Does pet insurance cover pre-existing neurological conditions?

Pets may develop neurological conditions at different times in their lives, most commonly in their golden years. Neurological conditions are conditions that affect the brain and the nerves throughout the pets body and spinal cord. Pet insurance will provide coverage for major and minor illnesses, which does include most neurologic conditions. Sometimes neurological conditions can develop as a result of an accident or injury, and most pet insurance policies cover the cost of care in these situations, too.

Generally, if your pet has signs, symptoms, or an existing diagnosis when you enroll into a pet insurance policy, these will be considered pre-existing and not eligible for coverage. However, some neurological conditions are congenital and not caused by accidents or illnesses that develop over your pets lifetime. Congenital and hereditary conditions are conditions that your pet is born with. It’s important to remember that congenital conditions are present from birth, even if symptoms show up later on in life. These conditions don’t quite fall under the “illness” or accident” categories and many insurance policies offer coverage for congenital and hereditary conditions to fill in the gaps.

Can you get pet insurance retroactively?

Pet insurance can be purchased anytime however coverage cannot be provided retroactively. If your pet exhibits signs of an illness or injury prior to obtaining the policy or during the waiting period, it is classified as a pre-existing condition and is generally not eligible for coverage.

Please note that specific coverage details and exclusions may vary depending on the insurance provider and the policy you choose. It’s essential to carefully read the policy terms, ask questions to the insurance provider, and ensure you understand the coverage and limitations before enrolling in a pet insurance policy.