What are pre-existing conditions and are they covered?
Pre-existing conditions are diseases that your pet showed symptoms of, was diagnosed with, or was treated for before your pet’s insurance policy. This includes any conditions that occur during your insurance provider’s waiting period (the time between purchasing a plan and making a claim for coverage). A pre-existing condition is determined by when the symptoms begin, not when the vet recognizes or diagnoses the condition.
Unfortunately, no pet insurance providers currently cover pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies see these sick pets as expensive and high-risk investments, especially since they’re guaranteed to need veterinary care in the future.
However, some companies distinguish between treatable and non-treatable conditions by choosing to cover treatable conditions with special provisions.
Treatable conditions
Treatable pre-existing conditions typically include conditions that do not recur chronically once treated. Embrace describes a treatable pre-existing condition that does not show recurrent symptoms within one year of treatment. If your pet has been treated for it and no symptoms have recurred within 180 days of the last episode (excluding knee and tendon conditions), spotting is not considered predisposing.
Treatable conditions may include:
- Bladder infections
- Diarrhea
- Ear infection
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Respiratory tract infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Notice
Incurable conditions
Pre-existing conditions that cannot be cured are those that require ongoing treatment, medication or even treatment. Surgery. Here are a few examples of what providers generally believe to be incurable pre-existing conditions.
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Heart disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Hyperthyroidism
- Kidney disease
- Orthopedic conditions
- Any chronic disease
Unfortunately, pet insurance providers do not cover these conditions.
What are binary conditions?
A bilateral condition refers to an injury or illness that affects both sides of the body, such as a cruciate ligament tear, cataracts, or hip dysplasia. Many pet insurance providers exclude bilateral conditions from their coverage because of the increased risk of a pet developing the same disease after it affects the other side of the body.
How does this relate to previous situations? For example, if your German shepherd was treated for hip dysplasia on the left side of his body before you signed up for pet insurance, hip dysplasia on the right side would not be covered in the future.
Are hereditary conditions considered early?
Hereditary or genetic conditions are considered early if symptoms or diagnoses occur before enrollment or if they occur during the waiting period. As with anything that affects your pet, a hereditary disease may be covered as long as the symptoms, treatment, or diagnosis occur after your policy is effective.