Pet Insurance That Covers Pre-Existing Conditions
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Pet Insurance That Covers Pre-existing Conditions

  • Our top picks for pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions are Spot Pet Insurance, Pumpkin, and Pets Best because they cover curable conditions that have shown no symptoms for 180 days.
  • Other providers like Lemonade, Paw Protect and Embrace will cover some curable pre-existing conditions but have a longer, 12-month lookback period.
  • Some pet insurance providers won’t cover any conditions that arise or show symptoms before your plan’s effective date or during the waiting period.
180 Day Lookback Period

Spot Pet Insurance

GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
4.9
Maximum annual coverage 
$2,500 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices 
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices 
$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
180 Day Lookback Period

Pumpkin Pet Insurance

GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
4.2
Maximum annual coverage 
$10,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices 
90%
Deductible choices 
$100, $250, $500, $1,000
180 Day Lookback Period

Pets Best Insurance

GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
4.6
Maximum annual coverage 
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices 
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices 
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000

Best pet insurance for pre-existing conditions

Spot is our number one choice for pre-existing condition coverage because they will cover treatment of curable pre-existing conditions after your pet has been symptom free for 180 days. Their coverage is extensive, including things like dental disease and prescription food.

Pumpkin also covers curable pre-existing conditions after 180 days with no symptoms. Pumpkin and Spot tend to be similar in coverage and pricing, but Pumpkin doesn’t offer an accident-only plan.

Pets Best is the third pet insurance provider that covers curable pre-existing conditions after 180 days. Their plans tend to be cheaper than Spot and Pumpkin, but don’t cover as many things as either competitor.

Compare Top Pet Insurance Plans

    • Mixed/Designer Breed (weight fully grown)
    • Mixed Small (Up To 22lb)
    • Mixed Medium (23lb - 70lb)
    • Mixed Large (Over 70lb)
    • Domestic Longhair
    • Domestic Mediumhair
    • Domestic Shorthair
    • Mixed Breed
    • Other/Breed Not Found
    • Pure Breeds
    • Other/Breed Not Found
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    • Alpine Dachsbracke
    • Alsatian
    • American Bulldog
    • American Bullnese
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    • American Cocker Spaniel
    • American Eskimo Dog
    • American Eskimo Dog - miniature
    • American Foxhound
    • American Hairless Terrier
    • American Indian Dog
    • American Lo-Sze Pugg
    • American Mastiff
    • American Pit Bull Terrier
    • American Staffordshire Terrier
    • American Staghound
    • American Tundra Shepherd
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    • Anatolian Shepherd Dog
    • Appenzell Mountain Dog
    • Argentine Dogo
    • Ariegoeis
    • Australian Cattle Dog
    • Australian Kelpie
    • Australian Shepherd
    • Australian Shepherd - miniature
    • Australian Terrier
    • Austrian Brandlbracke
    • Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher
    • Azawakh
    • Barbet
    • Basenji
    • Basset Artesien Normand
    • Basset Bleu De Gascogne
    • Basset Fauve De Bretagne
    • Basset Hound
    • Beagle
    • Bearded Collie
    • Beauceron
    • Bedlington Terrier
    • Belgian Shepherd Groenendael
    • Belgian Shepherd Laekenois
    • Belgian Shepherd Malinois
    • Belgian Shepherd Tervuren
    • Bergamasco
    • Berger des Pyrenees
    • Berger Picard
    • Bernese Mountain Dog
    • Bichon Frise
    • Biewer
    • Black Mouth Cur
    • Black Russian Terrier
    • Bloodhound
    • Blue Heeler
    • Blue Lacy
    • Bluetick Coonhound
    • Boerboel
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    • Bouvier Des Flandres
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    • Braque d Auvergne
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    • Braque Francais
    • Brazilian Fila
    • Brazilian Terrier
    • Briard
    • Briquet Griffon Vendeen
    • Brittany
    • Brussels Griffon
    • Bull Terrier
    • Bull Terrier - miniature
    • Bulldog
    • Bullmastiff
    • Ca de Bou
    • Cairn Terrier
    • Canaan Dog
    • Canadian Eskimo Dog
    • Canary Dog
    • Cane Corso
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    • Caucasian Ovtcharka
    • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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    • Chasa Apso
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    • Chihuahua
    • Chihuahua long-haired
    • Chinese Chongqing Dog
    • Chinese Crested Dog
    • Chinese Crested Hairless
    • Chinese Crested Powder Puff
    • Chinese Foo
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    • Chinook
    • Chow Chow
    • Cirneco dell Etna
    • Clumber Spaniel
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    • Cocker Spaniel Miniature
    • Collie
    • Collie smooth-coated
    • Coonhound - black and tan
    • Coonhound - blue tick
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    • Corgi
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    • Czechoslovakian Wolfdog (Vlcak)
    • Dachshund
    • Dachshund - long haired
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    • Dachshund - wire haired
    • Dachshund miniature - long haired
    • Dachshund miniature - smooth coat
    • Dachshund miniature - wire haired
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    • Deerhound
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    • Designer Medium (23lb - 70lb As Adult)
    • Designer Small (Up To 22lb As Adult)
    • Deutsch Drahthaar
    • Deutscher Wachtelhund
    • Doberman Pinscher
    • Dogo Argentino
    • Dogue De Bordeaux
    • Drever
    • Dunker
    • Dutch Sheepdog
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    • Elkhound
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    • English Setter
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    • Estonian Hound
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    • Eurasier
    • Fell Terrier
    • Field Spaniel
    • Fila Brasileiro
    • Finnish Hound
    • Finnish Lapphund
    • Finnish Spitz
    • Flat-coated Retriever
    • Fox Hound
    • Fox Terrier
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    • French Spaniel
    • Gazelle Hound
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    • German Pinscher
    • German Shepherd
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    • Hungarian Pumi
    • Hungarian Sheepdog
    • Hungarian Vizsla
    • Hungarian Wire Haired Vizsla
    • Ibizan Hound
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    • Inca Hairless Dog
    • Inca Orchid
    • Irish Red and White Setter
    • Irish Setter
    • Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier
    • Irish Terrier
    • Irish Water Spaniel
    • Irish Wolfhound
    • Italian Greyhound
    • Jack Russell Terrier
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    • Japanese Spitz
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    • Native American Indian Dog
    • Neapolitan Mastiff
    • Nebolish Mastiff
    • New Zealand Huntaway (Sheepdog)
    • Newfoundland
    • Nippon Terrier
    • Norfolk Terrier
    • Northern Inuit Dog
    • Norwegian Buhund
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    • Old English Mastiff
    • Old English Sheepdog
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    • Papillon
    • Parson Jack Russell Terrier
    • Patterdale Terrier
    • Pekingese
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    • Perro de Presa Mallorquin
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    • Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
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    • Pit Bull
    • Plott Hound
    • Pointer
    • Polish Lowland Sheepdog
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    • Pomeranian
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    • Portuguese Podengo
    • Portuguese Pointer
    • Portuguese Water Dog
    • Presa Canario
    • Pudelpointer
    • Pug
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    • Pumi
    • Pyrenean Mastiff
    • Pyrenean Mountain Dog
    • Pyrenean Shepherd
    • Queensland Heeler
    • Rat Terrier
    • Rhodesian Ridgeback
    • Rottweiler
    • Rough Collie
    • Saarlooswolfhond
    • Saint Bernard
    • Saluki
    • Samoyed
    • Sarplaninac
    • Schapendoes
    • Schipperke
    • Schnauzer
    • Schnauzer - giant
    • Schnauzer - miniature
    • Schnauzer - standard
    • Scottish Deerhound
    • Scottish Terrier
    • Sealyham Terrier
    • Segugio Italiano
    • Shar-pei
    • Shetland Sheepdog
    • Shiba Inu
    • Shih Tzu
    • Shikoku
    • Shiloh Shepherd
    • Siberian Husky
    • Silken Windhound
    • Silky Terrier
    • Skye Terrier
    • Sloughi
    • Small Munsterlander
    • Smooth Collie
    • Smooth Fox Terrier
    • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
    • Spanish Bulldog
    • Spanish Mastiff
    • Spanish Water Dog
    • Spinone italiano
    • Spitz
    • Stabyhoun (Stabij)
    • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
    • Staghound
    • Sussex Spaniel
    • Swedish Elkhound
    • Swedish Lapphund
    • Swedish Vallhund
    • Tervuren
    • Thai Ridgeback
    • Tibetan KyiApso
    • Tibetan Mastiff
    • Tibetan Spaniel
    • Tibetan Terrier
    • Tosa Inu
    • Toy Fox Terrier
    • Toy Terrier
    • Treeing Tennessee Brindle
    • Treeing Walker Coonhound
    • Victorian Bulldog
    • Vizsla
    • Volpino Italiano
    • Weimaraner
    • Welsh Corgi
    • Welsh Corgi - Cardigan
    • Welsh Corgi - Pembroke
    • Welsh Springer Spaniel
    • Welsh Terrier
    • West Highland White Terrier
    • Wheaten Terrier
    • Whippet
    • Wirehaired Fox Terrier
    • Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
    • Wirehaired Vizsla
    • Xoloitzcuintli - Mexican Hairless Dog
    • Yorkie-Poo
    • Yorkshire Terrier
    • Abyssinian
    • American Bobtail
    • American Curl
    • American Curl Shorthair
    • American Keuda
    • American Longhair
    • American Shorthair (purebred)
    • American Wirehair
    • Angora
    • Australian Mist
    • Balinese
    • Bengal
    • Bengalese
    • Birman
    • Bombay
    • Brazilian Shorthair
    • British Shorthair
    • Burmese
    • Burmilla
    • California Spangled Cat
    • Cameo Longhair
    • Chantilly/Tiffany
    • Chartreux
    • Chausie
    • Chinchilla
    • Colorpoint
    • Colorpoint Longhair
    • Colorpoint Shorthair
    • Cornish Rex
    • Cymric
    • Devon Rex
    • Egyptian Mau
    • European Burmese
    • European Shorthair
    • Exotic
    • Exotic Longhair
    • Exotic Shorthair
    • Feral
    • German Rex
    • Havana Brown
    • Highland Fold
    • Highland Lynx
    • Himalayan
    • Himalayan Blue Point
    • Himalayan Flame Point
    • Himalayan Lilac Point
    • Himalayan Seal Point
    • Japanese Bobtail
    • Javanese
    • Kashmir
    • Korat
    • La Perm
    • Maine Coon
    • Manx
    • Manx Longhair
    • Munchkin
    • Nebelung
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    • Norwegian Forest Cat
    • Ocicat
    • Oriental
    • Oriental Colorpoint
    • Oriental Longhair
    • Oriental Shorthair
    • Persian
    • Peterbald
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    • Safari Cat
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    • Scotish Fold
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    • Selkirk Rex
    • Selkirk Rex Longhair
    • Seychellois
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Embrace Lemonade Pets Best Paw Protect Healthy Paws Spot Fetch Figo ASPCA Pumpkin
Embrace Lemonade Pets Best Paw Protect Healthy Paws Spot Fetch Figo ASPCA Pumpkin

Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Many pet insurance policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, but there are a few caveats.

If conditions are curable, they can usually be covered by your pet insurance if your pet has been symptom-free for a certain amount of time.

When you sign up for pet insurance, you’ll be asked to submit your pet’s medical history. Many providers have a lookback period between 180 days and 1 year. If your pet had an illness that was cured before the lookback period, the insurer will generally cover new occurrences.

Pets with chronic pre-existing conditions can still qualify for a pet insurance policy, but the insurer won’t pay for expenses related to your pet’s chronic condition.

Simply put, pet insurance coverage is meant to protect you from future expenses, not to pay for current ones.

Which pet insurance companies will cover pre-existing conditions?

If your pet has pre-existing conditions, it’s important to consider the lookback period. This is how far back the company will check to see if your pet has any illnesses or health conditions that need to be excluded from the policy coverage.

These insurance companies may be able to cover your pet’s pre-existing conditions:

Advertiser Disclosure
Provider
Pre-existing Condition Coverage
Lookback Period
Yes, if curable
180 Day Lookback Period
GET A QUOTE

via Petinsurer.com's secure website

Yes, if curable
180 Day Lookback Period
GET A QUOTE

via Petinsurer.com's secure website

Yes, if curable
180 Day Lookback Period
GET A QUOTE

via Petinsurer.com's secure website

Yes, if curable
12 Month Lookback Period
GET A QUOTE

on Lemonade's secure website

Yes, if curable
12 Month Lookback Period
GET A QUOTE

via Petinsurer.com's secure website

Yes, if curable
12 Month Lookback Period
GET A QUOTE

via Petinsurer.com's secure website

Yes, if curable
12 Month Lookback Period
GET A QUOTE

via Petinsurer.com's secure website

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Our top picks for pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions

Advertiser Disclosure

180 Day Lookback Period

Spot Pet Insurance

4.9
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$2,500 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

With Spot insurance, after 180 days, an injury or illness that is curable and free of treatment and symptoms will no longer be regarded as pre-existing, except for knee and ligament conditions.

Spot offers a wide range of annual coverage and deductible options to suit all budgets and is one of a few providers that offer a discount for owners with multiple pets (10%). They also tend to cover more things than other providers such as advanced care and alternative therapies. There is no maximum enrollment age, meaning elderly pets can get coverage at any time.

Spot offers several plan options including an accident-only plan, an accident & illness plan, and 2 tiers of wellness add-ons (Gold & Platinum) which can cover things like teeth cleaning. Another benefit to Spot is that euthanasia and exam fees (for covered conditions) are included with their accident & illness plan.

Spot has a 14-day waiting period for accidents, illnesses, and ligament/knee conditions. Spot will also cover curable pre-existing conditions if your pet has been symptom-free for at least 180 days.

PROS

  • Unlimited coverage option
  • Various options to customize your policy
  • Preventive care add-on available
  • Affordable plans

CONS

  • Doesn’t cover prescription food
  • Longer waiting period for accident coverage than many insurers

180 Day Lookback Period

Pumpkin Pet Insurance

4.2
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$10,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $1,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Pumpkin insurance will cover most common, curable pre-existing conditions (excluding knee and ligament conditions) if your pet has been free of symptoms and treatment for that condition for at least 180 days.

We love Pumpkin for its wide-reaching coverage and reimbursement level. Where other companies let you choose low reimbursement levels, Pumpkin ensures you get 90% back from covered claims and has no maximum age of enrollment. As an added benefit, owners with multiple pets get a 10% discount on policies. When it comes to coverage, what is offered as add-ons from other companies comes standard at Pumpkin.

Pumpkin has a standard accident & illness plan that covers exam fees, dental illnesses, behavioral issues, hereditary & congenital conditions, rehab therapies, and end-of-life services. You can also customize your plan with an optional add-on for preventative care.

With Pumpkin’s accident & illness plan, there is a 14-day waiting period. While this is longer than some other providers, Pumpkin has no extended waiting period for hip dysplasia or knee injuries making it a great option for animals prone to joint issues. On the downside, their add-on plan for preventive care doesn’t have a lot of coverage.

PROS

  • Unlimited coverage option
  • Optional wellness add-on available

CONS

  • Only one reimbursement option
  • No vet-direct pay

180 Day Lookback Period

Pets Best Insurance

4.6
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Pets Best insurance will cover a variety of curable pre-existing conditions (excludes knee and ligament conditions) if your pet has been free of symptoms from that condition for at least 180 days.

We like Pets Best as it offers competitively priced plans with a wide range of deductible options. Pets Best offers multiple plans including an Accident-only plan, as well as 3 tiers called Essential, Plus, and Elite.

You can also opt for an add-on for wellness / routine care plans for an extra fee which offers good coverage versus other plans on the market. There is no age limit for sign-ups, meaning you can purchase coverage for your pet later in life. You’ll also get unlimited access to a 24/7 emergency vet hotline for quick consultations at all hours of the day.

Last, but not least, Pets Best is one of the few providers who can pay the vet directly for you. Simply download the reimbursement release form from their website and have your vet’s office sign and agree to receive payment directly from the provider and Pet’s Best will handle the rest.

With Pets Best you can expect a waiting period of 3 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions. When choosing, note that exam fees are not included in the Essential plan, which is why we recommend opting for a higher-tier plan, such as the Elite plan, with a wellness add-on.

PROS

  • Unlimited coverage option
  • Many deductible options
  • No age limit for enrollment
  • Vet-direct pay option

CONS

  • Doesn’t cover alternative therapies
  • Doesn’t cover breed-specific issues

12 Month Lookback Period

Lemonade Pet Insurance

4.8
GET A QUOTE on Lemonade's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - $100,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Lemonade pet insurance may cover pre-existing conditions if your pet’s condition has been cured for at least 12 months. Recurring conditions are also covered in most states.

Lemonade is popular for its affordable accident & illness coverage and its many customizable plans. They are one of the few pet insurance providers that offer dental coverage and have a convenient app that allows you to manage your policy online.

Add-ons from Lemonade include coverage for preventative care, vet visit fees, dental illness, physical therapy, behavioral conditions, and end-of-life care and remembrance.

With Lemonade’s accident and illness plan, there is no waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. There is a 30-day waiting period for orthopedic conditions in most states.

While Lemonade offers excellent coverage at an affordable price, they don’t offer telemedicine, don’t cover spay/neuter costs for pets over 2 years old, and vet fees are extra unless you purchase the add-on.

PROS

  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Discount for bundling with other policies from Lemonade
  • Various add-ons available

CONS

  • Age restrictions
  • Not available in certain states
  • No unlimited coverage option

12 Month Lookback Period

Paw Protect

4.4
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Paw Protect may cover curable pre-existing conditions if your pet has not had any symptoms or treatment for that specific illness for 12 months.

Paw Protect is a relatively new provider but has taken the market by storm. One of its main draws is that it offers customers a $2,000 interest-free charge card that can be used to pay the vet directly, so you have no out-of-pocket expenses. Most other providers require you to pay upfront and be reimbursed.

Paw Protect offers an accident & illness plan as well as an optional Wellness plan available as an add-on. Like some other providers, it comes with 24/7 telemedicine coverage which allows you to speak to a vet in case you have an emergency and aren’t sure whether to take your animal in for a visit. It also offers considerable discounts if you have multiple pets (10% off) or are a military member (5% off).

Paw Protect accident and illness plan has a two-day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. There is a six-month waiting period for canine orthopedic conditions, which can be reduced to 14 days if you complete an orthopedic exam and waiver process.

PROS

  • Unlimited coverage option
  • Wellness plan add-on available
  • Pays vet directly

CONS

  • Max age for full coverage
  • Doesn’t cover boarding

12 Month Lookback Period

Embrace Pet Insurance

4.8
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Embrace pet insurance covers curable pre-existing conditions if your pet has not had any symptoms or treatment for that specific illness for 12 months.

Embrace offers highly customizable plans and discounts to customers with multiple pets (10% off) or who are military members (5% off). Embrace offers an accident & illness plan with optional wellness coverage as an add-on, which covers things like exam fees and prescription drugs. Additionally, Embrace offers a diminishing deductible, meaning that every year you don’t file a claim, your deductible is lowered by $50.

In case of an emergency, you’ll also get access to 24/7 virtual assistance via telemedicine calls which can help you diagnose if it’s necessary to rush to an in-person emergency vet. This feature alone could save you hundreds on vet bills, which is another reason we love Embrace.

With Embrace’s accident and illness plan you’ll have a two-day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. There is a six-month waiting period for canine orthopedic conditions, which can be reduced to 14 days if you complete an orthopedic exam and waiver process.

PROS

  • Affordable plans
  • Many options to customize plans
  • Various discounts available

CONS

  • Doesn’t pay vet directly
  • No exotic pet coverage

12 Month Lookback Period

Figo Pet Insurance

4.6
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Deductible choices
$100, $200, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Figo may consider covering a pre-existing condition if your pet has been symptom-free for at least 12 months but will review each case to determine if your pet’s condition will be covered.

Figo is known for its fast claim processing which is a huge benefit to its customers. It’s one of the few providers that offer 100% reimbursement (on plans with deductibles of $500+). It’s also great for elderly animals as it has no age limit for enrollment.

Figo has lots of plan options to suit all types of budgets. It offers several pre-set accident & illness plans but also allows you to customize your plan based on your desired coverage limits, deductible, and reimbursement level. You can also opt for add-ons that offer continued wellness coverage and reimbursement for vet exam fees. All plans come with 24/7 vet assistance text-chat, however, video/phone telehealth consultations are also available as part of the wellness add-on.

With Figo, there is a 1-day waiting period for accidents and injuries and 14 days for illnesses.

For dogs, there is also a 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions. However, this can be waived if you get an orthopedic exam within the first 30 days of your policy and your pet is deemed healthy.

PROS

  • Fast claim processing
  • No max age limit for enrollment
  • Short waiting period for accidents and injuries
  • 100% reimbursement option

CONS

  • Doesn’t pay vet directly
  • No accident-only plan option
  • More expensive than some insurers
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What are pet pre-existing conditions?

Pre-existing conditions are health issues your pet had before signing up for pet insurance or that begin during the waiting period after buying your policy.

According to Doctor Stephanie Liff, a doctor of veterinary medicine, pre-existing conditions can cause pet insurers not to cover treatment of other related issues.

“Diarrhea is one of the most common issues that arise and lead to the exclusion of coverage prior to the end of a pet insurance waiting period. Many young pets will present to the vet at first visit with diarrhea due to parasites. Then insurance companies will consider this ‘pre-existing’ and won’t cover diarrhea or other GI issues going forward or until the pet has been symptom-free for a specified length of time.” - Dr. Stephanie Liff, DVM

Based on Doctor Liff’s expertise, if your pet shows any signs of an illness before your policy fully begins, you run the risk of having other related conditions excluded from your policy.
For this reason, we recommend:

  1. Signing up for pet insurance as soon as possible while your pet is still healthy to avoid exclusions
  2. Opting for a policy with a short waiting period so your pet has less chance to develop a condition that could be excluded from your policy.
  3. Checking the length of the policy’s lookback period and which illnesses they designate as “curable”.

Types of pre-existing conditions & eligibility

Pre-existing health conditions for pets are broken down into four categories:

  1. Curable conditions
  2. Incurable conditions
  3. Genetic conditions
  4. Bilateral conditions

Here is a closer look at each one.

Curable pre-existing conditions

Curable conditions are ones your pet can recover from with treatment. Curable pre-existing conditions can usually be covered under your pet insurance policy after your pet has been cured or healed and symptom-free for a certain time period stipulated in your policy.

Examples of curable pre-existing conditions include issues like:

If your pet currently has symptoms and you purchase an insurance policy, coverage for the pre-existing condition will be excluded. However, if your pet is healed and symptom-free for the set time period, the condition can usually be covered under future vet visits. This is especially important to note when looking for insurance plans for older dogs and cats.

It’s important to highlight that some conditions, like cruciate ligament issues, may be permanently excluded from the curable pre-existing conditions category even if they can be healed. Cruciate ligament conditions can be cured through surgery, but most pet insurance plans won’t cover treatment, even if a pet is healed and symptom-free for years.

Incurable pre-existing conditions

Pet insurance companies won’t usually pay for expenses related to incurable health problems since they are long-term issues. Incurable pre-existing conditions are chronic conditions, with a low chance of curability, that a dog or cat will have for life.

Examples of incurable pre-existing conditions include:

Genetic conditions

Pet insurance typically won’t pay any vet bills related to hereditary or genetic conditions. Genetic conditions are those passed on to a dog or cat from their parents and are most common among purebred dogs and cats.

Examples of genetic conditions include:

Bilateral conditions

Bilateral conditions are medical issues that can occur on both sides of a pet’s body.

Examples of bilateral conditions include:

An insurance company may cover some bilateral conditions, such as the cost of dog cataract surgery, when they occur for the first time on one side of a dog or cat’s body. However, many policies then consider the condition pre-existing and won’t pay to treat the problem if it affects the other side in the future.

There are some exceptions, however. Some pet insurance providers offer an add-on to standard coverage for bilateral health issues. You pay an extra fee per month for this additional benefit.

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How do pet insurance companies identify pre-existing conditions?

Pet insurers identify pre-existing conditions in three ways:

As previously mentioned, it’s not necessary for a vet to diagnose a pet with a condition for it to be considered pre-existing. If your pet has a symptom of a condition when you apply for coverage, the insurance policy is unlikely to cover blood work, x-rays and other tests to diagnose the symptom as well as related treatments in the future.

How much does pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions cost?

The cost of pet insurance for a dog or cat with medical conditions depends on a variety of factors.

For example, dog insurance is typically more expensive that cat insurance.

Other factors that determine the cost of pet insurance for animals with pre-existing conditions include:

Here’s a quick rundown of the average annual premiums.

Type of plan Average dog insurance cost Average cat insurance cost
Accident-only $387.01 $122.19
Accident and illness $640.04 $200.58

This data comes from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association.

How to find the best pet insurance for pre-existing conditions

Pre-existing conditions shouldn’t prevent you from getting pet insurance for your dog or cat.

In fact, they only make coverage more important. After all, you already know you’ll have ongoing vet expenses. Even though the policy likely won’t cover pre-existing conditions, pet insurance may still be worth it by helping to limit your costs and make care more affordable.

To get the cheapest pet insurance possible, follow these tips:

1

Ask about discounts:

Some companies offer discounts that can reduce costs. For example, you might get a multi-pet deal if you buy policies for more than one pet through the same company or bundle other types of insurance like car or homeowners policies with pet insurance.

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2

Act now:

Pet insurance costs go up as your pet ages. Buying a policy as soon as possible can help you lock in a lower rate, making premiums more affordable even with pre-existing conditions.

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3

Focus on preventive care:

Being a responsible pet owner may help reduce the costs of vet care. Take your dog or cat for wellness visits as often as recommended and keep their vaccinations up to date.

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4

Explore alternatives:

Payment plans and discount membership services like Pawp and Eusoh can help make vet care more affordable and manageable. You can use these services to help cover costs associated with pre-existing conditions not covered by your policy.

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5

Shop around:

Premium costs can vary greatly between providers. To get the best deal, obtain quotes from multiple insurers. Remember that deductibles, coinsurance rates and coverage limitations also affect your total cost, so consider these factors as well as premium amounts.

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Finding the right pet insurance coverage

Try comparing plans using the tool below, and alternatively, read our guide to choosing pet insurance plans.

Compare Coverage
Accident & Illness Plan
Available
Available
Accident-Only Plan
Available
Not Available
Surgery
Covered
Covered
Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
Covered
Covered
Chronic Conditions
Covered
Covered
Dental Disease
Covered
Covered
Allergies
Covered
Covered
Cancer Treatment
Covered
Covered
Physical Therapy
Covered
Covered
Alternative Therapies
Covered
Covered
Behavioral issues
Covered
Covered
Breed Specific Issues
Covered
Covered
Emergency Vet Visits
Covered
Covered
Telehealth Visits
Covered
Covered
24/7 Vet Chat
Covered
Covered
Specialist Visits
Covered
Covered
Exam Fees
Covered
Covered
Blood Tests
Covered
Covered
Laboratory Testing
Covered
Covered
X-Rays & CT Scans
Covered
Covered
Wellness Coverage
Add On
Add On
Prescription Medication
Covered
Covered
Prescription Food
Covered
Add On
Microchipping
Covered
Add On
Boarding
Not covered
Not covered
Euthanasia
Covered
Covered
Max Enrollment Age
No Max
14 years
Accident Waiting Period
14 days
2 days
Illness Waiting Period
14 days
14 days
Orthopedic Waiting Period
14 days
6 months

Pet insurance pre-existing conditions FAQ

What is considered a pre-existing condition for pets?

A pre-existing condition is a health problem a pet has been diagnosed with or has a symptom of when you apply for insurance coverage.

How do pet insurance companies know about pre-existing conditions?

Pet insurance companies usually require that pets undergo a veterinary exam or ask to review your pet’s medical records before approving an application. In some cases, they may also require that you to fill out a questionnaire.

Can I get pet insurance after a diagnosis?

Yes, you can usually still obtain insurance for a pet after a diagnosis, but the policy likely won’t cover any expenses related to the pre-existing condition.

Can I get reimbursed for previous wellness services?

No, pet insurance typically only pays for services your pet receives after you purchase coverage. It’s meant to protect you from future costs rather than to pay for previous expenses.

What is a pre-existing condition waiting period?

In some cases, pet insurance companies impose a pre-existing condition waiting period that begins on the date the policy takes effect, known as the effective date. If you purchase a policy with a waiting period, the insurance may not cover any health conditions your pet develops during this period.

About the Author

Hayley Harrison
Hayley Harrison Personal Finance

Hayley Harrison is an active personal finance contributor for LA Times Compare. She is passionate about helping consumers make informed financial decisions and achieve their financial goals by simplifying complex topics relating to insurance and personal finance.

Hayley brings first-hand knowledge of the finance industry thanks to her previous experience as a branch manager for a mid-sized regional bank and as a licensed accident and health insurance agent.

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