Pet insurance can be a great tool to help cover the cost of unexpected veterinary bills for your furry family member. However, it's important to understand the limitations of pet insurance and how it deals with pre-existing conditions. Here's key information pet owners should know about pre-existing conditions before getting pet insurance.
What is a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing condition is any health condition or injury that your pet has before getting pet insurance. This can include chronic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, and any injuries or illnesses that have already been symptomatic, diagnosed or treated. In other words, if your pet has any health issues before you enroll in pet insurance, they are considered pre-existing conditions.
How can you verify if your pet has any pre-existing conditions?
To verify if your pet has pre-existing conditions, you can start by reviewing your pet's medical records. Your pet's medical records will provide a comprehensive history of health issues, treatments, and medications your pet has received in the past. You can request a copy of your pet's medical records from your veterinarian, who will typically provide them upon request.
It's important to review the medical records carefully to identify any conditions that may be considered pre-existing by a pet insurance company. This includes any chronic conditions, such as allergies, diabetes, or arthritis, as well as injuries or illnesses that have already been symptomatic, diagnosed, or treated. You should also note the date of diagnosis and ongoing treatments or medications.
It's important to note that pet insurance companies may have different criteria for what qualifies as a pre-existing condition, so it's a good idea to check with your chosen pet insurance provider for their specific requirements.
If you're unsure whether your pet has a pre-existing condition or if you have any questions about pre-existing conditions and pet insurance, you can speak with your veterinarian or the pet insurance provider. They can help you understand how pre-existing conditions are defined and how they may affect coverage. They may also be able to help provide guidance on how to manage pre-existing conditions if they are present.
How do pre-existing conditions affect pet insurance?
Dog Insurance & Cat Insurance plans generally do not cover pre-existing conditions. This means that if your pet has a pre-existing condition, you will not be able to get coverage for any treatment related to that condition. This can be a major issue if your pet has a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment, such as regular medications or vet visits.
Some pet insurance providers may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, but with significant limitations. For example, they may only cover the condition after a waiting period of several months or only provide limited coverage for the condition. It's important to carefully read the policy details to understand how pre-existing conditions are treated. Know more about whether I should get pet insurance.
How are pre-existing conditions determined?
When you enroll in pet insurance, your pet may need to undergo a veterinary exam or provide medical records. This is to help determine if your pet has a pre-existing condition. The insurance company will review this information and may exclude any pre-existing conditions from coverage. Learn more about what does pet insurance cover?
It's important to note that pet insurance companies may have different criteria for what qualifies as a pre-existing condition. Some may consider any health issue that has ever been symptomatic, diagnosed, or treated, while others may only consider conditions that have been present for a certain amount of time. Be sure to ask the insurance company about their criteria for pre-existing conditions. Learn more about Pet Insurance FAQs.
Can you still get pet insurance if your pet has a pre-existing condition?
Yes, you can still get pet insurance if your pet has a pre-existing condition. However, it's important to understand that the pre-existing condition will not be covered. You will still be able to get coverage for other eligible health issues that may arise in the future, but you will need to pay for any treatment related to the pre-existing condition out of pocket. Learn more about how does pet insurance work.
It's also important to note that some pet insurance providers may exclude coverage for certain conditions that are more common in certain breeds. For example, a provider may exclude coverage for hip dysplasia in certain breeds that are prone to the condition. This is another reason why it's important to carefully read the policy details before enrolling. Compare pet insurance providers here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pet insurance can be a valuable tool to help manage the eligible costs of veterinary care for your pet. It's important to understand how pet insurance deals with pre-existing conditions. If your pet has a pre-existing condition, it may not be covered by the insurance, or coverage may be limited. Be sure to carefully read the policy details and ask the insurance company about their criteria for pre-existing conditions before enrolling in pet insurance.
Elizabeth Kowalski holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois and an associate’s degree in veterinary technology from Purdue University. After more than 10 years working as a certified veterinary technician, she chose to pursue veterinary writing, combining years of practical knowledge with a talent and passion for the written word. Elizabeth enjoys creating content for pet owners and veterinary professionals alike, and spends her free time playing sand volleyball and lounging at home with her pitbull, Piglet, and husband, Brenton.
Angela Beal is a veterinarian who loves using her writing to help pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. Since 2020, she has worked full-time with Rumpus Writing and Editing, a veterinary-specific writing and editing company .Learn more at rumpuswriting.com.
