Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance
Does pet insurance cover illnesses?
Yes, pet insurance policies generally cover illnesses. This includes conditions such as infections, digestive issues, allergies, respiratory problems, and more. Diagnostic tests, treatments, medications, and hospitalization related to covered illnesses are typically included. It’s important to review the policy terms to see if such conditions are covered. Illness treatments that your pets may encounter can…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No, pet insurance generally does not cover pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions are illnesses or injuries that exist before enrolling in the insurance policy. It’s important to disclose any pre-existing conditions during the enrollment process, as they are typically excluded from coverage. Failure to report pre-existing conditions at enrollment can cause delays in claims processing and…
Does pet insurance cover routine or preventive care?
Some pet insurance providers may offer optional coverage for routine or preventive care as a wellness policy. These wellness policies typically cover routine preventative care including vaccinations, wellness exams, flea and tick prevention, spaying/neutering, dental cleanings, and more. Generally, wellness policies do not require you to meet your deductible and do not have a waiting…
Does pet insurance cover accidents?
Yes, pet insurance typically covers accidents, including injuries resulting from accidents such as broken bones, lacerations, or ingestion of foreign objects. Veterinary expenses related to diagnosing and treating accidents, such as x-rays, blood tests, surgery, or prescription medication are generally covered. There are a few common accidents that pets may be at risk for in…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing respiratory infections?
Pre-existing respiratory infections are generally considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage by pet insurance policies. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. Pre-existing respiratory infections, which are respiratory infections that exist before enrolling in the insurance…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing dental tartar or periodontal disease?
Pre-existing dental tartar or periodontal disease is typically considered a pre-existing condition and excluded from coverage by pet insurance policies. It’s important to disclose any pre-existing conditions during the enrollment process. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. Pre-existing dental tartar or periodontal disease, which is dental tartar or…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing heartworm disease?
Pre-existing heartworm disease is generally considered a pre-existing condition and excluded from coverage by pet insurance policies. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. Pre-existing heartworm disease, which is a heartworm disease that exists before enrolling…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing skin infections?
Pre-existing skin infections are generally considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage by pet insurance policies. Pre-existing skin infections may be covered under curable/new occurrences on your pets policy. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. Pre-existing skin infections, which are skin infections that exist before enrolling in the insurance…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing illnesses?
Pre-existing illnesses, which are illnesses that exist before enrolling in the insurance policy, are generally not covered by pet insurance. It’s important to disclose any pre-existing conditions or injuries during the enrollment process. If your pet has a pre-existing condition, there is on average a 14 day waiting period for: Diagnosis, treatment, or surgery related…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing tumors or growths?
Pre-existing tumors or growths are typically considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage by pet insurance policies. It’s important to disclose any pre-existing conditions during the enrollment process. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. Pre-existing tumors or growths, which are tumors or growths that exist before enrolling in the…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing infectious diseases?
Pre-existing infectious diseases are generally considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage by pet insurance policies. Pre-existing infectious diseases may be covered under curable/new occurrences clause in your pets policy. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details….
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions?
Pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions are typically considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage by pet insurance policies. It’s important to disclose any pre-existing conditions during the enrollment process. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. Pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions, which are musculoskeletal conditions that exist before enrolling in the insurance policy, are…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing blood disorders?
Pre-existing blood disorders are generally considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage by pet insurance policies. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. Pre-existing blood disorders, which are blood disorders that exist before enrolling in the insurance…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing kidney conditions?
Pre-existing kidney conditions are typically considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage by pet insurance policies. It’s important to disclose any pre-existing conditions during the enrollment process. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. Pre-existing kidney conditions, which are kidney conditions that exist before enrolling in the insurance policy, are…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing liver conditions?
Pre-existing liver conditions are generally considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage by pet insurance policies. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. Pre-existing liver conditions, which are liver conditions that exist before enrolling in the insurance…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing metabolic conditions?
Pre-existing metabolic conditions are typically considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage by pet insurance policies. It’s important to disclose any pre-existing conditions during the enrollment process. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. Pre-existing metabolic conditions, which are metabolic conditions that exist before enrolling in the insurance policy, are…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing reproductive conditions?
Pre-existing reproductive conditions are generally considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage by pet insurance policies. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. Pre-existing reproductive conditions, which are reproductive conditions that exist before enrolling in the insurance…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing endocrine conditions?
Pre-existing endocrine conditions are typically considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage by pet insurance policies. It’s important to disclose any pre-existing conditions during the enrollment process. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. Pre-existing endocrine conditions, which are endocrine conditions that exist before enrolling in the insurance policy, are…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing autoimmune conditions?
Pre-existing autoimmune conditions are generally considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage by pet insurance policies. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. Pre-existing autoimmune conditions, which are autoimmune conditions that exist before enrolling in the insurance…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing ear conditions?
Pre-existing ear conditions are typically considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage by pet insurance policies. It’s important to disclose any pre-existing conditions during the enrollment process. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage details. Pre-existing ear conditions, which are ear conditions that exist before enrolling in the insurance policy, are…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing dental conditions?
Pre-existing dental conditions are generally not covered by pet insurance policies. This means that if your pet had signs or symptoms of dental illness or a dental injury prior to enrolling in a pet insurance policy, these conditions will not be covered. Further, any condition that begins or occurs during an applicable waiting period is…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing behavioral conditions?
Pre-existing behavioral conditions are usually excluded from coverage by pet insurance policies. Unfortunately, many pet insurance policies don’t provide coverage for behavioral conditions in general. 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…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing urinary conditions?
Urinary accidents happen. But when they happen before you sign up for a pet insurance policy, these urinary conditions typically won’t be covered by insurance. Pre-existing urinary conditions may be covered under curable or new occurrences clause of your pet insurance policy however. It’s important to review the policy terms to understand the specific coverage…
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…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing digestive conditions?
It’s just about inevitable. At some point in your pets life, they will experience some type of tummy trouble, whether that’s vomiting after eating something they shouldn’t have or diarrhea caused by an illness. Every pet parent wants to know if their pet insurance policy will cover their pets digestive conditions. Others want to know…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing joint conditions?
There are a few common join conditions that may affect your pet at different times in their lives, most developing as your pet ages. Pet insurance will provide coverage for major and minor illnesses and accidents, which does include most joint conditions. However, if your pet has signs, symptoms, or an existing diagnosis when you…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing eye conditions?
Eye conditions may affect your pet at different times in their lives, most commonly developing as your pet ages. Pet insurance will provide coverage for major and minor illnesses, which does include most eye conditions. However, if your pet has signs, symptoms, or an existing diagnosis when you enroll into a pet insurance policy, these…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing heart conditions?
Heart conditions may affect your pet at different times in their lives, most commonly developing as your pet ages. Pet insurance will provide coverage for major and minor illnesses, many heart conditions included. However, if your pet has signs, symptoms, or an existing diagnosis when you enroll into a pet insurance policy, these will be…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing respiratory conditions?
There are a few common respiratory conditions that may affect your pet at different times in their lives. Common respiratory conditions can include illnesses like kennel cough, upper respiratory infections, or pneumonia. Regardless of what’s causing your pets respiratory condition, if your pet has signs, symptoms, or an existing diagnosis when you enroll into a…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing skin conditions?
There are many types of skin conditions that may affect your pet at different times in their lives. These skin conditions can range from itchy, flaky skin to bothersome bumps. They may be related to possible allergies or caused by an illness. Regardless of what’s causing your pets skin condition, if your pet has signs,…
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing allergies?
Allergies can affect your pet just like they can affect people. Pets can be allergic to many environmental factors such as dust, grass, pollen, dust mites, dander, mold, and even certain foods. These substances are typically harmless, but if your pets immune system mistakes them as harmful their body will respond with different symptoms such…
Does pet insurance cover bilateral joint conditions?
A bilateral joint condition is a problem that is likely to affect the opposite joint once one side is affected. To put it more simply, bilateral conditions affect both sides of the body. Most pet insurance policies do not cover the second joint if the first one is affected. If your pet has a pre-existing…
Does pet insurance cover holistic or natural treatments?
Coverage for holistic or natural treatments, such as herbal remedies or acupuncture, can vary greatly between pet insurance policies. Some pet accident and illness insurance policies may offer coverage for these treatments as part of alternative therapy or complementary therapy options, while others may not. Other pet insurance policies may offer limited coverage for specific…
Does pet insurance cover euthanasia and end-of-life care?
Making the decision to say goodbye to our beloved furry family members is never easy. Many pet insurance policies provide coverage for euthanasia and end-of-life care expenses when it has been recommended for humane reasons related to covered accidents and illnesses. Generally, memorial products such as urns and cremation services are not covered. However, optional…
Does pet insurance cover grooming?
Pet grooming services can help keep your pet feeling and looking their best. Routine grooming such as bathing, haircuts, and nail trims all play an important role in keeping your pet healthy. Some pet grooming services may also include ear cleaning or anal gland expression for a head to tail spa treatment. Pet insurance policies…
Does pet insurance cover parasite prevention medications?
Testing, treatment, and prevention of pet parasites is generally not covered by pet insurance polices. Parasite prevention medications are considered routine medications and are generally not eligible for coverage under a pet illness or accident insurance policy. However, some pet insurance policies may cover parasite prevention medications such as flea, tick, and heartworm preventives under…
Does pet insurance cover spaying or neutering?
No. Many pet insurance policies do not cover the cost of spaying or neutering procedures as these procedures are considered preventative care and elective procedures. Many pet insurance policies offer routine or preventive care benefits through a wellness policy add-on for an additional monthly premium. Your veterinarian may deem spaying or neutering medically necessary at…
Does pet insurance cover rehabilitation or physical therapy?
Some pet insurance policies may cover rehabilitation or physical therapy when it is prescribed by a veterinarian as part of the treatment for a covered condition or injury. Sometimes insurance policies offer this coverage as an optional add-on. It’s important to review the policy details to understand the specific coverage for these therapies. Coverage for…
Does pet insurance cover surgery?
Yes, pet insurance policies typically cover surgeries that are necessary for the treatment of covered conditions or injuries. This can include both minor and major surgeries such as a fatty tumor removal or orthopedic surgeries. Minor surgeries like small wound or a laceration repair are also typically covered under most pet insurance policies. Emergency surgery…
Does pet insurance cover specialist consultations?
Yes, pet insurance policies often cover specialist consultations when they are required for the diagnosis or treatment of a covered condition. This can include consultations with veterinary specialists such as dermatologists, cardiologists, or neurologists. Some pet insurance policies will automatically cover your pets specialist consultation while other pet insurance policies will only cover consultations and…
Does pet insurance cover X-rays and diagnostic tests?
Yes, pet insurance policies generally cover x-rays and other diagnostic tests when they are deemed necessary for diagnosing and treating covered accidents or illnesses. If your pet becomes sick or injured, it is very likely that your veterinarian will recommend diagnostic tests to help them understand your pets current health condition and guide their ongoing…
Does pet insurance cover cancer treatments?
Yes, many pet insurance policies often cover cancer treatments. This can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgeries, medications, and other treatments associated with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in pets. The average cost of treatment for cancer in dogs is around $4,500 and around $4,000 for cats. If your pet needs chemotherapy, the cost per…
Does pet insurance cover emergency veterinary visits?
Yes. In general, pet insurance policies cover emergency veterinary visits. These can include visits to an emergency clinic or hospitalization for urgent medical conditions or accidents. Some pet insurance policies will automatically cover emergency exam fees and emergency consultation fees while other pet insurance policies offer an optional coverage for exams and consultations for an…
Does pet insurance cover chronic conditions?
Yes, pet insurance policies generally cover chronic conditions unless they are pre-existing or diagnosed within the policy’s waiting period. These are long-term or recurring conditions that require ongoing treatment and medical management. Diagnostic tests, treatments, medications, and other necessary expenses related to chronic conditions are typically covered. If your pet has a pre-existing condition, there…
Does pet insurance cover behavioral issues?
Coverage for behavioral issues can vary between pet insurance providers. Some policies may offer coverage for behavioral consultations or treatment, while others may not. If your pet insurance policy does not cover behavioral issues, any accidents or illness claims associated with the excluded behavior issue will not be covered. It’s important to check the policy…
Does pet insurance cover dental care?
Dental care coverage can vary greatly between pet insurance policies. Some policies may include coverage for dental illnesses or injuries, while others may offer optional dental coverage as an add-on. Some pet insurance policies will only cover dental illness treatment if your pet has regular preventative dental care with your veterinarian. Remember to review the…
Does pet insurance cover alternative therapies?
Some pet insurance policies may offer coverage for alternative therapies, sometimes called complementary therapy, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, physical therapy, or hydrotherapy. Some of these therapies may be covered through a wellness policy add-on. However, this coverage may vary between providers and policies, so it’s important to review the policy details to see if…
Does pet insurance cover medications?
Yes, pet insurance policies often cover prescription medications that are necessary for the treatment of covered conditions. Medications commonly covered by pet insurance policies typically include antibiotics, pain medications, anti-inflammatories, and more. However, it’s important to review the policy details to understand medication coverage options as coverage can vary between insurance companies. For example, some…
Does pet insurance cover hereditary or congenital conditions?
Some pet insurance policies offer coverage for treating and managing your pets hereditary or congenital conditions. These are conditions that your pet may be genetically predisposed to or are present at birth. Hereditary conditions are unique to certain breeds and can impact their health. Congenital and hereditary conditions are conditions that your pet is born…