Picture This…
You just have a wiggly, tail-wagging bundle of joy at home. If it’s a floppy-eared pup or a curious kitten they instantly become part of the family. You give them love, the best food, and of, course, regular vet visits. But then—suddenly—your fur baby falls ill. The vet presents you with a bill that makes your heart drop. That’s when you begin to wonder: Is this covered by my pet insurance?
For a lot of pet owners, insurance is a lifesaver. But there’s a twist that few people see coming — pre-existing conditions. That little phrase can be a big deal for what’s covered, and what’s not. If you’re a pet parent (or considering being one), this is something you must understand. Let’s dive into it.
What Are Pre-Existing Conditions?
A pre-existing condition is any sickness, injury, or health concern your pet had before you purchased insurance. Whether it was diagnosed or just something you noticed, most insurers won’t foot the bill.
Here’s an example:
Let’s say one day you find that your dog is limping. You do not think much of it, but later the vet says it is arthritis. Then, when you try to obtain pet insurance, the insurer may say, “Sorry, we don’t cover anything related to arthritis because your dog was symptomatic before the policy went into effect.” Harsh? Maybe. But that’s how it works.
How Do Insurance Providers Treat Pre-Existing Conditions?
Insurance companies sort pre-existing conditions into two buckets:
Curable Pre-existing Conditions — Certain conditions, such as an ear infection or stomach issues, may be covered as long as your pet hasn’t shown symptoms for a period of time (often six months to a year).
Incurable Pre-Existing Conditions – Got chronic problems like diabetes, cancer or heart disease? Nope. Those typically won’t be covered — ever.
So if you’re trying to insure a pet with a developed, chronic illness, you’ll need a plan B.
Does That Mean You Shouldn’t Get Pet Insurance?
Absolutely not! And while it may not cover everything, that doesn’t mean pet insurance can’t save you thousands in surprise vet bills. Accidents, new illnesses and some hereditary conditions (if they manifest after coverage begins) can be included.
To put it another way: If car insurance doesn’t cover a scratch that existed before you bought the vehicle, that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t pay to fix your car after a future crash. Insurance logic also works in case of pet insurance.
How to Get the Right Insurance If Your Pet Has a Pre-Existing Condition
Be Honest About Your Pet’s Health
When signing up, there might be a temptation to exclude past illnesses. Don’t. Insurance companies can review your pet’s medical records, and if they find a detail you didn’t include, your claims might be denied — or your plan canceled altogether.
How to Find Policies That Will Cover Some Pre-Existing Conditions
Other insurers have looser policies. For instance, some companies will not consider a certain condition an “exclusion,” or something that wouldn’t qualify for coverage, if the pet’s condition is completely healed and hasn’t recurred in more than one year.
Try to Enroll in a Wellness Plan Instead
And, if full insurance isn’t financially feasible, a pet wellness plan may assist with routine vet visits, vaccines and basic care. It won’t cover big surgeries or chronic illnesses, but it does help offset the costs of routine visits to the vet.
Set Up a Pet Emergency Fund
Not really insurance, but very much the same value. If your pet has a chronic illness and is unable to get coverage, consider putting some money away each month for when the inevitable happens. It’s an assurance that provides you peace of mind.
Alternative Options for Animals with Pre-Existing Conditions
Even if traditional insurance isn’t going to work, you have options:
Pet Savings Accounts
Instead of paying a monthly premium, put money into a separate savings account to pay for pet health costs. If an emergency occurs, you’ll have money available.
Veterinary Discount Programs
Other veterinary clinics have discount memberships. You pay a yearly fee and receive discounted rates on treatment, medications, and surgeries.
Crowdfunding & Charity Organizations
Yes, people actually do this! Websites such as GoFundMe and pet charities also can assist with medical costs, especially in expensive procedures.
Payment Plans at Vet Clinics
Some vets provide financing options or monthly payment plans to help make care more affordable.
Case Studies: Pre-existing Conditions and Pet Insurance
Case 1: Daisy, the Labrador
That I got pet insurance for Daisy when she was three — she is now three and a half. But before this, Daisy sometimes developed skin infections. Because the infections were preexisting, her insurance didn’t cover them. But when Daisy later tore her ACL in an accident, the insurance paid for her expensive surgery — a $4,000 savings for Mia.
Case 2: Oliver the Siamese Cat
Oliver has suffered from asthma from a young age. No plan would cover his breathing treatments when his owner, Jake, tried to get insurance. Instead, Jake discovered a vet clinic with a membership plan, with which he received a discount on Oliver’s meds and check-ups.
Yes, Pet Insurance Is Worth It Even for Pets With Pre-Existing Conditions
Short answer: It depends.
Insurance won’t cover everything if your pet has a pre-existing condition. But it still can be useful to future accidents and illnesses. If conventional insurance isn’t effective, alternative options — such as wellness plans, savings funds and discount programs — can still help.
The key takeaway? Act fast. The younger and healthier your pet is when you sign up, the less heatache you’ll have later on. Because when it comes to both our furry best friends, we’d do anything to keep them happy, healthy, and at our sides as long as possible.
Do you have a pet with a pre-existing condition? Let us know your experience in the comments! Let’s help each other discover the best options for giving our pets the care they deserve.