Getting dog insurance for pre-existing conditions feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Over two million pets insured in the United States and Canada should make coverage easier to get – but reality proves otherwise.
Most insurers avoid pre-existing conditions, though some companies have started a new approach. These providers now separate curable conditions from incurable ones and offer coverage once pets stay symptom-free for six to twelve months. This matters because pets often deal with allergies, arthritis, and ear infections.
My research breaks down the top insurance providers that cover pre-existing conditions by analyzing their policies, waiting periods, and coverage options. A complete coverage plan costs $56.30 per month on average in 2023, so picking the right plan matters. Here are the 11 best options you can choose from in 2025.
AKC Pet Insurance: The Most Comprehensive Pre-Existing Coverage
AKC Pet Insurance stands out as the only major provider that covers both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions.
AKC’s Unique Coverage Approach
The company made a breakthrough decision to cover pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous coverage. Their approach includes both curable conditions like UTIs and chronic problems such as allergies. This makes AKC different from other insurance providers.
Coverage Details for Pre-Existing Conditions
The coverage extends to many conditions that include:
- Chronic ear infections
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Cancer
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
The policy also has coverage for hereditary conditions through the InheritedPlus endorsement when the pet is under two years old.
Waiting Periods and Requirements
A tiered approach determines the waiting periods. Illness coverage starts after 14 days while accident coverage begins after 2 days. Some conditions need longer waiting times – cruciate ligament conditions and IVDD require 180 days. Pre-existing condition coverage starts after a full year of continuous coverage.
Pricing and Plan Options
Monthly premiums cost between $25 and $55, based on your pet’s age, breed, and location. Pet owners can add extra coverage options:
- Wellness care
- Exam coverage
- Breeding coverage
- Final respects coverage
Pet owners get a 5% discount when they insure multiple pets. They can pay monthly or annually to suit their budget.
Embrace Pet Insurance: Flexible Coverage for Curable Conditions
Embrace Pet Insurance stands out with its approach to pre-existing conditions that separates curable health problems from incurable ones.
Embrace’s Pre-Existing Condition Policy
A pre-existing condition, according to the company, refers to any injury, illness, or abnormality that pet owners or veterinarians notice before the policy starts. These conditions show symptoms or get diagnosed before the policy begins and during waiting periods. Pet owners can still get coverage for new or unrelated conditions, notwithstanding that.
What Qualifies as Curable vs Incurable
The company splits pre-existing conditions into two main groups:
- Curable Conditions (eligible for future coverage):
- Respiratory infections
- Urinary tract/bladder infections
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Undiagnosed vomiting or diarrhea
Diabetes, arthritis, and allergies fall under incurable conditions and stay permanently excluded from coverage. This difference between categories substantially affects coverage eligibility.
Coverage Limits and Restrictions
Your pet must stay symptom-free and treatment-free for a 12-month period to qualify for curable condition coverage. Embrace reviews your pet’s medical history from the previous 12 months before selling a policy. Pet owners should ask for a free Medical History Review to learn which conditions might be pre-existing.
Resolved health issues could get future coverage if they meet the symptom-free requirement. This policy creates more coverage opportunities than traditional pet insurance plans that exclude all pre-existing conditions completely.
Figo Pet Insurance: 12-Month Symptom-Free Coverage
Figo stands out with its special take on pre-existing conditions. The company covers curable conditions after a 12-month symptom-free period.
Figo’s Pre-Existing Condition Guidelines
The company separates curable conditions from incurable ones. Your pet could get coverage for curable conditions that show no symptoms within 12 months after the last treatment. This rule works only for conditions that have cleared up completely and stayed symptom-free during this time.
Medical History Review Process
When you sign up, Figo takes a really good look at your pet’s medical history from the last 12 months. They review all available records for pets under one year old. Licensed claims adjusters then assess each case based on vet notes and medical records.
Plan Options and Pricing
Monthly premiums cost between $9 and $135, based on the coverage you pick. You can choose from these flexible options:
- Reimbursement levels: 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%
- Annual limits: $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited coverage
- Deductibles: $100 to $1,500 annually
Figo gives several discounts: 5% for multiple pets, 15% for Costco members, and 5% for military personnel in most states. Your deductible drops by $50 each year you don’t file a claim.
Customer Reviews and Experiences
Ground experiences show why you need to understand your policy details well. Claims usually wrap up within three business days. Customers love the 90-day appeal window for denied claims. This window lets them submit extra vet documentation to support their case. The company makes it clear that filing claims never affects your premium rates.
MetLife Pet Insurance: Group Coverage Benefits
MetLife Pet Insurance revolutionizes group coverage through employer-sponsored plans that give pet parents exceptional benefits.
Coverage Transfer Benefits
MetLife leads the pet insurance industry as the only carrier that covers previously insured pre-existing conditions when pet owners switch from another provider. This advantage belongs exclusively to group policy holders who move their existing coverage to MetLife. A pet’s previously covered conditions stay protected under the new policy if an employer switches to MetLife as their insurance provider.
Pre-Existing Condition Assessment
MetLife considers pre-existing conditions as injuries or illnesses that show up before the policy starts or during waiting periods. The company makes a clear distinction between curable and incurable conditions. Curable conditions typically include:
- Bladder infections
- Respiratory infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Ear infections
Plan Features and Limitations
The company’s policies come with extensive customization options and annual benefits from $500 to unlimited coverage. Pet owners can choose reimbursement rates up to 90% and pick deductibles ranging from $0 to $2,500. A family plan option lets you cover up to three pets under one policy with a shared deductible.
Coverage starts right away for accidents and optional wellness care. A 14-day waiting period applies to illnesses. MetLife handles 80% of claims within 10 days. Group policy holders enjoy a 10% discount. Monthly premiums begin at $16 for dogs and $7 for cats.
Nationwide Pet Insurance: 6-Month Recovery Period
Nationwide stands out from other insurers with a unique take on pet insurance. They cover curable pre-existing conditions once your pet stays symptom-free for six months.
Nationwide’s Pre-Existing Condition Policy
The company labels pre-existing conditions as health problems that show up within twelve months before your policy starts. Your pet becomes eligible for coverage when your vet confirms through medical records that symptoms haven’t appeared in six months. This policy gives pets with resolved health issues a chance at coverage instead of ruling them out completely.
Coverage Review Process
Nationwide looks at three main factors to decide on pre-existing conditions:
- What vets have said about the condition
- Past treatments your pet received
- Any signs pointing to the claimed condition
The claims process is straightforward. You’ll need to pay for vet services first, then file your claim through Nationwide’s mobile app, website, or mail. Claims usually take up to 30 days to process, though trickier cases might need extra time.
Plan Options
Each condition type has its own waiting period:
- Accidents and illnesses: 14 days
- Wellness care: 1 day
- Orthopedic conditions: 365 days
- Cruciate ligament injuries: up to 365 days
Your pet needs to be at least eight weeks old to get coverage. The company covers many treatments, including alternative and holistic care options. Some things aren’t covered, like behavior training, pregnancy issues, and boarding costs.
The policy has limits on hereditary and congenital conditions, but you can buy extra coverage for these. Complex medical claims might take longer to process as Nationwide needs time for a complete review.
Pets Best Insurance: Flexible Curable Condition Coverage
Pets Best differentiates itself by making a clear difference between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions.
Coverage for Healed Conditions
The company welcomes pets with pre-existing conditions and covers thousands of unrelated veterinary expenses. Conditions that heal completely without needing further treatment qualify for future coverage. These curable conditions include:
- Broken bones
- Upper respiratory infections
- Dental fractures
- Sprains
- Lacerations
Plan Options and Pricing
Pets Best’s multiple coverage tiers fit different needs. BestBenefit Accident and Illness plans provide complete coverage. Pet owners with limited budgets can opt for Accident Only coverage. The Accident Only plan features:
- A set deductible of $250
- 90% reimbursement rate
- Annual benefit limit of $10,000
Two wellness plans round out the company’s routine care coverage: EssentialWellness with $305 in annual benefits and BestWellness with $535 in annual benefits.
Claims Process
Pet owners can submit their claims through several convenient options:
- Online customer portal
- Mobile app
- Fax
- Standard mail
Claims processing takes approximately five days. Direct deposit to a bank account (5-7 days) or CareCredit Card (3-5 days) are the quickest reimbursement methods.
Medical records are a vital part of claims processing because they verify that conditions aren’t pre-existing. The company has some of the industry’s shortest waiting periods after the policy’s effective date. Pets Best explains why claims might be denied, such as unmet deductibles or services not covered under the current policy.
Spot Pet Insurance: 180-Day Healing Period
Spot Pet Insurance stands out with its simple approach to pre-existing conditions through its 180-day healing period policy.
Pre-Existing Condition Guidelines
The company defines pre-existing conditions as any injury or illness that shows symptoms before coverage starts or during waiting periods. We looked at conditions that can be cured if they stay treatment and symptom-free for 180 days. This policy works for common problems like respiratory infections and minor injuries.
Coverage Exclusions
Some conditions will never get coverage, including:
- Knee and ligament conditions
- Breeding costs
- Cosmetic procedures
- Day care and boarding
Knee and ligament conditions need special attention. These conditions become ineligible for coverage if they happen before coverage begins or during waiting periods. This rule applies to future knee or ligament issues too.
Plan Features
Spot provides complete coverage options with a 14-day waiting period for new accidents and illnesses. Some states let you get next-day coverage for accidents. The company builds its coverage around several essential parts:
The deductible applies during each policy period. You must meet this before getting any reimbursements. Pet owners choose their preferred reimbursement percentage when they sign up. Plans cover exam fees for covered conditions. You’ll need a separate preventive care add-on for routine wellness exams.
The company reviews medical records to process claims and check condition eligibility. This review helps them see if symptoms existed before coverage started, which affects their final decision. Remember that switching plan levels might label your pet’s existing conditions as pre-existing under the new plan.
Trupanion Pet Insurance: Case-by-Case Assessment
Trupanion evaluates each dog’s insurance for pre-existing conditions individually. Their detailed medical review gives every pet’s case the attention it deserves.
Evaluation Process
The company reviews medical records from the past 18 months before starting a policy. For younger pets under 18 months, they check all medical records from adoption through the waiting periods. Claims specialists carefully review these records to identify pre-existing conditions.
Coverage Details
Trupanion creates a customized Medical Records Summary that shows:
- Existing health conditions
- Potential coverage limitations
- Future eligibility status
- Chronic condition coverage options
The company covers new and unexpected illnesses and injuries without any payout limits. Coverage includes alternative treatments, behavioral therapies, and hereditary conditions if symptoms didn’t show up before enrollment. Some curable pre-existing conditions like giardia might get coverage after a period without symptoms.
Waiting Periods
Here’s how the waiting periods work:
- 5 days for injuries
- 30 days for illnesses
Any injuries during the five-day period or illnesses within 30 days become pre-existing conditions. These timeframes stay the same for all conditions and pet ages, which makes Trupanion different from other insurers who change waiting periods for specific conditions.
Pet owners get clear coverage information upfront in their Medical Records Summary. This document shows their pet’s health history when they enroll and lists any conditions that existed before coverage started. This helps owners know exactly what their insurance will cover in the future.
PetFirst Insurance: Accident Coverage Focus
PetFirst Insurance stands out with its detailed accident coverage and clear rules about pre-existing conditions.
Coverage for Accidents vs Illnesses
PetFirst pays back vet costs for accidental injuries that aren’t connected to pre-existing conditions or previous injuries. The coverage has emergency services, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and alternative therapies. The company covers dental work from accidents, but regular dental care isn’t part of the package.
Pre-Existing Condition Policies
A 12-month waiting period applies to curable pre-existing conditions. Common issues like UTIs and upper respiratory infections get coverage after this time. Some conditions need longer waiting periods:
- IVDD: 6 to 12 months
- Cruciate ligaments: 6 to 12 months
- Breeding-related conditions: 12 months
Plan Options
PetFirst’s coverage comes in two main categories. The Standard Plans have:
- Standard 1000 Plan with USD 1,000 per-incident limit and USD 1,000 annual limit
- Standard 1500 Plan with USD 1,500 per-incident limit and USD 7,500 annual limit
Monthly premiums cost between USD 16 and USD 68. Pet owners can save money through various discounts – 30% for multiple pets and 10% for signing up online. You can get a USD 25 deductible reduction through the healthy pet incentive if you don’t file claims in a calendar year.
The plans pay back 70-90% of costs after meeting the deductible, which runs from USD 50 to USD 500. The coverage also includes holistic medicine and necessary medications.
Healthy Paws: Alternative Coverage Options
Healthy Paws has a simple single-plan approach to pet insurance that provides complete coverage without caps or limits.
Coverage Approach
The company pays based on actual veterinary bill costs instead of predetermined treatment estimates. Pet owners can visit any US-licensed veterinarian and submit their claims through a mobile app or website. Monthly premiums average USD 63.00 for dogs and USD 29.00 for cats.
Plan Features
The policy covers:
- Emergencies and hereditary conditions
- Cancer treatments
- Genetic conditions
- Alternative and emergency care
- Chronic conditions
We process claims within two business days. Reimbursement rates range from 50% to 90%, based on location and pet age. Deductible options change depending on enrollment factors and pet age.
Limitations for Pre-Existing Conditions
Healthy Paws defines pre-existing conditions as any illness, injury, or condition that shows symptoms before policy activation or during waiting periods. The company has specific exclusions for bilateral conditions, and cruciate ligament injuries come with unique restrictions.
Acute conditions that completely resolve are an exception. A pet that had an ear infection six months before enrollment and develops another infection two years later would receive coverage for the new treatment. This coverage extends to respiratory infections, common gastrointestinal issues, and certain skin conditions that fully heal.
The policy’s waiting period runs 15 days for most conditions, while hip dysplasia-related illnesses require an extended 12-month period. Preventative care, wellness treatments, spaying, neutering, and examination fees are not covered.
24PetWatch: Specialized Senior Pet Coverage
24PetWatch stands out from other insurers with its unique approach to pre-existing conditions through its detailed evaluation system for senior pets.
Senior Pet Pre-Existing Condition Policies
24PetWatch considers pre-existing conditions as any health issues that show symptoms or need treatment before your policy’s coverage starts. Your pet’s conditions become eligible for coverage when they stay symptom-free for 24 months. This approach works well for chronic and recurring conditions and gives hope to pets with previous health issues.
Coverage Details
The company’s coverage follows specific guidelines and limits. Your coverage starts on the date listed in your insurance document. Right now, the policy has:
- Annual benefit limits from USD 20,000 to USD 500,000
- 80% reimbursement for eligible claims after you meet the deductible
- Emergency ambulance services up to USD 500 for each incident
- Coverage for lifesaving treatments and paramedical services
Some conditions will never be covered, especially when you have Adult onset Demodex in dogs diagnosed after age five.
Plan Options and Pricing
You can choose from four insurance tiers: Extra, Classic, Super, and Champion. Your cost depends on your pet’s breed, age, and location. The company accepts dogs up to ten years old and cats up to twelve years.
The policy comes with a special 24PetMedAlert service that helps veterinary staff access crucial medical information if your pet gets lost. You also get access to a 24/7 veterinary helpline through the Lifetime Protection Membership. This membership gives you discounts on pet-sitting services and connects you with lost pet recovery specialists.
Senior pets need extra care and attention to stay healthy and comfortable. The company makes claiming easy with clear requirements for pre-existing condition assessments.
Getting the right insurance for a dog with pre-existing conditions means you need to think about several things. Insurance providers handle coverage differently. AKC offers a detailed 365-day waiting period, while Trupanion looks at each case individually.
The difference between curable and incurable conditions plays a big role in picking a policy. Many insurers now cover conditions after a period without symptoms. This usually takes 6 to 24 months, rather than excluding these conditions forever.
These providers charge $56.30 per month on average. Your dog’s age, breed, and location can change this price. Companies like Pets Best and Embrace give you flexible payment choices and many ways to save money.
My research shows AKC Pet Insurance gives you the most detailed coverage for pre-existing conditions. Visit their site to see their coverage approach and check if it works for your pet.
Note that waiting periods and coverage limits vary by a lot between providers. Take time to review each policy’s details before you decide. This helps you pick the best protection for your furry friend.
