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Pet insurance is a unique form of protection for owners and their beloved pets.
In exchange for a monthly fee to a supplier (cheaper if paid on an annual basis), owners can rest easy knowing that their cat or dog has medical coverage in case of illness or emergency. And, should the worst-case scenario occur, they will have the financial backing to pull through.
While the benefits of pet insurance are important, it is important for owners to understand that this form of insurance does not work like many other types.
Arguably the most distinct difference between pet insurance and health insurance for humans, for example, is how pre-existing conditions are treated. Or, in other words, how they are not. This is because pre-existing conditions are usually not covered by most pet insurance plans.
That’s not to say that pet insurance still doesn’t have value (it does). But owners need to understand the intricacies of this form of insurance in order to get the best protection for their pets.
If you are looking for pet insurance – or want to add more pets to the coverage you already have – then contact a pet insurance expert now who will help you start with a free quote.
Pet insurance and pre-existing conditions
If you have a pet with pre-existing medical conditions, you can usually expect an insurance provider to not cover those specific issues. But what is a pre-existing condition?
“A pre-existing condition is anything that occurs before you enroll or during the waiting period,” Pick up by the Dodo Explain. “Like other providers, we do not cover pre-existing conditions.”
Spot pet insurance also does not cover these types of medical conditions.
“A pre-existing condition is an injury or illness that occurs or shows symptoms before coverage begins or during a waiting period,” they explain on their website. “A condition is considered pre-existing whether or not it has been officially diagnosed or treated; all that matters is when it occurred or when symptoms first appeared.”
But, Spot notes, pet owners who fall into this category need not despair.
“However, with the plans provided by Spot, this does not mean that the condition cannot be covered in the future if the condition is curable,” they explain. “An injury or disease that is curable, healed and without treatment or symptoms for 180 days will no longer be considered pre-existing, with the exception of knee and ligament conditions. If a knee or ligament condition occurs before taking effect of hedging date or during a waiting period, futures will not be hedged.”
If you would like to insure your dog or cat but are not sure if their current condition falls within the protection zone, consider talking to a pet insurance expert today. They can answer all your questions and help you come up with a plan that works for you and your furry friend.
How pre-existing conditions are determined
Although each pet insurance provider is distinct, there are reliable ways to determine a pet’s pre-existing conditions.
“A pre-existing condition is determined by your pet’s medical records”, Lemonade Pet Insurance Explain. “So any sign or diagnosis of a condition that appears before the end of your policy’s waiting periods would be considered a pre-existing condition.”
This is one of the main reasons why pet owners need to act quickly by having a plan in place – before ailments arise and cover becomes more expensive (assuming it is even provided for specific conditions).
“Your pet may not show signs of these medical conditions at birth or in the first few years of life,” notes Lemonade Pet Insurance. “But if you wait until they develop symptoms to be insured, the disease likely won’t be covered by your policy, which is a game-changer for pet owners struggling with chronic illness-related vet bills.”
The bottom line
There are several reasons to buy pet insurance. But perhaps the best reason to get it early is to avoid coverage issues. If you sign up with a provider now, while your pet is still relatively young and healthy, you can get more comprehensive coverage at a lower price.
Have more questions about pet insurance and pre-existing conditions? Speak with a supplier now who can help you build a personalized protection plan.