You may have heard or read about pre-existing conditions as exclusions for pet insurance policies for dogs. If dogs already have a disease, injury, or other health issue, or if they have a breed-specific genetic condition, these conditions are not covered by pet insurance. Pre-existing conditions are those that occur before the pet insurance policy. However, most insurance providers don't cover pre-existing conditions. So, are there any providers that do cover this condition? Let's explore the complete details of pet insurance for dogs with pre-existing conditions.
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| Pet Insurance for Dogs with Pre Existing Conditions |
So far, we've learned about pet insurance without pre-existing conditions. So, let's see which are the best pet insurance options for those with pre-existing conditions. What will their cost be? What are pre-existing conditions in dogs? And is pet insurance available without a waiting period?
What Counts as a Pre-existing Condition in Dogs?
Many dog owners make the mistake of not having their dog's health checked before purchasing a pet insurance policy. This leaves the owner unaware of pre-existing conditions. In some cases, the dog suffers a serious injury or requires major surgery before taking out pet insurance. Overall, these conditions are considered pre-existing.
Pre-existing conditions in dogs include diabetes, allergies, and arthritis. Hip dysplasia, an injury, or surgery prior to purchasing a policy also qualify as such. There are two types of pre-existing conditions found in dogs. Let's learn a little about these types. Knowing the difference between these two types is also important for pet insurance for older dogs with pre-existing conditions.
Types of Pre-Existing Conditions:
Curable Pre-Existing Conditions
This condition includes all illnesses and injuries that heal over time with treatment and regular care. Select pet insurance providers for dogs also cover these curable pre-existing conditions.
For example, ear infections, allergies, common injuries, etc.
Incurable Pre-Existing Conditions
Some illnesses persist no matter how much treatment is given. These long-term illnesses fall under the category of incurable pre-existing conditions. And most providers don't allow this condition to be covered.
For example, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic illnesses.
Can Dogs with Pre-existing Conditions Get Insurance?
Most, or rather almost all, pet insurance companies don't include pre-existing conditions in their policy coverage. Consequently, it's very difficult to get insurance for dogs with pre-existing conditions. However, there are a few companies that cover curable conditions, and some insurance companies offer insurance for dogs with pre-existing conditions.
Pet insurance for dogs with pre-existing conditions only covers new accidents or illnesses. However, chronic illnesses are still excluded from pre-existing conditions. When you continue to renew your policy coverage and your dog remains healthy, your dog's chronic illnesses may be revisited. Companies may conduct a re-evaluation. Whenever you purchase pet insurance, it's important to provide your dog's complete medical history to avoid rejection during a policy claim.
Best Pet Insurance for Dogs with Pre-existing Conditions (2025 Updates)
While most policies exclude pre-existing illnesses, some companies offer a welcome relief for dogs. They provide coverage for curable illnesses in dogs. The following is a list of providers offering the best pet insurance for dogs with pre-existing conditions.
AKC Pet Insurance and Pre-existing Conditions
- Covers curable pre-existing conditions in dogs.
- The waiting period before coverage begins is up to 12 months.
- Coverage is also available for chronic conditions, such as hereditary conditions.
Nationwide Pet Insurance Policy Details
- Chronic conditions are re-evaluated with longer policy tenure.
- Wellness add-ons are available.
- These plans are very flexible.
- A good option for older dogs.
- The waiting period is 6 to 12 months.
- Partial chronic condition coverage is provided through renewal loyalty.
Lemonade, ASPCA & MetLife Policies Review
Lemonade
- Their premiums are very affordable.
- Their policy claims processing is fast and AI-based.
- Its coverage does not cover chronic conditions.
- Its coverage waiting period is 14 days.
ASPCA
- These providers offer accident-only plans.
- The waiting period is 180 days.
- These plans cover limited curable pre-existing conditions.
MetLife
- This offers a multi-pet discount.
- Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- There is a 14-day waiting period between the start of coverage and the start of coverage.
PetPlan
- Covers curable pre-existing conditions.
- There is also a 12-month waiting period.
- These providers offer comprehensive coverage.
Cost of Pet Insurance for Dogs with Pre-existing Conditions
The cost of pet insurance for dogs with pre-existing conditions is determined by various factors specific to your dog, such as its breed, age, and underlying conditions. Depending on this, the cost can vary. Insurance for older dogs with pre-existing conditions tends to be more expensive. Similarly, insurance for dogs with serious chronic illnesses can also be more expensive. The following table provides the potential insurance costs for certain conditions.
Pet Insurance with No Waiting Period and Pre-existing Conditions
It's very difficult to get coverage for pre-existing conditions in pet insurance for dogs. Companies provide coverage for these conditions only after meeting several of them. It's rare to find a pre-existing condition with no waiting period. A waiting period of at least 14–6 months is usually given for pre-existing conditions to see if the dog remains fit for this period. If the dog becomes ill during this waiting period, you are still not eligible to claim the policy.
Insurance providers do not offer policies with these short pre-existing conditions and no waiting period. In rare cases, curable pre-existing conditions may be cured, and the dog may not show any symptoms within the given waiting period. And the dog remains fit, but if the same disease recurs after the waiting period is over, companies may consider it a new illness problem and provide coverage.
To avoid this situation, it's important to work on a few things:
1) First, if your dog is a young, healthy, yet at-risk puppy, get insurance coverage early.
2) If your dog suffers from any illness or accident in the future, surgery and recurring illnesses should not be considered pre-existing conditions.
3) When purchasing a pet insurance policy for your dog, carefully review the companies' terms and conditions and pre-existing conditions.
4) Research what pre-existing conditions are covered in the maximum policy but are not covered further. So you can secure your dog's future.
5) Always schedule health checkups for your dog. Wellness/preventive care plans offer coverage without a waiting period.
6) If your dog develops a pre-existing condition, consult your insurance representative about curable diseases and the waiting period for coverage after a symptom-free period and how chronic conditions will be re-evaluated.
Pet Insurance for Older Dogs with Pre-existing Conditions
When it comes to older dogs, the risks, care, treatment, and medication requirements increase. This makes obtaining pet insurance more difficult with age. Some insurance providers even set age limits for dogs in their policies and don't provide coverage for dogs above that limit. Therefore, finding a pet insurance policy for older dogs with pre-existing conditions is difficult. And even if it is available, it often costs more than other policies. So, isn't pet insurance available for older dogs with pre-existing conditions? Let's explore the details below.
What are pre-existing conditions in older dogs?
Pre-existing conditions are health issues that older dogs have before they can purchase a policy. Such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and previous accidental injuries. Older dogs are at greater risk of long-term illnesses. Pet insurance companies often refuse coverage based on a dog's previous health history. However, some insurance companies offer pet insurance with pre-existing conditions for older dogs, subject to certain conditions.
Also see the conditions under which older dogs with pre-existing conditions can be insured:
- The dog must not be more than 7 to 10 years old, as dogs are considered high-risk at this age.
- Pre-existing illnesses are not covered, but curable pre-existing conditions are covered in some cases.
- There will be a waiting period of 6 to 12 months for coverage, and the dog must remain healthy until this period ends.
- Some policies may only cover accident-only and wellness benefits.
- Records of older dogs' health checkups must be maintained, which must be submitted at the time of policy claim.
Insurance providers also have other requirements. As of 2025, have some pet insurance policies for older dogs with pre-existing conditions been created, or have any modifications been made to the policies? Check this as well.
Pre-existing Condition Insurance Cost for Older Dogs
Can You Lie About Pre-existing Conditions for Pet Insurance?
What owner wouldn't want to provide long-term protection for their dogs by purchasing pet insurance? Everyone cares about their pet. However, the exclusion of pre-existing conditions in pet insurance policies makes it difficult to obtain coverage.
Insurance policies are costly and not everyone's budget-friendly. Therefore, some owners, in an effort to secure a policy with affordable and good benefits, conceal their dogs' pre-existing conditions. In many cases, the owner may not be aware of the dog's health condition, but that's a different matter.
However, you can't lie about a pre-existing condition for pet insurance. The reasons for this and the potential consequences you may face are discussed below.
Why can't you claim exemptions for pre-existing conditions?
Whether you're buying a policy for yourself or your pet, you know that insurance companies scrutinize your entire record and past history. Have you ever had a policy before, have your premiums bounced, and everything in between? So, when you're buying pet insurance for your dog, it's natural that they'll review your dog's entire past health history.
Insurance policies don't provide direct coverage due to the exclusion of pre-existing conditions and instead impose a long waiting period. Some pet insurance companies even ask for records of your dog's medical checkups before filing a policy claim. Therefore, you can't lie about a pre-existing condition.
What can happen if you're caught lying?
🐕 The policy itself will be canceled.
If you conceal or provide incorrect information about your dog's pre-existing condition, the insurance company can cancel your policy immediately upon learning of it.
🐕 Policy Claim Rejection.
If you go to file a claim after purchasing a policy and your dog's pre-existing condition is revealed, you will not receive claim approval. If the claim is not approved, you will have to bear the dog's medical expenses.
🐕 Legal Action for Insurance Fraud.
Lying to insurance companies or providing incomplete information can lead to companies accusing you of fraud. In countries like the UK, the US, and Australia, such cases are considered insurance fraud, and you may face legal action.
What are the benefits of not lying about a pre-existing condition for pet insurance?
🐕 You get good company advice.
What should you do before purchasing a pet insurance policy with a pre-existing condition for dogs? Companies provide advice on what types of coverage are beneficial to you, reducing your stress.
🐕 Coverage is available after a policy review.
If you honestly disclose your dog's condition to insurance providers, you may receive future coverage for curable pre-existing conditions after a policy review.
🐕 Transparency between providers and customers.
If you are already transparent with pet insurance providers, you are eligible for coverage, and you can also claim the policy. There are no hassles when filing a policy claim.
Pet Insurance Options by Location (Example: California)
We find different pet insurance options depending on location. Each country or city has different laws governing pet insurance. Pet insurance companies must comply with these regulations. We will provide an example of the rules and regulations for pet insurance providers in the state of California.
Rules and Regulations for Pet Insurance in California
California is a state with specific laws governing pre-existing conditions, customer protection, and waiting periods. Pet insurance companies are required to comply with these laws. These companies are legally required to follow the Transparency Law.
What does California's Transparency Law state?
✅ Companies must make it clear to customers in advance which diseases they consider curable and which they provide coverage for.
✅ Companies are also required to disclose which pre-existing conditions are not covered under their policies.
✅ Each policy clearly states the waiting period for coverage to begin.
✅ Customers must be informed in advance about when and under what conditions claims will be approved.
Following this guideline, most pet insurance companies in California offer tailored plans to customers.
Reasons why California plans are beneficial
- These companies create coverage plans specifically for senior and sick dogs.
- These coverage plans are customized, providing customers with greater benefits.
- These companies' policies are transparent and provide customers with claim clarity.
- And most importantly, the government has established customer-friendly rules for pet insurance.
- These rules govern how pet insurance with pre-existing conditions should be handled.
- Customers here receive more wellness benefits.
Tips for Choosing the Right Plan
The following are some tips on how to choose the right plan for pet insurance for dogs with pre-existing conditions.
How to Choose Insurance Plans for Pre-Existing Conditions
✅ Check which pre-existing conditions are covered by the policy. For example, chronic or curable conditions.
✅ Compare the policy's annual limit and lifetime limit to choose the right limit.
✅ If full coverage for pre-existing conditions is expensive, choose an accident-only policy plan.
✅ Check the waiting period for curable conditions so you can get coverage quickly.
✅ Pay attention to the multi-pet discount in the policy so that all pets are covered under a single policy and receive a discount on the policy.
✅ Also check the reimbursement rate for insurance with pre-existing condition plans.
✅ Check whether the policy will cover curable diseases after the symptom-free period.
✅ Check whether add-ons like wellness and preventive plans are available in the policy.
✅ What is the premium cost and deductible of the policy?
Conclusion
Before purchasing pet insurance for dogs, it's important to conduct a thorough health checkup. Pre-existing conditions are excluded from pet insurance. If your dog has any health issues before you take out the policy, you won't receive claim approval. Most pet insurance companies don't offer policies with pre-existing conditions. However, a select few do offer coverage for curable pre-existing diseases. Pet insurance for dogs with pre-existing conditions tends to be expensive and has a long waiting period. There are practically no policies with no waiting period for pre-existing conditions. Therefore, you can't immediately claim the policy without a waiting period. Therefore, even older dogs can get pet insurance with pre-existing conditions, depending on their health. Thus, we've provided complete information regarding pet insurance with pre-existing conditions in this article.
FAQ—Pet Insurance for Dogs with Pre-existing Conditions
Q1. Are dogs with pre-existing conditions eligible for insurance?
Answer: Dogs with pre-existing conditions are definitely eligible for insurance. This policy has certain conditions, according to which your dog is eligible for insurance coverage. Companies provide coverage based on the dog's condition. Chronic conditions are excluded from coverage, but diseases with curable pre-existing conditions may be covered. You'll be given a waiting period of 6 to 12 months for this. If your dog doesn't suffer from any illness during this period, you can get coverage as soon as this period ends.
Q2. What is a pre-existing condition in pet insurance?
Answer: When you purchase pet insurance for your dog, if the dog already has health problems before purchasing the policy, or if any health issues arise before the waiting period ends, they are considered pre-existing conditions. Simply put, these conditions are not covered by pet insurance. However, just as there is a solution to every problem, there is a solution to pre-existing conditions as well. Some companies, catering to dog owners' needs, offer pet insurance policies for dogs with pre-existing conditions. These policies cover most accidental and curable pre-existing illnesses.
Q3. Can I conceal my dog's illness and get insurance?
Answer: Never do this. According to the laws of some countries or cities, this is considered insurance fraud. Pet insurance providers require you to show your dog's previous vet records. Before providing insurance coverage or claim approval, providers check your dog for any pre-existing conditions. If this check reveals a pre-existing condition, the company may cancel your entire policy or refuse to approve the claim. If the company considers this a fraud and takes legal action against you, concealing your dog's health condition could prove dangerous.
Q4. How do I choose the best plan for my dog's pre-existing condition?
Answer: When choosing a policy for your dog's pre-existing condition, read the terms and conditions of the pre-existing policy. There is a waiting period before pet insurance coverage is provided, so check the length of the waiting period. When choosing a pet insurance policy with a pre-existing condition, prioritize a comprehensive plan that covers both accidents and illnesses. Furthermore, be sure to check the policy provider's claim approval rate and customer reviews. This way, you can get pet insurance for your dog with a pre-existing condition.
Q5. How much does insurance cost for dogs with pre-existing conditions?
Answer: Pet insurance for dogs with pre-existing conditions varies depending on the dog's health condition. The cost of a pet insurance policy for dogs with pre-existing conditions varies depending on the dog's health condition. It also depends on the location and how expensive medical expenses are. Age and breed are also considered when determining the cost. Below, we've outlined the average cost of pet insurance with pre-existing conditions based on the dog's health condition.
- Skin infections/ear infections - $30 to $50 per month
- Arthritis and diabetes - $40 to $70 per month
- Senior dog plans - $70 to $120 per month