Pet Insurance for Pre Existing Conditions: Explained
Pet insurance for pre-existing conditions that existed prior to the date you took out a pet insurance policy for your dog or cat can be expensive. It makes no difference whether a veterinarian treated or diagnosed the disease or not. The illness causing the issue will be deemed pre-existing if there are any obvious indications your pet was sick before being covered. Can affect your policy cost and limitations.
Generally, you can’t get pet insurance for pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions are those that are likely to be excluded from coverage if they exist or manifest themselves before you purchase insurance. However, there are exceptions. Some insurers can cover pre-existing conditions on a case-by-case basis. For instance, according to Vets Choice, you may ask for a pre-existing disease to be waived if your pet hasn’t shown any symptoms of it for a certain amount of time (often 18 months).
Some common pre-existing conditions include:
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Skin conditions
- Tooth decay
Pet insurance companies typically have a waiting period for pre-existing conditions. This means that you will not be covered for treatment of a pre-existing condition until after the waiting period has passed. The waiting period for pre-existing conditions can vary from company to company, but it is typically 14 to 30 days.
There are a few things you can do to avoid having your pet’s pre-existing conditions excluded from coverage. First, be sure to read the policy carefully before you sign up. This will help you understand what is and is not covered. Second, if your pet has any health problems, be sure to disclose them to the insurance company when you apply for coverage. This will help ensure that your pet is covered for any future treatment of these conditions.
Tips for understanding pre-existing conditions:
- Read the policy carefully. The policy will define what is considered a pre-existing condition.
- Disclose any health problems. Be sure to tell the insurance company about any health problems your pet has had in the past.
- Ask about the waiting period. The waiting period is the time period during which you will not be covered for treatment of a pre-existing condition.
- Shop around for a policy. Not all pet insurance companies have the same policies regarding pre-existing conditions.
The cost of pet insurance for a pet with a pre-existing condition will also be higher than the cost of pet insurance for a pet without a pre-existing condition. This is because pet insurance companies are taking on more risk when they insure a pet with a pre-existing condition.
Pet Insurance for Pre Existing Conditions Options for Pet Owners
Most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, but there are some exceptions and alternatives that you can consider.
Curable pre-existing conditions providers.
Embrace and ASPCA pet insurance can cover curable pre-existing conditions if your pet has no symptoms or recurrence for a specific period of time including bladder infections, ear infections, vomiting, etc
Figo pet insurance offers these features. Others offer discounts on different types of veterinary care for your pets, regardless of their pre-existing conditions. Figo’s plans cover accidents, illnesses, and even routine care like checkups and vaccinations. Figo also offers a few unique features, such as a 24/7 hotline for pet emergencies and a reimbursement policy that pays you within 24 hours of submitting a claim.
Pet Assure is a veterinary discount plan that offers members discounts on all in-house medical services and procedures, including exams, vaccinations, dental care, and surgery. Members save an average of 25% on their vet bills, and there is no annual deductible or maximum annual benefit.
To sign up for Pet Assure, you can create an account online or over the phone. Once you are a member, you will receive a Pet Assure ID card in the mail. When you take your pet to the vet, simply show your ID card and the veterinarian will apply the discount to your bill.
Pet Assure is available to all pet owners, regardless of their pet’s age, breed, or health status. There is no waiting period for coverage, and members can cancel their membership at any time.
Here are some of the benefits of using Pet Assure:
- Save money on your vet bills.
- No annual deductible or maximum annual benefit.
- No waiting period for coverage.
- Cancel anytime.
If you are looking for a way to save money on your pet’s vet bills, Pet Assure is a great option. With no annual deductible or maximum annual benefit, Pet Assure can help you afford the care your pet needs.
PetFirst and Pets Best offer accident-only policies.
PetFirst and Pets Best are two pet insurance companies that offer accident-only policies. These policies cover the cost of veterinary care for accidents, such as broken bones, poisoning, and bites. They do not cover the cost of care for illnesses, such as cancer or diabetes.
Accident-only policies are a good option for pet owners who want to protect their pets from unexpected costs, but who do not need coverage for illnesses. They are also a good option for pet owners who have older pets, who may be more likely to develop illnesses that are not covered by accident-only policies.
The cost of accident-only policies varies depending on the company, the type of pet, and the level of coverage chosen. However, they are typically much less expensive than comprehensive pet insurance policies.
Here is a table comparing the accident-only policies offered by PetFirst and Pets Best:
| Feature | PetFirst | Pets Best |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Starts at $10 | Starts at $6 |
| Maximum annual benefit | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Deductible | $250 | $100 |
| Waiting period | 14 days | 14 days |
| Eligibility | All pets | All pets |
If you are considering purchasing pet insurance, it is important to compare the different policies available to find the one that best meets your needs. You should also consider your pet’s age, health, and activities when choosing a policy. Prices may differ depending on the year this information was researched.
Additional things to keep in mind when comparing accident-only policies:
- The maximum annual benefit: This is the maximum amount of money that the insurance company will pay for your pet’s veterinary care in a year.
- The deductible: This is the amount of money that you will have to pay out of pocket before the insurance company starts paying for your pet’s care.
- The waiting period: This is the amount of time that you must have the policy in place before you can make a claim.
- The eligibility requirements: Some insurance companies have age or health requirements for their accident-only policies.
Once you have compared the different policies available, you can choose the one that best meets your needs and budget.
Charitable organizations
RedRover is a non-profit organization that provides grants for emergency veterinary care for pets in need. They may help you pay for health care for your pets if you are in financial hardship or have a low income.
Grants can be used to cover a wide range of veterinary expenses, including:
- Surgery
- Hospitalization
- Prescription medication
- Diagnostic tests
Other services to help animals in need include:
- Disaster relief: Provides food, shelter, and medical care for animals displaced by natural disasters.
- Pet adoption assistance: Helps find homes for animals in need.
- Education: Resources to help people learn about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
RedRover’s programs:
- RedRover Responders: This program provides temporary shelter and care for animals displaced by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. RedRover Responders also works to reunite displaced animals with their owners.
- RedRover Relief: This program provides financial assistance to pet owners who are struggling to pay for emergency veterinary care. RedRover Relief can help cover the cost of surgery, hospitalization, prescription medication, and diagnostic tests.
- RedRover Readers: This program promotes compassion and empathy for animals through the power of reading. RedRover Readers pairs children with animals in need, and the children read to the animals on a regular basis. This program has been shown to improve children’s reading skills, empathy, and understanding of animal welfare.
If you are in need of financial assistance for emergency veterinary care for your pet, you can apply for a RedRover grant. You can find more information on how to apply on their website.
RedRover is a vital resource for animals in need. Their work is essential to ensuring that every animal has access to the care they need. If you are able to, please consider donating to RedRover or volunteering your time. Your support will help them continue their important work.
Vets Choice Pet Insurance
Is one of the few insurers that covers curable pre-existing conditions. In order to be covered, your pet must have no signs or symptoms of the condition for 18 months and you must provide proof from your vet.
You will need to get proof from your vet, they will need to complete a Health Check form. This form will confirm that your pet is free of any pre-existing conditions and that they have been fully cured. Once you have the completed form, you will need to submit it to Vets Choice.
Once Vets Choice has received the completed form, they will review it and decide whether or not to cover your pet for the pre-existing condition. If they decide to cover the condition, they will waive the waiting period for that condition. This means that you will be able to claim for treatment for the condition immediately.
It is important to note that Vets Choice will only cover curable pre-existing conditions. If your pet has a chronic condition, it will not be covered.
If you are unsure whether or not your pet’s condition is curable, you should contact Vets Choice for advice.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about Vets Choice’s policy on pre-existing conditions:
- The 18-month waiting period applies to each individual condition. So, if your pet has two pre-existing conditions, you will need to wait 18 months for each condition before you can claim for treatment.
- Vets Choice may require you to provide additional information or documentation before they will agree to cover a pre-existing condition.
- Vets Choice may only cover a portion of the cost of treatment for a pre-existing condition.
If you are considering taking out pet insurance with Vets Choice, it is important to understand their policy on pre-existing conditions beforehand. By doing so, you can make sure that you are getting the best possible coverage for your pet.
Importance of having pet insurance for pets with pre-existing conditions:
- Financial Protection: Pets with pre-existing conditions often require ongoing medical care, specialized treatments, and medication. These expenses can quickly add up, placing a significant financial burden on pet owners. Pet insurance provides financial protection by covering a portion of these costs, making it more manageable to provide the necessary care for pets with pre-existing conditions. It alleviates the stress of choosing between your pet’s health and your budget.
- Access to Treatment: With pet insurance, pet owners can pursue necessary treatments for their pets with pre-existing conditions without hesitation. Insurance coverage ensures that pet owners have the means to access the appropriate veterinary care, including consultations with specialists, surgeries, medications, and therapies. It empowers pet owners to make decisions based on their pets’ health needs rather than financial constraints.
- Peace of Mind: Dealing with a pet’s pre-existing condition can be emotionally draining for pet owners. Pet insurance offers peace of mind by providing the financial support needed to manage and treat these conditions. It allows pet owners to focus on their pets’ well-being, knowing that they have the means to provide the necessary care and support.
- Continuity of Coverage: One concern for pet owners with pets that have pre-existing conditions is the potential denial of coverage or exclusions by insurance providers. However, some pet insurance companies offer coverage for pre-existing conditions after a waiting period or through specific policies designed for pets with existing health issues. Having pet insurance ensures continuity of coverage, eliminating the worry of being without insurance or facing limitations due to pre-existing conditions.
- Future Health Concerns: Even if a pet has a pre-existing condition, they may still develop new health issues unrelated to their existing condition. Pet insurance for pets with pre-existing conditions can provide coverage for these new health concerns, allowing pet owners to address any unexpected medical expenses that may arise. This comprehensive coverage ensures that pets receive the care they need, regardless of their pre-existing conditions.
- Quality of Life: Pets with pre-existing conditions often require ongoing medical management and treatments to maintain their quality of life. Pet insurance enables pet owners to provide the necessary care and interventions that can improve their pets’ comfort, mobility, and overall well-being. It ensures that pets can receive the best possible care, enhancing their quality of life despite their existing health conditions.
Having said that pet insurance is crucial for pets with pre-existing conditions as it provides financial protection, access to treatment, peace of mind, continuity of coverage, coverage for future health concerns, and enhances the quality of life for these beloved animals. It is a valuable tool that supports both pets and their owners in navigating the challenges associated with pre-existing conditions, ensuring that pets receive the care they need and deserve.