Pre-existing conditions are a big factor in pet insurance. Most insurers will not cover pre-existing conditions or will only cover them if the pet has been insured by the company for a certain length of time. Some insurers also have a waiting period before they will cover any conditions that arose before the pet was insured.
It is important to read the fine print of any pet insurance policy to see what conditions are covered. Keep reading to learn more about how pet pre existing conditions work.
What are pre-existing conditions?
Pre-existing conditions are illnesses or injuries that occur before your pet insurance plan coverage starts or during a waiting period. This can also include symptoms of illnesses or injuries. Depending on your insurance policy terms, waiting periods can be as short as a few days or as long as a few months. Most pet insurance plans have a pre-existing condition exclusion clause, which means that conditions that occur during the waiting period or are related to a pre-diagnosed condition are not covered.
It's important to read the policy's fine print to understand what is and isn't covered. These conditions can range from mild conditions to more serious problems like cancer. If your pet has a condition, make sure you are aware of the coverage limitations of your pet insurance policy. It's also important to keep in mind that not every illness or injury is considered a pre-existing condition. For example, if your dog injures his leg while playing outside, the injury would not be considered pre-existing. However, if your dog has a history of ACL tears and he tears his ACL again, the injury could be considered pre-existing. If you have any questions about pre-existing conditions, contact your pet insurance provider for more information.
How are pre-existing conditions defined?
Pre-existing problems are usually defined as any health condition that the pet has prior to being insured. Most pet insurance companies exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage, which means that if your pet is diagnosed with a condition, you will not be able to file a claim for treatment related to that condition. Some pet insurance companies do offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, but the premiums for policies with this provision tend to be very expensive.
Although chronic conditions that are pre-existing typically won’t be covered if your pet’s medical condition is curable, has been cured, or a certain amount of time has passed, some pet insurance plans may reinstate coverage for the condition. For example, some insurance companies won't regard a condition that is curable, has been cured, and no longer requires treatment as pre-existing after 180 days. The exception to this rule is usually knee and ligament injuries.
Additionally, some pet insurance plans will help with hereditary or congenital issues. However, this will depend on your coverage options. All pet insurance providers are unique, and you'll need to do your research if your pet has a hereditary condition.
What is a waiting period?
Similar to human insurance, many pet insurance companies institute a waiting period before coverage begins. This waiting period is typically 30 days for accidents and 90 days for illnesses, and it begins on the day the policy is purchased, not on the day the pet is insured. Some pet insurance providers also have an exclusion period, which is the time frame during which a pet is not covered for a particular illness or injury. Exclusion periods vary by provider but are typically six to twelve months.
The reason for the waiting period is that pet insurance is intended to cover unexpected accidents and illnesses. By having a waiting period, providers can ensure that the majority of claims are for unexpected events and not pre-existing care.
Pre-existing conditions are important to consider when purchasing pet insurance because they can affect the cost of coverage and the policy's eligibility. Overall, pre-existing conditions are a major factor in pet insurance. Despite waiting periods and condition exclusions, pet insurance is a valuable resource for pet owners. It can help cover the cost of unexpected accidents and illnesses, which can add up quickly. And, it can provide peace of mind knowing that you have coverage in case something unexpected happens to your pet. In cases of serious, untreatable conditions, it’s essential to check if your policy covers options like San Diego County pet euthanasia.
