Pet insurance can be a lifesaver when it comes to covering unexpected medical costs for your furry companions. However, if your pet has a pre-existing condition, finding the right coverage can be tricky. Most pet insurance providers exclude pre-existing conditions from their coverage, but some offer more lenient policies.
This article will explore the best pet insurance companies for pre-existing conditions, detailing the coverage options, waiting periods, and how these companies handle both curable and chronic conditions.
What Are Pre-Existing Conditions in Pet Insurance?
Pre-existing conditions refer to any health conditions that your pet was diagnosed with or showed symptoms of before your insurance policy went into effect. These conditions can include chronic issues, like arthritis, or curable conditions, such as ear infections. Most insurers exclude coverage for these conditions, but some may offer coverage for curable pre-existing conditions after a waiting period.
Types of Pre-Existing Conditions
- Curable Pre-Existing Conditions: These are temporary conditions that can be treated and resolved. Once your pet is symptom-free for a certain period, these conditions may be covered under some insurance policies. Examples include urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and ear infections.
- Incurable or Chronic Conditions: Conditions that cannot be fully treated or cured, such as arthritis or diabetes, fall into this category. Most insurance providers will not cover these conditions if they existed before the policy was in place.
Top Pet Insurance Providers for Pre-Existing Conditions
While no pet insurance company fully covers all pre-existing conditions, some providers offer partial coverage after specific waiting periods or under certain conditions. Below are the best pet insurance companies that provide coverage for pre-existing conditions:
1. AKC Pet Insurance – Best Overall
Why It’s the Best: AKC Pet Insurance stands out by offering coverage for both curable and chronic pre-existing conditions after a one-year waiting period. This is unique as most insurers will not cover chronic conditions at all.
Pros:
- Covers chronic pre-existing conditions after 365 days
- Offers unlimited annual plan options
- Covers alternative and behavioral therapies
- Flexible deductibles and reimbursement options
Cons:
- Not available in all states
- Long waiting period (180 days) for specific conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and cruciate ligament injuries
Overview: AKC Pet Insurance is a flexible provider offering various coverage options, including alternative therapies and hereditary conditions. It’s one of the few companies that covers chronic conditions like arthritis after a waiting period. However, it has longer waiting periods for specific conditions and lacks dental coverage, although a wellness add-on is available for preventive care.
2. ASPCA Pet Insurance – Runner-Up, Best Overall
Why It’s the Runner-Up: ASPCA Pet Insurance is a great choice for curable pre-existing conditions. If your pet has been symptom-free for six months, these conditions can be covered.
Pros:
- Covers curable pre-existing conditions after six months
- No age limits for pets
- Comprehensive coverage, including dental and behavioral treatments
Cons:
- Excludes knee and ligament conditions even if “cured”
- Limited wellness plan
Overview: ASPCA provides solid coverage for pets with curable conditions and offers a multi-pet discount. However, ligament and knee conditions are permanently excluded, even if they are treated and symptom-free for six months. ASPCA’s coverage includes hereditary and congenital conditions, making it an excellent option for many pet owners.
3. Spot Pet Insurance – Great for Older Pets
Why It’s Great for Older Pets: Spot Pet Insurance provides robust coverage for pets of all ages, including older pets, with no upper age limits. It also covers curable pre-existing conditions after 180 days.
Pros:
- No upper age limit
- Covers curable conditions after 180 days
- Offers a 10% discount for multi-pet households
- Coverage for dental and alternative therapies
Cons:
- Limited wellness plan
- Relatively new company
Overview: Spot provides good flexibility in terms of deductible options and has a fast claim processing time. Like ASPCA, Spot covers curable conditions after six months, but it’s a newer company with a slightly less established track record.
4. MetLife Pet Insurance – Best for Switching Providers
Why It’s Best for Switching Providers: MetLife offers coverage for pre-existing conditions if they began under a previous insurance policy, making it ideal for pet owners looking to switch providers without losing coverage.
Pros:
- Covers pre-existing conditions when switching providers
- No exclusions for bilateral conditions
- Flexible deductible and reimbursement options
Cons:
- No accident-only plan
- Some policies may have extended orthopedic waiting periods
Overview: MetLife Pet Insurance is unique because it allows you to switch providers without losing coverage for pre-existing conditions that began under your old policy. The company also offers a diminishing deductible, meaning your deductible decreases if you don’t file a claim.
5. Figo Pet Insurance – Best for Bilateral Conditions
Why It’s Best for Bilateral Conditions: Figo stands out because it doesn’t exclude bilateral conditions. If your pet had an issue on one side of their body, Figo will still cover similar conditions on the other side.
Pros:
- No bilateral condition exclusions
- Covers curable pre-existing conditions after 12 months
- Reimbursement rates up to 100%
Cons:
- Limited wellness plan
- No accident-only plan
Overview: Figo offers comprehensive coverage, including hereditary and congenital conditions. It’s particularly notable for not excluding bilateral conditions, making it a great choice if your pet has had issues like knee or hip injuries.
6. Nationwide Pet Insurance – Best for Hereditary Conditions
Why It’s Best for Hereditary Conditions: Nationwide offers coverage for hereditary conditions and covers curable pre-existing conditions after six months, with no bilateral exclusions.
Pros:
- Covers hereditary and congenital conditions
- No bilateral exclusion
- Also covers birds and exotic pets
Cons:
- Limited reimbursement options (50-70%)
- Can’t add wellness coverage to their most comprehensive plan
Overview: Nationwide’s Whole Pet plan offers coverage for most conditions but at a lower reimbursement rate. It’s a good option for pet owners seeking coverage for hereditary issues or those with exotic pets.
7. Companion Protect – Best for No Waiting Period
Why It’s Best for No Waiting Period: Companion Protect offers immediate coverage for illness and injury, with no waiting period, which is highly unusual in the pet insurance industry.
Pros:
- No waiting periods for illness or injury coverage
- Premiums don’t increase as pets age
- Covers bilateral conditions
Cons:
- No customization of deductible or reimbursement percentage
- Non-emergency procedures over $2,500 must be pre-approved
Overview: Companion Protect stands out by offering immediate coverage, which can be a lifesaver if your pet needs urgent care. However, it doesn’t allow for much customization of your policy, and high-cost procedures must be pre-approved.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pet insurance for pre-existing conditions depends on your pet’s specific needs and your budget. AKC Pet Insurance is the best overall option if you need coverage for both chronic and curable conditions. If your pet’s pre-existing condition is curable, ASPCA and Spot are great choices with shorter waiting periods. MetLife is ideal for pet owners looking to switch providers without losing coverage, while Figo offers the best option for bilateral conditions. For those who prefer immediate coverage, Companion Protect is the top choice.
Each pet insurance company has different waiting periods, exclusions, and coverage levels, so it’s important to thoroughly review your options to ensure you’re getting the best protection for your pet.
So that was all about this article. If you have any further questions feel free to comment down below. We are always here to help you!
