Pre-existing conditions can often make it difficult to obtain coverage in cat insurance. Pre-existing conditions are illnesses or injuries that a cat had before the policy was purchased, but they are not covered after. Insurance companies only offer coverage for health conditions that emerge post-policy acquisition. However, some companies do include pre-existing conditions in their policies on the condition that the cat's illness or injury is curable or that the cat remains healthy for a long time. So, what kind of coverage is available in cat insurance for pre-existing conditions? Today, we are keen to learn about this.
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| Cat Insurance for Pre Existing Conditions |
Which companies provide insurance for pre-existing conditions? What is the cost of pre-existing condition cat insurance? How can you manage this cost? This article explains all this.
What Are Pre-Existing Conditions in Cats?
A pre-existing condition in a cat is considered when you are considering insurance for it and it is diagnosed with a disease or injury that may require long-term treatment. In such a situation, no insurance company will take on the risk of long-term expenses. Therefore, most providers avoid this condition. Let's understand this with an example.
For example, you are considering insurance for your cat, but the cat was diagnosed with a disease before you purchased coverage, and the cat has been treated and recovered. Now, when you apply for cat insurance, insurance companies will ask for the cat's vet reports. The cat's previous illnesses recorded in these vet reports are considered pre-existing conditions. If companies suspect a recurrence of a condition, they allow a waiting period of 24 to 32 months. During this period, coverage will only commence if the cat does not develop the previous illness.
Commonly found pre-existing conditions in cats:
- Arthritis
- Respiratory infections
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Skin infections or allergies
- Kidney disease
Table for pre-existing condition type
Cat insurance companies have divided pre-existing conditions into two types, which are as follows:
Can You Get Cat Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions?
You can get pet insurance for your cat with pre-existing conditions. You'll find a few companies that cover these conditions. However, the rules for pre-existing conditions vary from company to company. Each company lists pre-existing conditions that they don't want to cover. Therefore, coverage varies.
For example, company X doesn't consider allergies to be a curable condition, so their policy doesn't cover pre-existing allergies. However, company Y considers allergies to be a curable condition and provides coverage for them.
Therefore, every cat insurance company must properly mention curable and incurable pre-existing conditions in their policy terms. You can review your cat's condition and choose an insurance policy accordingly.
Can I insure my cat if it already has health problems?
Yes, you can get cat insurance that covers pre-existing conditions. However, the terms and waiting period will vary from provider to provider. Typically, the waiting period is at least 6 to 12 months.
Which companies cover cats with chronic conditions?
There are very few insurance providers that offer coverage for cat insurance for pre-existing conditions. Of those, only a few companies cover some chronic conditions, including Spot and ManyPet.
How Insurers Define and Assess Pre-Existing Conditions
Before providing insurance coverage for a cat, all pet insurance companies insist on checking whether the cat has any pre-existing conditions. To achieve this, they first examine the cat's vet report. They also look at which diseases the cat has previously had and been cured of. Insurance providers analyze pre-existing conditions in other ways.
Assessment Process for Pre-Existing Conditions
1) Examining the cat's vet report.
- Vet reports of the cat's previous treatments are reviewed.
- Whether the cat has a pre-existing condition is checked.
- The cat's previous illnesses are analyzed.
- The cat's previous illnesses are analyzed to determine whether they can recur.
2) Checking the cat's details in the insurance application.
- Details provided by the cat owner in the insurance application, such as age and breed, are checked.
- Descriptions of existing or curable diseases and symptoms are checked.
- If hidden diseases are found, the policy rejects the claim.
3) Assessment
- This is done to determine whether the cat has pre-existing or newly acquired diseases.
- It is also determined whether existing diseases are curable or incurable.
- A waiting period is determined if a curable condition is present.
4) Approval
- Finally, the conditions to include and exclude are decided.
- This is how the policy is finally finalized.
Types of Cat Insurance Policies
Pet insurance companies offer policies that cover pre-existing conditions for cats, providing excellent protection. Below are some types of cat insurance policies that cover pre-existing conditions.
Table for insurance policy type
Best Cat Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions in 2025 (U.S. & U.K.)
The following table provides information on providers offering cat insurance for pre-existing conditions in 2025. We further compare the top cat insurance providers in some countries, based on cost, curable conditions covered, and specialties.
Table of best cat insurance providers for pre-existing conditions in 2025
Coverage Options for Curable vs. Incurable Conditions
Pet insurance providers that offer cat insurance with pre-existing conditions Divide these conditions into two categories: curable and incurable, to avoid confusion for customers. In some countries, companies are required to disclose which conditions or illnesses they consider pre-existing. Insurance companies provide different coverage for these two types of conditions. So, let's explore the differences.
Curable vs. Incurable Conditions Coverage
Coverage for Curable Conditions
Diseases that heal quickly and allow the cat to remain healthy for a long time. Chronic illnesses must be completely cured for coverage. Insurance typically offers coverage with a waiting period of 6 to 12 months, and companies require the cat to provide a recovery report. Coverage may continue even if a chronic illness recurs after the policy coverage begins. Illnesses included in curable pre-existing conditions:
e.g., minor cuts, urine infections, ticks, diarrhea, eye infections, etc.
Coverage for incurable conditions
Serious and long-term chronic illnesses that require extensive treatment and medication. Insurance companies do not provide coverage for such incurable conditions. Some providers do provide coverage for supportive care or limited treatment, but this is very rare. Illnesses included in incurable pre-existing conditions:
e.g., heart disease, cancer, asthma, epilepsy, IBD, etc.
Hereditary & Genetic Conditions
Some cats are born with hereditary and genetic conditions. These conditions are caused by mutations in the cat's genes. These conditions are most common in purebred cats. Let's learn more about these hereditary and genetic cat conditions.
Hereditary Conditions in Cats
Purebred cats are at higher risk for hereditary disorders. These conditions are passed on to the cat from its parents. Since these diseases are present in the cat from birth, they can develop soon after birth or as the cat ages. Let's understand which purebred cats are prone to which hereditary conditions with examples below.
Examples -
- Korat - Eye problems
- Persian - PKD and eye problems
- Sphynx - Heart disease
- Maine Coon - Hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy
- Ragdoll - HCM and PKD
Genetic conditions in cats
Genetic conditions are those caused by gene mutations. These are also passed down from parents to kittens. The following are some examples of genetic diseases that are more likely to occur in certain cat breeds.
Examples -
- Scottish Fold - OCD and Severity
- Siamese - Asthma and Vestibular Disease
- Himalayan - BKD, eye, and dental issues
Exclusions: What’s Not Covered
Cat insurance for pre-existing conditions may exclude certain items from the insurance policy, for which you are not covered.
Policy Exclusions for Cat Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions
- Pre-existing conditions concealed by the owner.
- Routine care such as dental cleaning.
- Pre-existing hereditary and genetic diseases in the cat.
- Non-medical treatment expenses such as grooming.
- Diseases that have been cured since the waiting period ended.
How to Insure a Cat with Pre-Existing Conditions
If your cat already has a pre-existing condition, the following is a step-by-step guide on how to get pet insurance for your cat.
Process for Getting Cat Insurance with a Pre-Existing Condition
Step 1: First, have your cat's vet and medical reports ready.
Step 2: Compare available insurance providers based on your location and gather complete information.
Step 3: Review the list of curable and incurable conditions listed in the policy and ensure your cat's condition is excluded.
Step 4: Choose a lifetime policy provider that offers maximum benefits for your cat.
Step 5: Next, don't forget to add a wellness add-on to your policy.
Cat Insurance Covering Future Unrelated Conditions
Most cat insurance providers do not cover pre-existing conditions in cats, but some do cover future unrelated conditions. Pet insurance companies provide coverage if a cat's pre-existing condition does not recur within a specified waiting period after taking out the policy and if a cat develops new unrelated conditions after the waiting period ends. Future unrelated conditions are explained below with some examples.
The examples are as follows:
Cost Comparison & Premium Factors
Insurance companies determine the cost of cat insurance with pre-existing conditions based on several factors. While costs for prior illnesses are typically higher, the cat's age and health history are also considered. The cat's breed and location also determine the premium cost of cat insurance with pre-existing conditions.
Table for Cost Comparison by Cat Age and Coverage.
Tips to Lower Premiums for Cats with Pre-Existing Conditions
The following are some tips on how to lower premiums for cats with pre-existing conditions, which can give you an idea of cost management.
Tips to Lower the Cost of Pre-Existing Cat Insurance
- Provide preventative care for your cat to reduce vet visits.
- Choose a high deductible to reduce monthly premium costs.
- Always take advantage of multi-pet discounts if you have more than one cat.
- Schedule annual vet checkups for your cat to help prevent future illnesses.
Summary Table: Curable vs. Incurable Coverage Options
Conclusion
It's not that insurance for pre-existing conditions isn't available, but rather that your cat deserves it. However, most insurance companies don't cover chronic issues. However, there's a solution. If you anticipate the future and choose the right plan based on your cat's current health condition, it can be beneficial for your cat's health.
So, without delay, start comparing different insurance plans for your cat now so you can get the best cat insurance for pre-existing conditions before the year ends. If you're prepared now and without spending a lot of money, you can choose the best care for your cat.
FAQs About Cat Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
Q1. Can I get cat insurance for chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis?
Answer: This disease is an extreme chronic condition, meaning it can last a lifetime. Therefore, getting insurance for such conditions can be a little difficult. But that's not to say it won't be available at all. Some companies offer special chronic care plans that cover limited treatments.
Q2. Does cat insurance cover past illnesses if my cat has recovered?
Answer: Yes! If your cat had a condition that was completely cured after some time of treatment and hasn't recurred in the last 6-12 months since you purchased the insurance, then that illness isn't considered, and your cat receives the same insurance coverage offered to healthy cats.
Q3. Which companies offer coverage for pre-existing conditions?
Answer: According to reviews and research, as of today, in 2025, providers such as ManyPets, Spot, and VetsMediCover provide cover for existing conditions. These are available throughout the US and UK.
Q4. Is there cat insurance with no waiting period for pre-existing conditions?
Answer: Insurance providers have a waiting period for all insurances according to their policies to avoid fraud. Treatment for any illness during this waiting time is a pre-existing condition and is not covered. There are, however, wellness-only programs that pay for checkups, vaccinations, and routine care.
Q5. Can senior cats with pre-existing health problems be insured?
Answer: Yes! It is possible for some conditions, but the premium is quite high. Pets Best and Trupanion are companies that can offer a policy for your senior cat under certain conditions. However, it is always beneficial to get cat insurance at the earliest, keeping the future in mind.