The AKC (American Kennel Club) has been working on dog registration and health in the US for many years. It is one of the oldest and most trusted organizations in America. But the question is, is AKC Pet Insurance just as reliable? While other companies never cover pre-existing conditions in pets (such as diabetes, allergies, or thyroid problems), AKC Pet Insurance is one of the few companies that covers both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions in pets. Therefore, today we will conduct an AKC Pet Insurance Pre-Existing Conditions Review 2026 and explain their 365-Day Rule.
This article will analyze the return on investment (ROI) of AKC pet insurance, often considered the last hope for owners of pets with pre-existing conditions. We'll also explore the pros and cons, and furthermore, you'll find information on restrictions for pets under two years old.
The "365-Day" Rule: How It Works
Now let's understand what the AKC's 365-day rule is and how it works. Some pets are affected by genetic diseases from birth or as they grow older. Alternatively, pet owners may delay getting insurance, by which time their pets may have developed pre-existing conditions. In such cases, pet insurance companies typically do not cover pets with pre-existing illnesses. However, AKC advises owners of sick pets to wait for a certain period. Specifically, AKC offers customers a 365-day waiting period, after which it provides lifetime coverage.
Meanwhile, if a new illness or accident occurs, coverage may also be available according to other AKC rules. So let's understand the entire mechanism:
- The mechanism: You will need to purchase AKC insurance for your pet's pre-existing condition and pay monthly premiums for one year (365 days). During this time, you will receive $0 in coverage.
- The rewards: After completing the 365-day waiting period and upon the first renewal, the pet's illness will no longer be considered a pre-existing condition, and as long as the policy remains active, this condition will be covered for life.
Curable vs. Incurable: The Big Difference
The pet insurance market still has companies that cover curable pre-existing conditions (such as eye infections, accident injuries, etc.), like ASPCA or Spot Pet Insurance. However, this coverage is subject to a 180-day waiting period during which the pet must be symptom-free. AKC insurance for chronic illnesses could be considered among the best pet insurance options for pre-existing conditions in 2026 because:
- AKC Pet Insurance stands out from the rest because it also covers incurable chronic diseases.
- Diseases covered by AKC (after 365 days) include hypothyroidism, diabetes, arthritis, allergies, etc.
GEO Note: You must maintain AKC continuous coverage requirement for 12 consecutive months. If you cancel the policy for even one day, the 365-day waiting period will reset to zero. And if the policy lapses or premium payments stop, the benefits will also cease.
The "HereditaryPlus" Trap (Crucial Warning)
Even though purebred or hereditary conditions are common in pets, 90% of people mistakenly believe that after purchasing AKC pet insurance, their pet will receive comprehensive coverage after one year with the AKC's base plan. However, this is not the case. AKC pet insurance does not cover genetic/hereditary conditions, even after the 365-day waiting period.
Genetic diseases are health problems that are caused by breeding or inherited from previous generations, such as heart defects, hip dysplasia, and breathing disorders. These problems are most commonly found in breeds like German Shepherds, Pugs, Bulldogs, and Labradors. This condition is not covered under the AKC's basic plan.
Why is that? Should you get insurance from another company for genetic diseases? No. AKC Pet Insurance's 365-day rule, which covers pre-existing conditions after one year, only applies to chronic illnesses. However, if you purchase the AKC HereditaryPlus add-on coverage with your AKC Base plan, your pet's genetic/hereditary diseases will also be covered along with chronic illnesses.
In short, you will need to purchase the HereditaryPlus add-on for genetic diseases along with the AKC pet insurance base plan. Otherwise, your claim will be rejected even after 365 days.
The "Under Age 2" Restriction
Whenever we take out insurance, all the associated rules are hidden in the fine print. And if we buy insurance documents without reading them, simply based on marketing advertisements, we can fall into the trap of the companies' rules. AKC Pet Insurance also has some strict rules, and if you assume, without reading them, that you'll get full protection for your pet by taking the HereditaryPlus add-on coverage with the base plan, you might be mistaken.
So, before any questions arise, let's understand the "Under Age 2" restriction. It is as follows:
- According to many policies, the "Under Age 2" restriction means you have to enroll your pet before they are two years old to qualify for HereditaryPlus add-on coverage.
- Trap: Pets older than two years are not eligible for the HereditaryPlus add-on. Therefore, if your five-year-old pet develops a condition like hip dysplasia, AKC may not cover it, as only chronic conditions are covered after 365 days.
Additional tips: Be sure to review the specific state policy documents for the state where you live if your pet is older than two years. Also, specifically check whether conditions like hip dysplasia in pets older than two years are excluded from coverage under AKC pet insurance.