Can You Get Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions?
Understand how insurers define pre-existing conditions and what options exist for pets with medical histories
If your pet has already been diagnosed with a health issue, you may wonder whether pet insurance will still be available, and what it will actually cover. Pre-existing conditions are one of the most common reasons claims are denied or policies are limited. But having a medical history does not necessarily mean insurance is out of reach.
This becomes especially important if your pet has had recurring symptoms, past treatments, or breed-specific conditions. Knowing how insurers define and handle pre-existing conditions helps you choose a policy that fits your pet’s current and future care needs.
What Is a Pre-Existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition is any injury, illness, or symptom that began or was diagnosed before your pet’s insurance coverage started. It does not matter whether the condition was officially treated or just observed — if it existed before your policy became active, most insurers will exclude it.
Common examples include:
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Allergies or skin issues
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Diabetes or thyroid disorders
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Ear infections or digestive problems
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Hip dysplasia or arthritis
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Tumours or abnormal growths
Note: Even if the condition occurred months or years ago, it may still be considered pre-existing unless the policy includes a clause for curable conditions.
Are Any Pre-Existing Conditions Covered?
Most insurers do not cover ongoing or chronic pre-existing conditions. However, some policies make exceptions for curable conditions — those that have resolved and shown no symptoms or treatment for a specified period, typically 6 to 12 months.
Here is how different situations are usually treated:
| Condition Type | Covered? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic conditions | No | Ongoing illnesses like diabetes or cancer are excluded |
| Acute but resolved illness | Sometimes | Ear infections or GI issues may be covered if no recurrence |
| Injuries (e.g., broken bones) | Sometimes | Past injuries may be covered if fully healed with no symptoms |
| Bilateral conditions | Often excluded | If one side is affected, insurers may exclude both |
Each insurer has its own policy language, so always review exclusions carefully or ask for clarification before enrollment.
Can You Still Get Insurance at All?
Yes, you can still purchase pet insurance even if your pet has a pre-existing condition — but the condition itself likely won’t be covered. The rest of your pet’s health will still be eligible for future protection.
This means you can still get reimbursed for:
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New injuries or illnesses unrelated to the existing condition
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Emergency care for unrelated issues
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Routine or preventive care (if included in the policy)
Tip: If your pet has multiple past issues, consider choosing an insurer that defines pre-existing conditions narrowly or allows for conditional coverage after a symptom-free period.
What If You Already Have Insurance?
If your pet develops a condition after the policy is active, it is not considered pre-existing. This is why enrolling your pet early — before any symptoms arise — is the best way to secure broad coverage.
Avoid cancelling your policy or switching providers without understanding the consequences. Most new insurers will consider any condition noted under the previous policy as pre-existing, even if it was covered before.
Options Beyond Standard Pet Insurance
If your pet has multiple medical issues, you may also consider:
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Wellness plans that cover exams, vaccinations, and basic care
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Savings accounts set aside for ongoing vet expenses
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Discount programs that offer reduced rates at participating clinics
These are not a substitute for insurance but may provide some financial relief for routine or expected care.
Choosing the Right Plan with a Medical History
You might think about this coverage the next time you visit the vet and realize how much medical history is already on file. It becomes especially important for aging pets or breeds with known genetic risks.
While pet insurance cannot erase the past, it can still protect you from future surprises. By understanding how pre-existing conditions are defined and what is still available, you can find a policy that fits your pet’s needs and gives you peace of mind.