Understanding Pet Insurance and Preexisting Conditions
Bringing home a new pet is exciting, but it’s also a good time to think about their long-term health. One important consideration is pet insurance, which can help with unexpected vet bills. A huge factor in whether the insurance company will cover your pet’s condition is their history before you got the policy. Specifically, preexisting conditions.
What are Preexisting Conditions?
A preexisting condition, in the context of pet insurance, is any health issue your pet has before the insurance policy starts. If your dog has a pre-existing condition, you should expect insurance companies to have limits to what they cover.
There are two main types of preexisting conditions:
- Curable: These are conditions that your pet has been treated for and is now symptom-free for a certain period, potentially making it eligible for coverage again.
- Incurable: These are chronic conditions that require ongoing treatment. No pet insurance company covers these.
How Insurers View Preexisting Conditions
Most pet insurance providers won’t cover conditions that existed before you purchased the policy. This even applies if your coverage lapses or you switch to a new insurer. Additionally, policies often have waiting periods, especially for orthopedic issues, during which any newly developed conditions are considered preexisting.
Securing Coverage
The best way to get insurance is to do it as soon as you adopt your pet, preferably when they’re a puppy. This will give you to the best opportunity for complete coverage.
Finding the Right Policy
Since a condition can become preexisting after switching insurance, picking the right policy initially is worth the effort. When shopping for pet insurance, consider:
- Coverage Options: Work with your vet to determine what is likely for your pet based on their breed, age, lifestyle, and health status. This helps you decide what coverages are needed.
- Preexisting Condition Coverage: Look for policies that cover curable conditions, asking about waiting periods and automatic renewal. Also, it is critical to ask the insurer if they exclude chronic or hereditary diseases.
- Exclusions and Limitations: Be sure to understand what is excluded, such as cosmetic procedures, routine care, and whether exclusions apply to your pet’s breed or age.
- Cost: Find a policy that gives you the coverage you need while fitting your budget. Take into account premiums, deductibles, reimbursement rates, annual limits, and any discounts.
- Company Reputation: Find out about the insurer’s operation hours, how to contact them, and how long claims take. You can also look up online reviews.
- Additional Benefits: Some policies include benefits like end-of-life support, wellness plans, telehealth, or alternative treatments, which can significantly increase the value.
Questions to Ask Providers
Before buying a pet insurance policy, it’s a good idea to ask the following questions:
- Will any vet be covered by the policy?
- What are the cost options for deductibles and copays?
- Does the policy include annual wellness exams?
- Is there a limit on how much the policy will pay for a vet visit?
- Are prescription drugs covered?
- Will they cover spaying or neutering?
- Does the policy cover curable preexisting conditions?
- Is there a waiting period before coverage starts?
- Does my pet need a physical to qualify?
- How fast do they pay claims?
- Will the plan cover advertising costs and rewards if my pet is lost or stolen?
- Does the plan include any end-of-life benefits?
Securing the Best Coverage
With so many pet insurance options, it’s important to compare quotes, seek recommendations, and keep thorough health records to find the right policy. Consider these strategies:
- Compare Quotes: Get quotes from multiple companies and make sure the coverage, deductibles, and limits are comparable.
- Seek Recommendations: Ask friends, family, or your vet for suggestions.
- Thorough Medical Documentation: Keep detailed records of your pet’s health history, as insurers often require them. This will make it easier to deal with insurance.
Alternative Financial Assistance
If your pet has a preexisting condition and insurance options are limited, explore financial aid from non-profits or charitable organizations. Wellness plans can help manage preventative care costs. They often include preventive treatments, which can prevent issues from becoming preexisting. Some of the resources for financial assistance for pets are:
- The Banfield Foundation website.
- Pet Help Finder,
- Best Friends Financial Aid.
- Your local animal shelter.
Conclusion
Protecting your pet’s health is a top priority. While preexisting conditions complicate pet insurance, by knowing your options and doing your research, you can give your pet the medical care they deserve.
