Pet Insurance for Genetic, Hereditary, and Breed-specific Conditions
One of the biggest complaints we hear from pet parents is that they have trouble finding pet health insurance that covers genetic or breed-specific conditions.
There are many conditions that are either partially or entirely genetic and we don't think it's fair to have to wait until you've made a claim before you find out whether the condition is covered or not.
Which Genetic Conditions Does Embrace Cover?
Embrace covers all genetic and breed-specific conditions. Pre-existing condition exclusions do still apply however.
But Aren't Genetic Conditions Pre-existing?
You might think that a genetic disease like hip dysplasia would be considered pre-existing because it lurks in your pet's genes just waiting to pop up at the least appropriate moment.
In fact, any dog or cat can have the genes for a particular genetic condition but many factors determine whether or when the pet will actually get the condition.
So any pet, even a mixed breed, can carry the genes for a genetic condition (the genotype) but not actually ever get the condition (the phenotype). This is why genetic conditions are not necessarily pre-existing.
Which Genetic Conditions Does Embrace Not Cover?
Embrace does not cover genetic or breed-specific conditions that you or your veterinarian either diagnosed or suspected your pet had the condition before you enrolled or during the waiting period.
For example, if you adopt a dog from a shelter and, two years later, discover that he has a genetic heart condition requiring surgery, then this would probably be covered.
On the other hand, if you purchase a labrador retriever puppy from a breeder and, three weeks later, notice that the puppy is walking strangely and take it to your veterinarian where a diagnosis of hip dysplasia is made, you
cannot then purchase pet insurance and get coverage for hip dysplasia.
We encourage you to read Embrace's guidelines on pre-existing conditions before you sign up.
What Does Embrace Pay For?
Embrace will cover the treatment of your pet's genetic condition through surgery, chemotherapy, or other means.
If your pet's genetic condition requires prescription medication then make sure you select the
prescription drug coverage option when purchasing a policy.
Does Genetic Condition Coverage Cost Extra with Embrace?
No, it doesn't cost extra. Every Embrace Pet Insurance plan (except our accident-only policy) includes genetic and breed-specific condition coverage.