She resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her wonderfully supportive husband and three children. When she’s not ushering her kids to sports and dance lessons, she can be found creating content for her own website, TheProperPen.com.
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