Pet Insurance & Pre-Existing Conditions
One of the most common questions pet owners ask: "Will pet insurance cover my pet's pre-existing condition?" The short answer is usually no, but the details matter.
What Counts as a Pre-Existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or health issue that occurred or showed symptoms beforeyour pet's coverage start date or during the waiting period.
How Providers Handle Pre-Existing Conditions
Healthy Paws
StrictDoes not cover pre-existing conditions. However, conditions that are cured and symptom-free for 12 months may be considered for re-enrollment.
Embrace
ModerateUses a "look-back" period of 12 months. Any condition treated or showing symptoms in the 12 months before enrollment is pre-existing. They offer a Healthy Pet Deductible that can reduce costs for ongoing conditions.
Lemonade
StrictDoes not cover pre-existing conditions. The policy defines pre-existing as any condition diagnosed or showing clinical signs before the start date.
Trupanion
StrictStrict pre-existing condition policy. However, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee during which you can cancel if your pet's history is problematic.
Tips for Pets with Health History
- •Enroll your pet as early as possible — ideally when they're young and healthy
- •Get a complete veterinary records review before applying to understand what might be flagged
- •Look for providers with shorter look-back periods (some are as short as 6 months)
- •Consider accident-only coverage if illness pre-existing conditions are a concern
- •Ask about curable condition clauses — some providers will cover previously pre-existing conditions after a symptom-free period
- •Some breed-specific conditions may be waived after a waiting period — read the policy carefully
Pre-Existing Condition Coverage by Scenario
| Scenario | Typical Coverage |
|---|---|
| New knee injury, no prior history | Covered after accident waiting period |
| Ear infection 2 years ago, resolved | Usually covered (look-back varies) |
| Ongoing diabetes treatment | Pre-existing, not covered |
| Hip dysplasia diagnosed at 2 years, now 4 | Usually pre-existing, not covered |
| Skin allergies, recurring | May be considered pre-existing |
| Dental disease before enrollment | Usually excluded for 6-12 months |
Compare Pre-Existing Condition Policies
Get quotes and compare how different providers handle pre-existing conditions.
Advertising Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click links in this widget and purchase a policy. This comes at no additional cost to you and supports our editorial process. Learn more about how we earn money.
Loading pet insurance quotes...
Advertising Disclosure: CheckItAll.net is an independent comparison site. We may receive compensation when you click links or sign up with partners featured on our site. This compensation may affect how and where products appear on this site. Our opinions are our own. Read our full disclosure.