An adorable dog smiling while going on a walk, probably relieved that it has a safety net for accidents and illnesses in the form of a comprehensive coverage of pet insurance.

Pet Insurance and Pre-existing Conditions

Q: Can you get pet insurance with a pre-existing condition?

Yes, Embrace covers pets with pre-existing conditions. While the pre-existing condition itself will not be covered, new unrelated illnesses or accidents will be covered by the policy.

Q: What pre-existing conditions are not covered for dogs?

Non-curable pre-existing conditions are not covered, including orthopedic issues, allergies, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses present before the waiting period ends.

Q: Does pet insurance almost always exclude pre-existing conditions?

Yes, most pet insurance companies exclude pre-existing conditions. However, Embrace reevaluates curable pre-existing conditions and may reinstate coverage after the pet has been symptom-free and treatment-free for 12 months.

Q: Can I get pet insurance after a diagnosis?

Yes, you can get pet insurance after a diagnosis. However, the diagnosed condition will be considered pre-existing and will not be covered by the policy.

Q: What is considered a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or irregularity observed or diagnosed before the pet insurance coverage begins or during the policy waiting periods.

Q: How long can an insurer exclude coverage for a pre-existing condition?

Non-curable pre-existing conditions are excluded indefinitely by all pet insurance companies. Embrace reevaluates curable pre-existing conditions after a 12-month period of being symptom-free and treatment-free, and coverage may be reinstated.

Q: What if a condition was not diagnosed prior to enrollment?

Even if a condition was not formally diagnosed, it counts as a pre-existing condition if symptoms or irregularities were noticed by you or your veterinarian before enrollment. If no symptoms, illness, or injury were present, it would not count as a pre-existing condition.

Q: Does my pet need to be examined before enrolling?

If your pet has not visited a vet in the 12 months prior to enrollment, a full physical exam must be completed within the first 14 days of the policy. Embrace requires medical history for your pet, including vet chart notes detailing health status, test results, and exam findings.

Coverage That Gives Certain Pre-Existing Conditions a Second Look

Does Pet Insurance Cover Pre-existing Conditions?

We love pets as much as you do, so we created pet insurance policies with compassion and understanding in mind. While no pet insurance company covers pre-existing conditions, we make a distinction between curable and incurable conditions to give you the most coverage possible. Last year, we covered 93% of submitted claims.

If your pet has a condition that has been symptom-free and treatment-free for 12 consecutive months, we may cover that condition if it returns. Even if your pet has an incurable pre-existing condition, we will still cover them for other unrelated health issues.

We believe that all pets deserve the best possible care, regardless of their medical history. That's why we offer flexible pet insurance coverage that is tailored to your individual needs.

A smiling woman who is looking so relieved that she acquired pet insurance for her beautiful long-haired cat sitting on her lap and lovingly gazing at her.

What is a Pre-existing Condition?

A pre-existing condition is any injury, illness, or abnormality noticed by you or your veterinarian before your policy started, even if your pet never went to see the vet for it.

These conditions shape your pet's unique health profile, which is why we evaluate them carefully. Certain conditions that have fully resolved may qualify for future coverage if your pet remains symptom-free and treatment-free for 12 months.

Our commitment to you is to provide tailored, transparent policies with a dependable claims process and up to 90% vet bill reimbursement so you can navigate your pet's health with confidence and peace of mind.

Pre-existing Conditions vs. Temporary Conditions

Unlike many pet insurance companies, Embrace makes the distinction between temporary conditions and pre-existing conditions. Getting a temporary condition noted at the start of your policy isn't always the end of the story. If your pet stays symptom-free and treatment-free for 12 consecutive months, we may remove that exclusion from your policy entirely, giving your pet a fresh start and you one less thing to worry about.

Hereditary Pre-existing Conditions

Regardless of their genetic background, we're committed to supporting your pet's health and wellness. Certain breeds are naturally predisposed to specific health conditions (like hip dysplasia). These are known as hereditary conditions.

If your pet has yet to show signs or receive treatment for a breed-specific condition before the end of the waiting period, rest assured — we’ve got them covered. Our dependable claims payments are a big part of why our customers rate us 4.9/5 on Pet Insurance Review.com.

We know your pet's health and well-being mean the world to you, and you deserve clear information about coverage. Before enrolling with Embrace, it's essential to know that some health conditions, if previously diagnosed or observed, won't be covered.

Bone and Joint Issues
Allergies
Cancer
Diabetes
Lipomas or skin lumps
Thyroid Imbalances (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism)
Urinary or bladder crystals or blockages
Other chronic conditions

We're committed to complete transparency and supporting you in making the best choices for your pet's health.

A black labrador retriever resting its head on its human's lap, seemingly waiting for her human's work to be over so that they could go on a walk.

Bilateral Pre-existing Conditions

Bilateral conditions are health challenges that may affect both sides of your pet's body, like hip dysplasia or a cruciate ligament tear. If your pet has previously faced such a condition on one side, recurrence on the opposite side is more likely and won't be covered.

The good news? If your pet develops a bilateral condition after waiting or exclusionary periods with Embrace, rest assured - we've got both sides covered.

Dog looking at the camera wistfully while receiving gentle care, demonstrating the importance of pet insurance for covering routine check-ups and unexpected veterinary visits keeping him happy and healthy.

Why Don’t Pet Insurance Companies Cover Incurable Pre Existing Conditions?

If you purchased car insurance today, it wouldn't cover an accident that happened last week, right? Pet insurance operates on a similar principle. We wholeheartedly understand and empathize with the emotional and financial strain that incurable pre-existing conditions can cause pet parents. We aim to alleviate some of that burden by covering the unforeseen, helping make future medical care more manageable.

Should I Buy Pet Insurance for My Pet With a Pre-existing Condition?

Absolutely! While a pre-existing condition might be a concern, remember that it represents only a fraction of the potential health issues your furry friend might face in their lifetime. Just like us, pets can encounter a myriad of unexpected health challenges—from sudden accidents to new illnesses—and having pet insurance ensures you're prepared for these unforeseen events. 

Pet insurance offers you confidence and security, knowing that a significant portion of medical bills will be taken care of, allowing you to focus on your pet's recovery rather than financial worries.

Embrace pet insurance covers a wide range of issues, including accidents, illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, and much more. Choosing to insure your pet, even with a pre-existing condition, is a testament to your commitment to their well-being and a secure, happy future together.

A golden retriever puppy snuggling and sleeping peacefully with a golden kitten, symbolizing the peace of mind provided by comprehensive pet insurance coverage

Buy Pet Insurance Early on to Avoid Pre-existing Conditions

The sooner you secure insurance for your dog or cat, the better protected they'll be against unforeseen health issues — since fewer exclusions may apply. This means that securing pet insurance when they're still a playful puppy or a curious kitten is ideal.

Not only does this provide the strongest safety net possible for your beloved pet, but it also gives you peace of mind, knowing you're being proactive about making sure possible hereditary or age-related conditions are covered so that you can provide the best care possible through all of life's unexpected turns. Your pet's health journey is a long, shared adventure, and getting insurance early is a compassionate step towards a secure, loving, and joyful lifetime of companionship.

Can you get pet insurance with a pre-existing condition?

Yes, Embrace covers pets with pre-existing conditions. The pre-existing condition itself will not be covered, but other new unrelated illnesses or accidents will be.

Can symptoms be considered pre-existing conditions?

Yes, symptoms observed or treated before the waiting period ends are pre-existing conditions, even without a formal diagnosis.

What pre-existing conditions are not covered for dogs?

Other pre-existing conditions are not covered, including orthopedic issues, allergies, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses present before the end of the waiting period. Temporary conditions that fully resolve may be re-evaluated after 12 consecutive months symptom-free and treatment-free.

Does pet insurance almost always exclude pre-existing conditions?

Most pet insurance companies exclude all pre-existing conditions, but Embrace distinguishes between permanent and temporary conditions. If your pet is symptom-free and treatment-free for 12 consecutive months, we may remove the exclusion for that condition from your policy.

Can I get pet insurance after a diagnosis?

Yes, you can get pet insurance after a diagnosis; however, the diagnosed condition will be considered pre-existing and won't be covered.

How do pet insurance companies know about pre-existing conditions?

Pet insurance companies review your pet's medical history and require a vet examination to identify any pre-existing conditions.

What is considered a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or condition observed or diagnosed before the insurance coverage started or during any policy waiting periods.

How long can an insurer exclude coverage for a pre-existing condition?

Every pet insurance company excludes pre-existing conditions from coverage. What makes Embrace different is that we recognize certain conditions as temporary, and may remove the exclusion if your pet remains symptom-free and treatment-free for 12 consecutive months.

What if a condition was not diagnosed prior to enrollment?

If a condition or symptom was noticed by you or your veterinarian before coverage started, it would count as a pre-existing condition. If no symptoms, illness, or injury were present before enrollment, then it wouldn't count as a preexisting condition.

Does my pet need to be examined before enrolling?

It depends. If your pet hasn't visited a vet in the 12 months leading up to enrollment, they'll need a full physical exam within the first 14 days of the policy. We also require a full medical history for your pet, including chart notes from your vet detailing examination findings, health status, and test results.

Can a pre-existing condition be covered in the future?

Certain conditions flagged as pre-existing may become eligible for coverage after your pet has been symptom-free and treatment-free for 12 consecutive months.