So My Dog’s Pre-Existing Condition Means He’s Uninsurable?”
Yeah, I’ve been there. One day your pup’s chasing squirrels like a furry Olympian, the next you’re hit with a vet bill and a diagnosis you weren’t ready for. Arthritis? Diabetes? Skin allergies? Boom — welcome to the not-so-fun world of “pre-existing conditions.”
Then comes the next surprise: you want to get pet insurance, but they hit you with, “Sorry, we don’t cover that.”
So what now? Is your beloved pet just… on their own?
Absolutely not. While it’s true that most traditional pet insurance companies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, there are some clever workarounds, real solutions, and yes — even a few insurers that do have your back.
Let’s talk about what really matters: finding the best pet insurance for pre-existing conditions without feeling like you’re stuck in a maze of fine print and false hope.
“Pre-Existing Conditions?” Let’s Break That Down First
Okay, real quick: what even counts as a “pre-existing condition”?
In insurance-speak, it means any illness or injury that showed symptoms or was treated before you enrolled in the insurance plan. Doesn’t matter if it happened a week ago or two years ago. If it’s in your pet’s medical records — it’s pre-existing.
So, if your cat got treated for urinary infections last year, most companies will say “nope” to anything related to that going forward. Harsh, right?
Here’s the twist, though: not all pre-existing conditions are created equal, and not all insurance companies treat them the same way.
Types of Pre-Existing Conditions: Not All Hope Is Lost
Let’s break it down further because this part matters. There are actually two main types of pre-existing conditions:
1. Curable Conditions
These are things like:
- Ear infections
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Respiratory infections
- Minor skin issues
If your pet had one of these but hasn’t shown symptoms or needed treatment for, say, the last 6–12 months, some insurers might cover them again in the future.
2. Incurable or Chronic Conditions
This includes the big stuff:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Allergies
- Hip dysplasia
- Cancer
Once these are in the file, most insurers won’t touch them. But—and here’s where things get hopeful—some policies might still cover everything else your pet could face that’s not tied to the chronic issue.
Okay, So Which Pet Insurance is Actually Good for Pre-Existing Conditions?
You want names. Let’s get into it.
1. Pet Assure – The “No-Nonsense” Discount Plan
Alright, technically, Pet Assure isn’t insurance—it’s a veterinary discount plan. But it’s one of the few that doesn’t care about pre-existing conditions.
- Covers: All in-house medical services including pre-existing conditions
- Works like: A membership discount card — show it, get 25% off at participating vets
- Best for: Pets with chronic issues who need regular treatment
👉 The catch? You have to use a vet that’s part of their network. So check that first.
Story Time: My cousin’s 12-year-old Pomeranian, Bella, has arthritis and recurring dental issues. After being denied by traditional insurers, they tried Pet Assure. While it doesn’t cover surgeries or meds outside the clinic, she saves hundreds each year just on checkups and dental cleanings.
2. Pawp – For Emergencies, No Questions Asked
Pawp is a little unconventional — and kinda brilliant.
- Covers: One emergency vet visit per year, up to $3,000
- Cost: $24/month
- No exams, no exclusions, no waiting periods — even for pre-existing issues
👉 It’s like an emergency-only safety net.
Best for: Peace of mind. Especially if your pet’s known to suddenly “eat socks” at 2 a.m.
3. Embrace – The Forgiveness Policy
Embrace doesn’t cover incurable pre-existing conditions — but it does forgive curable conditions after 12 months of no symptoms.
- Example: Your dog had a UTI last year. No recurrence in 12 months? They might cover future UTIs.
- Bonus: Covers alternative therapies like acupuncture or hydrotherapy
👉 Pro tip: Ask your vet to help write a clean bill of health before enrolling. That can help clarify what’s forgivable.
4. AKC Pet Insurance – Actually Covers Some Pre-Existing Conditions!
This one’s a bit of a unicorn.
- After 12 months of continuous coverage, AKC Pet Insurance offers a chance to cover certain pre-existing conditions.
- You have to opt into the “Hereditary & Congenital” add-on.
👉 The fine print is real, but they’re one of the only ones that may truly reconsider some pre-existing issues after a year.
5. Figo – Techy, Transparent, and Surprisingly Flexible
Figo’s another good pick if you want solid coverage with user-friendly claims.
- Doesn’t cover incurable pre-existing conditions, but has clear documentation and easy mobile filing.
- Their customer service? Honestly, one of the best I’ve seen in this space.
👉 They’re strict on chronic conditions, but open to forgiving one-off things after a symptom-free period.
What’s the Catch With All This?
Here’s the real talk: you’ll probably never find a plan that fully covers an active, ongoing chronic condition your pet already has. That sucks, but it’s the truth.
But what you can do is:
- Find ways to reduce the costs through discount plans (Pet Assure)
- Get coverage for new, unrelated issues (like with Embrace or Figo)
- Buy peace of mind for emergencies (Pawp)
- Look into future forgiveness policies (AKC)
Imagine This: The Vet Office Scenario
Picture this: Your dog, Max, starts limping. Again. You know it’s the same old joint issue, but this time he yelps when climbing the stairs.
You’re hit with that pit-in-the-stomach feeling. What’s it gonna cost this time?
You’re stressed, not because you don’t love Max — of course you do — but because the bill might wreck your budget again.
Now imagine you had a plan. Maybe it doesn’t cover everything, but you’ve got Pet Assure for regular visits and Pawp if things go south. You’ve got options.
You exhale. The vet gives you a number — and it’s not terrifying. You pet Max’s head and whisper, “We got this, buddy.”
That’s the goal. Not perfection. Just support.
So, Should You Still Get Pet Insurance if Your Pet Has Pre-Existing Conditions?
Short answer? Yes.
Why?
Because your pet’s future still matters. They could still:
- Break a leg
- Swallow something weird
- Get an unrelated illness
- Need dental work or therapy
And you don’t want to be making decisions based on money when they’re sick or in pain.
It’s not about covering the past — it’s about protecting the future.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Fine Print Stop You From Trying
Look, it’s frustrating. You love your pet. You just want to do right by them. But navigating pet insurance when there’s already a health history? It’s a headache, no doubt.
But with a bit of digging, some honest expectations, and smart choices, you can find a plan that lightens the load — emotionally and financially.
So don’t give up. Ask questions. Compare quotes. Get your vet involved. And remember: you’re doing a great job, even just reading this means you care more than most.
FAQ – Real Questions From Real Pet Parents
Q: Can I lie about a pre-existing condition to get coverage?
A: Honestly? Don’t. Insurance companies request vet records. If they find out you hid something, your claim could get denied — or your policy canceled. Not worth it.
Q: Is it more expensive to insure a pet with pre-existing conditions?
A: Not always. Most companies just exclude those conditions rather than charge extra. But some discount plans (like Pet Assure) have flat pricing regardless of condition.
Q: What if my dog was treated once for something minor — is it still “pre-existing”?
A: Yep. Even a single treatment or symptom in the past can make it pre-existing. But if it hasn’t come back in a year, some companies (like Embrace) might forgive it.
Q: Should I bother getting insurance for an older pet with multiple conditions?
A: Yes, but manage expectations. You won’t get full coverage, but you can protect against new issues and save on vet bills with the right combo of plans.
Q: What’s the best time to get pet insurance?
A: As early as possible. The younger and healthier your pet is, the fewer “pre-existing” flags will pop up later. Don’t wait until something goes wrong.
