The Best Pet Insurance for Dogs with Pre-Existing Conditions

Owning a dog brings immense joy, but when your furry friend has a pre-existing condition, managing their health can be a bit more complicated and costly. Pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, or skin allergies, often require ongoing medical attention and treatment, leading to significant expenses. Unfortunately, many pet insurance policies do not cover these conditions, making it challenging for pet owners to find affordable and effective coverage. However, there are still some options available that can help you manage costs and give your dog the care they need. In this article, we will discuss the best pet insurance options for dogs with pre-existing conditions and explore how you can maximize coverage for your beloved pet.

What Are Pre-Existing Conditions?

Before diving into the specifics of pet insurance, it’s essential to understand what pre-existing conditions are in the context of pet insurance policies. A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or health issue that your dog was diagnosed with or showed symptoms of before the start of an insurance policy. Examples of pre-existing conditions include chronic ailments like diabetes, allergies, or hip dysplasia.

Pet insurance companies generally do not cover pre-existing conditions, as they see them as risks that have already materialized. However, some companies are more lenient than others and may provide partial coverage, or cover curable pre-existing conditions after a waiting period. Finding the right insurer involves understanding these nuances and identifying a provider that offers the most comprehensive coverage despite the limitations associated with pre-existing conditions.

Types of Pre-Existing Conditions

Pre-existing conditions are categorized as curable or incurable by most pet insurance providers, and coverage depends largely on this distinction:

• Curable Conditions: These are conditions that can be completely resolved with treatment, such as ear infections, urinary tract infections, or gastrointestinal issues. Some insurers may offer coverage for these conditions after a symptom-free waiting period.
• Incurable Conditions: These are ongoing, chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or allergies. These conditions are typically excluded from coverage under most policies, but there may still be ways to obtain limited support.

Finding the Best Pet Insurance for Dogs with Pre-Existing Conditions

While no pet insurance provider covers all pre-existing conditions, some offer better options for dogs that already have health issues. Here are some of the best pet insurance companies for dogs with pre-existing conditions, focusing on those that offer partial or limited coverage, or have special provisions for curable conditions.

1. Embrace Pet Insurance

Embrace is one of the most well-known pet insurance companies offering coverage for curable pre-existing conditions. They have a waiting period of 12 months, after which curable conditions that do not show any symptoms can be covered. For instance, if your dog has had an ear infection in the past but has been symptom-free for 12 months, Embrace may start covering ear infections again.

Additionally, Embrace provides coverage for a wide range of illnesses and injuries, making them a strong choice for dogs that need comprehensive care. While they do not cover incurable pre-existing conditions, their willingness to cover curable issues after a waiting period sets them apart from many other providers.

2. PetFirst Pet Insurance

PetFirst offers pet insurance that may cover some pre-existing conditions considered curable if your pet has been symptom-free for a certain period. Their waiting periods for curable pre-existing conditions are generally shorter than other providers, typically around six months. This means that if your dog has an issue like a respiratory infection and it has not recurred for six months, PetFirst may cover future instances of this condition.

PetFirst also offers routine care add-ons, which can help manage preventive costs like vaccinations and dental cleanings, ultimately contributing to the overall health of your pet. Although incurable pre-existing conditions will not be covered, PetFirst’s flexible options make them a suitable choice for pet owners who want to protect their dog against new health issues while managing some pre-existing concerns.

3. Pet Assure

Pet Assure is not traditional pet insurance, but rather a veterinary discount plan. It offers a flat discount of 25% off all in-house medical services at participating veterinarians, regardless of the pet’s medical history. This means that pre-existing conditions, chronic illnesses, and even wellness visits are eligible for the discount.

While Pet Assure is not a substitute for full insurance, it can be an excellent complement to a high-deductible insurance plan or for pet owners whose dogs have significant pre-existing conditions that are uninsurable. Pet Assure’s no-exclusion policy makes it a viable option for covering ongoing care that would otherwise be very costly.

4. Wagmo

Wagmo offers a wellness plan that helps cover routine care, such as vaccinations, grooming, dental cleanings, and regular check-ups. While this is not an illness or accident policy, Wagmo’s wellness plan can be helpful for dogs with pre-existing conditions by allowing pet owners to budget for preventive care and catch potential problems early.

For dogs with chronic issues, maintaining good overall health is crucial to managing their conditions effectively. Wagmo’s wellness plans ensure your dog receives regular vet visits and preventive treatments, helping manage conditions more proactively and potentially reducing the impact of existing health problems.

Tips for Managing Pet Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions

While finding a pet insurance policy that fully covers pre-existing conditions may be challenging, there are several strategies you can use to ensure your dog gets the best possible care while managing costs.

1. Enroll Early

The best way to avoid issues with pre-existing conditions is to enroll your dog in pet insurance while they are still young and healthy. Puppies are less likely to have diagnosed conditions, which means their insurance policies will not have the exclusions that often come with older pets. By starting coverage early, you can ensure that any future health issues will be covered.

2. Consider a Combination of Insurance and Discount Plans

If your dog has a chronic pre-existing condition that is not covered by insurance, consider combining a traditional pet insurance policy for accidents and new illnesses with a discount plan like Pet Assure. This can help cover both ongoing issues and unexpected health concerns, providing a more comprehensive approach to managing veterinary expenses.

3. Focus on Preventive Care

Preventive care is crucial for dogs with pre-existing conditions. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help minimize the impact of chronic conditions and reduce the likelihood of costly complications. Many wellness plans, like those offered by Wagmo or as an add-on from other insurers, can help cover the cost of preventive care, making it more affordable to keep your dog healthy.

4. Look for Providers with Flexible Waiting Periods

As mentioned earlier, some pet insurance providers have waiting periods for curable pre-existing conditions, after which coverage may be reinstated if the condition has not recurred. When shopping for pet insurance, look for companies like Embrace or PetFirst, which offer this flexibility. This can make a big difference in ensuring that your dog receives coverage for conditions that are not necessarily lifelong.

5. Keep Detailed Medical Records

Maintaining detailed medical records can be helpful when working with insurance companies, especially if there is any dispute about whether a condition is pre-existing. Thorough records from your veterinarian showing when symptoms first appeared and the course of treatment can be instrumental in advocating for coverage.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It for Dogs with Pre-Existing Conditions?

Many pet owners wonder if pet insurance is worth it when their dog already has a diagnosed health issue. While it is true that pre-existing conditions are rarely covered, pet insurance can still provide value by covering new illnesses, accidents, and emergencies that may arise. Dogs with chronic conditions are still at risk for other health issues, and having coverage for those unexpected events can save you thousands in veterinary costs.

Moreover, pet insurance can help ensure that you never have to make difficult decisions about your dog’s care based solely on financial considerations. Knowing that you have coverage for anything new that might happen allows you to focus on providing the best possible care for your furry friend.

For dogs with pre-existing conditions, the combination of a traditional pet insurance policy for new problems and a discount plan for existing issues can be an effective way to manage both ongoing and unexpected veterinary expenses. By understanding your options and choosing the right combination of plans, you can provide your dog with comprehensive care and protect yourself from overwhelming vet bills.