Pet Insurance: Protecting Your Canine Companion
When TV’s Lassie became the first dog in the United States to be covered by a pet insurance policy, it was a significant moment. But even for a famous collie, insurance often excluded pre-existing conditions. Today, as pet insurance becomes more common, understanding the nuances of coverage, especially regarding pre-existing conditions, is key for dog owners.
Increasingly, dog owners are opting for pet insurance. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA) 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey, 20% of dog owners have pet insurance, up from 15% in 2018. The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) reported that 3.1 million pets were insured in 2020, with dogs accounting for approximately 83% of those.
Why the Growing Interest in Pet Insurance?
The rising costs of veterinary care are a primary driver. Modern veterinary medicine offers advanced treatments, and technological advancements lead to more innovative, and often expensive, solutions. Conditions such as orthopedic problems, hip dysplasia, chemotherapy, and cataract surgery are now treatable.
Dog owners are visiting the vet more frequently. Over 90% of APPA survey respondents took their dog to the veterinarian at least once in the past year, some making multiple visits. Consumer spending on veterinary care and medical products continues to increase annually.
What Does Pet Insurance Cost?
Pet insurance can be a sound financial investment, especially with increasing veterinary costs. However, insurance premiums have also increased. In 2023, the average annual cost for accident and illness coverage for a dog was $636. Accident-only coverage averaged $204 annually. Factors like your dog’s age and health, your location, and the coverage you choose will influence the actual cost.
Navigating Pre-Existing Conditions
Before securing pet insurance, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends investigating how the provider defines and handles pre-existing conditions. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners explains that most pet insurance companies exclude pre-existing, hereditary, or congenital conditions.
Understanding these crucial terms is vital:
- Pre-existing conditions: Typically excluded from coverage, these include any illness or injury that occurred, reoccurred, existed, or showed symptoms before enrollment or during the waiting period, regardless of diagnosis.
- Medical history reviews: Insurance companies use these to assess your dog’s health and pre-existing conditions prior to determining coverage costs. They often involve a veterinarian exam and record review.
- Curable vs. chronic (incurable) conditions: Some insurers differentiate between these. Curable, resolved pre-existing conditions may be covered, unlike chronic conditions that are likely to reoccur.
- Bilateral injuries or conditions: These affect both sides of the body. For instance, if a dog suffers a cruciate ligament rupture in one knee prior to policy initiation, the insurer may not cover a subsequent rupture in the other knee.
Specific Conditions That May Be Excluded
Keep in mind that exclusions vary by policy, so reading the fine print is important. These examples are not universal, but give an idea of what to look for:
- Allergies: If a dog licks their paws constantly prior to policy enrollment, and is later diagnosed with allergies, they may be considered pre-existing and excluded.
- Chronic conditions: Existing conditions like arthritis, diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid problems, heart conditions, gastrointestinal issues, and skin/ear conditions may not be covered.
- Degenerative conditions: Diagnosed joint or ligament deterioration may be excluded.
- Recurrences: If a dog presents symptoms, or has been diagnosed with certain conditions prior to enrollment, any related recurrence may be excluded for up to 12 months.
- Undetermined causes: If a dog is diagnosed with a disease in a specific area where the underlying cause was unknown, future diagnoses in the same location within 12 months may also be affected.
Common Pet Insurance Claims for Dogs
According to NAPHIA, the most common pet health insurance claims for dogs involve stomach issues. Other frequent claims include skin conditions, ear and eye infections, pain, skin growths/lumps, UTIs, allergies, and cruciate ligament injuries. Some of these might be considered pre-existing conditions.
Some plans may also exclude certain geriatric conditions, offer partial coverage for specialist visits, or limit reimbursements per incident or year.
Making the Right Decision
Deciding on pet health is a personal choice, according to the AVMA. It’s best to consult your veterinarian and carefully assess how each insurance provider handles pre-existing conditions to make an informed choice.
