Top Pet Insurance Provider That Covers Pre-Existing Conditions [2024]
When searching for pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, it can be difficult to find. Often times pet insurers won't be able to cover your pet if they have a pre-existing condition because of the high costs. However, there are a few options you are able to take when it comes to ensuring the health of your beloved pet.
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Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
UPDATED: Mar 8, 2024
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Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 8, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
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Pet insurance policy for dogs and cats can cover many things including accidents, illnesses, surgeries, cancer, and much more
- While no pet insurance policy covers pre-existing conditions, both Embrace and Pets Best handle them differently to get you the most coverage
- Some pet ailments can be covered as long as they are considered “curable conditions”
As a pet owner, you may struggle to find the proper coverage for your pet to offset some of the more expensive costs that come with pre-existing conditions. Continuing your research about buying pet insurance, you also need to consider this question: how do you find pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions?
Pet insurance companies like Embrace and Pets Best run many different diagnostic and medical history reviews on your pet. These reviews may help cover some costs of pre-existing conditions that may other insurance options will not cover.
To find out which pet insurance is best for covering pre-existing conditions, keep reading below. If you’re ready to start exploring your options when it comes to pet insurance, enter your ZIP code into our free tool to start comparing today.
What is the best pet insurance for pre-existing conditions?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, 70% of U.S. households, or about 90.5 million families, own a pet. This is up from 56% of U.S. households in 1988, the first year the survey was conducted.
You may ask yourself, should I buy pet insurance for my pet?
The answer, of course, will be up to you. But having pet insurance is never a bad thing, especially with the unpredictable nature of having a pet and any subsequent injuries that may happen, or health issues your pet may experience as they age.
However, due to the expensive costs of treating pre-existing conditions, and the relatively short lifetime of pets in general, pet insurance providers generally do not cover pre-existing conditions.
Many pet insurers simply don’t want to give you a policy if your pet has a pre-existing condition. However, a few will still do so, as well as cover the preventative treatments to keep your pet happy and healthy.
Read more: Pet Insurance: A Complete Guide
Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace is one insurer that will make exceptions when it comes to insuring your sick pet. Embrace allows you to buy a policy even when your animal is already sick or has a physical ailment.
Embrace does not cover any treatments relating to the pre-existing condition, but it will cover all preventative care as well as many other types of care.
Although Embrace doesn’t cover treatment relating to pre-existing conditions, this doesn’t mean that you’re out of luck if your pet gets sick after purchasing insurance for them.
Covered services include:
| Features | More Info |
|---|---|
| Waiting Periods | 2 Days for Accidents 14 Days for Illnesses |
| Preventative Care Plan | ✓ |
| Window to Submit Claims | Full Policy Term + 60 Days |
| Diagnostic Exam Fee Coverage Included | ✓ |
| One Comprehensive Policy | ✓ |
| Diminishing Deductible | ✓ |
| Covers Internal & External Parasites | ✓ |
| Cruciate Waiting Period Can be Reduced | ✓ |
| Coverage for Complementary Treatments* Included | ✓ |
| No Illness Exclusions | ✓ |
| Medical Records Requirement | 12 Months |
| Reimbursement Method | Deductible then Copay |
| Minimum Age of Enrollment Eligibility | 6 Weeks |
| 24/7 Pet Telehealth | ✓ |
Embrace will only review the previous 12 months of your pet’s medical history to establish pre-existing conditions. Some pet insurance companies review the previous 24 months or your pet’s entire life. The review gives you a better chance of your pet receiving coverage.
Embrace also promotes, rewards, and encourages healthy pets by offering Wellness Rewards. This is an optional non-insurance product that reimburses you for everyday veterinary, grooming, and training costs with no itemized limits. (For more information, read our “Will pet insurance pay for grooming and training?“).
Pets Best Pet Insurance
Pets Best pet insurance plans for dogs and cats cover accidents, illnesses, surgeries, cancer treatments, and more.
| Coverage | More Info |
|---|---|
| Accidents | This includes broken bones, poisoning, car accident, lacerations, foreign object ingestion which results in surgery. This also includes accidents that happen while hunting or in the line of service. |
| Illness | Including cancer, diabetes, arthritis, allergies, cruciate ligament injuries, skin and ear infections, urinary tract infections, and epilepsy. |
| Cancer | Coverage for blood work, MRIs, surgery, medication, and chemotherapy. |
| Hereditary & congenital conditions | Includes hip and elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, cherry eye, IVDD, Wobbler Syndrome, glaucoma, and epilepsy. |
| Emergency care | See any licensed veterinarian, including emergency centers and specialists. Includes operations to remove foreign bodies like swallowed socks, surgeries for mass removals, and more. Plan also covers pre-anesthesia tests. |
| Prescriptions medications | Plans cover a wide range of prescription medications. |
| Ongoing/ chronic conditions | Your pet will still be covered up to your plan’s maximum benefit, even if treatment spans many months or years. |
| Diagnostics | Includes exams, bloodwork, MRIs, CAT scans, pathology reports and X-rays. |
| Older pets | There is no upper age limits for pets. Plans don’t reduce or cancel coverage based on your pet’s age. |
| Full coverage without spay or neuter | Prostate problems, hormonal skin conditions, perianal tumors, mammary tumors, uterine and ovarian conditions, as well as injury due to motor vehicle or aggressive behavior whether or not your pet is spayed or neutered |
| Behavioral conditions | Covers behavioral consults with, and/or medication prescribed by, a licensed veterinarian. |
| Dental coverage | Plans include coverage for periodontal disease. For pets age 0 to age 2, there is no teeth cleaning requirement in order to have periodontal coverage. For pets aged 3+, Pets Best will verify with your vet that a teeth cleaning was completed in the previous 13 months under general anesthesia. As long as the teeth cleaning comes through with no signs or symptoms of periodontal disease, your pet will have coverage if this develops. |
| Prosthetic devices and wheelchairs | When prescribed or provided by a licensed veterinarian to treat a covered accident or illness. |
| Euthanasia | Covers euthanasia for humane reasons. |
| Coverage while traveling | Your pet can be treated by any licensed veterinarian anywhere in the US, Canada, or Puerto Rico. |
| Exam fees | Plans include coverage for exam fees when your pet is seen by a licensed veterinarian for covered accidents and illnesses. |
| Acupuncture and chiropractic treatments | Plans include coverage for acupuncture and chiropractic treatments administered by a licensed veterinarian. |
| Physical rehabilitation | Covers hydrotherapy, cold laser and physical therapy. |
Read more:
Pets Best also offers wellness coverage for routine care, and specialized coverage plans. Your pet can see any licensed veterinarian, and most claims are processed within a few days.
Pets Best offers comprehensive pet insurance coverage under their BestBenefit plans that pay your veterinary bill for unexpected incidents such as emergencies and illnesses.
With multiple levels of coverage, BestBenefit plans can be customized to meet your pet insurance needs without going over your budget.
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How do insurance companies know about pre-existing conditions?
Like many pet insurance plans, every plan has some exclusions in order to keep prices affordable. But how do you know what is considered a pre-existing condition and what isn’t?
Curable Pre-existing Conditions
If your pet has been diagnosed with or shown signs/symptoms of any of these conditions, you may still be eligible for pet insurance, however, your costs may be higher.
- Respiratory infections
- Urinary tract/bladder infections
- Vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal disorders
- Other curable conditions
If your pet’s medical history shows no further episodes after initial treatment, coverage may still be granted.
Incurable Pre-existing Conditions
If your pet has been diagnosed with or shown signs/symptoms of the following conditions prior to enrolling in any pet insurance plan (and any related conditions) they will be permanently excluded:
- Cancer
- Orthopedic conditions
- Diabetes
- Bladder crystals
- Allergies
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Urinary blockages
- Epilepsy
- Arthritis
- Hip dysplasia
Since medical history reviews are designed to pinpoint any conditions that your policy won’t cover, you’ll be able to know exactly what expenses you’ll be responsible for even after purchasing pet insurance.
Even if your pet has any of these pre-existing conditions, you can still obtain pet insurance through Embrace and Pets Best. Both insurers will cover nearly all conditions not related to the pre-existing condition. (For more information, read our “What does pet insurance cover?“).
Pet Insurance Companies That Cover Pre-existing Conditions: Key Takeaways
Whether you’re looking for pet insurance for your cat or dog with pre-existing conditions — or any other pet — you might find yourself in a bit of an uphill battle. You may be discouraged since no pet insurance offers coverage for pre-existing conditions.
However, some pet insurance companies do allow you to buy a plan when your pet has a pre-existing condition. Plans will also help cover the costs for preventative health.
Now that you’ve learned about pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, enter your ZIP code into our free tool and start comparing pet insurance quotes today.
Case Studies: Top Pet Insurance Provider That Allows Exotic Pets
Case Study 1: Lucky the African Grey Parrot
Lucky, an African Grey Parrot, was a beloved pet for the Smith family. When Lucky fell ill and required immediate medical attention, the Smiths were relieved to have enrolled in a pet insurance policy that covered exotic pets. The policy provided comprehensive coverage for Lucky’s veterinary expenses, including diagnostic tests, medications, and specialized avian care.
Thanks to their pet insurance, the Smiths were able to provide Lucky with the necessary treatment without worrying about the financial burden.
Case Study 2: Nala the Hedgehog
Nala, a spunky hedgehog, found a loving home with the Johnsons. When Nala experienced digestive issues and required emergency care, the Johnsons were grateful to have pet insurance that specifically covered exotic pets. The insurance policy reimbursed the Johnsons for Nala’s veterinary visits, hospitalization, and medication costs.
This coverage not only eased their financial worries but also ensured that Nala received the prompt and appropriate medical attention she needed.
Read More: Can you get life insurance with a digestive disorder?
Case Study 3: Rex the Bearded Dragon
Rex, a friendly bearded dragon, was a treasured companion for the Thompson family. When Rex developed a respiratory infection, the Thompsons were relieved to have a pet insurance policy that catered to exotic pets. The insurance plan covered Rex’s diagnostic tests, antibiotics, and follow-up visits to the reptile veterinarian.
The Thompsons were able to prioritize Rex’s recovery, free from the burden of expensive veterinary expenses.
Case Study 4: Luna the Sugar Glider
Luna, an adorable sugar glider, brought joy to the Rodriguez household. When Luna injured her tail and required surgery, the Rodriguez family was grateful for their pet insurance coverage that included exotic pets. The policy reimbursed the family for Luna’s surgical procedure, post-operative care, and medication expenses.
This financial support allowed Luna to receive the necessary treatment and recover in a stress-free environment.
Case Study 5: Milo the Miniature Pig
Milo, a lovable miniature pig, was a cherished member of the Foster family. When Milo developed a skin condition, the Fosters were relieved to have pet insurance that covered exotic animals. The insurance plan supported Milo’s visits to the veterinarian, dermatological consultations, and prescription medications.
With their pet insurance, the Fosters could provide Milo with the best possible care and manage his skin condition effectively.
Case Study 6: Bella the Chinchilla
Bella, a playful chinchilla, was adored by the Petersons. When Bella fractured her leg during a mishap, the Petersons were thankful for their pet insurance policy that included exotic pet coverage. The policy reimbursed the Petersons for Bella’s veterinary expenses, including X-rays, surgery, pain medications, and follow-up care.
Having insurance coverage allowed the Petersons to focus on Bella’s recovery and ensure her well-being without worrying about the financial implications.
Case Study 7: Rocky the Ferret
Rocky, an energetic ferret, was a cherished pet for the Watson family. When Rocky suddenly became lethargic and refused to eat, the Watsons were relieved to have enrolled in a pet insurance plan that accommodated exotic pets. The policy covered Rocky’s extensive diagnostic tests, hospitalization, medications, and specialist consultations. (For more information, read our “Top Pet Insurance Provider That Allows Exotic Pets“).
Thanks to their pet insurance, the Watsons were able to provide Rocky with the necessary medical attention and support his recovery process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t most pet insurance providers cover pre-existing conditions?
Pre-existing conditions are excluded because of the high treatment costs involved, which would make insurance premiums unaffordable.
Is it worth buying pet insurance if it doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions?
Yes, pet insurance still provides coverage for unexpected accidents, illnesses, surgeries, and routine care, offering financial protection for unforeseen veterinary expenses.
Can I get coverage for pre-existing conditions in the future?
Once a condition is considered pre-existing, it is permanently excluded from coverage by most pet insurance providers.
Are there alternative options to pet insurance for covering pre-existing conditions?
Some organizations offer financial assistance programs or crowdfunding platforms specifically designed to help with veterinary costs, which may be worth exploring.
What should I consider when choosing a pet insurance provider for a pet with pre-existing conditions?
Consider coverage exclusions, waiting periods, policy limits, premiums, deductibles, and the provider’s reputation to make an informed decision.
Can I switch pet insurance providers if my pet has pre-existing conditions?
Switching providers with pre-existing conditions can be challenging, as new insurers may not cover those conditions. It’s important to review the policy terms and consult with the new insurer before switching.
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Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.