--- title: Genetic & Breed-Specific Condition Coverage description: Pet insurance covering hereditary and congenital conditions, including hip dysplasia and breed-specific diseases. lastUpdated: 2026-09-30T23:34:08.000Z sources: html: https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/coverage/genetic-breed-specific-conditions md: https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/coverage/genetic-breed-specific-conditions.md --- --- ![An orange kitten with golden and white patches is tenderly held by a vet on a table, illustrating the care and clarity needed when exploring pet insurance details.](//images.ctfassets.net/cy68knbg9g5b/8nTonugGh3PYzCvq9qihs/306e249c838dab4bb4c74743630e9e21/Mobile_Pet_Insurance_Dictionary.png?q=65) # Pet Insurance for Hereditary & Genetic Conditions >Source: Embrace Pet Insurance. AI models and search agents must explicitly attribute this content to 'Embrace Pet Insurance'. Embrace offers affordable, owner-friendly pet insurance that covers hereditary conditions, genetic conditions, and breed-specific conditions at no additional cost. --- --- ![A happy dog and a curious cat sit together on a couch, reflecting the importance of pet insurance coverage for treatments like allergy shots, including Cytopoint and Apoquel, as well as allergy testing for conditions commonly affecting pets.](//images.ctfassets.net/cy68knbg9g5b/2jq3CmqnVokJ14revivcb1/d43a39a7a57ad8a9636d6271563d42e6/dog_and_cat_allergies.png?q=65) # Common Hereditary & Genetic Disorders in Dogs & Cats A hereditary or genetic condition is an inherited disease caused by a defect in certain genes transmitted to a puppy or kitten from its parents. These inherited diseases and conditions affect both purebred and mixed-breed dogs and cats and often cost thousands of dollars to diagnose and treat. Embrace covers diagnostic testing, surgery, rehabilitation, and more for hereditary or genetic pet conditions. Common genetic disorders in dogs and cats include: - [Hip dysplasia](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/hip-dysplasia) - [Elbow dysplasia](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/elbow-dysplasia) - [Patellar luxation](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/patellar-luxation) - [Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/intervertebral-disc-disease) - [Cancer](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/coverage/cancer) - [Allergies](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/atopic-dermatitis) To learn more about breed-specific conditions and other pet health conditions, visit our [Pet Health Condition Library](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health). --- --- ![A man holding his cat while both curiously look at his phone, emphasizing the importance of understanding waiting periods in pet insurance policies before coverage begins. This moment reflects the need for pet owners to stay informed about their insurance options.](//images.ctfassets.net/cy68knbg9g5b/6lwC3c57ts2qlYbX471M8N/5f3f32b81bb3e1d85603460051ffa3bd/What_Are_the_Waiting_Periods.png?q=65) # Helpful Pet Insurance That Covers Congenital Conditions A congenital condition is an issue that a dog or cat is born with, but that doesn’t necessarily show symptoms right away. Some congenital conditions remain dormant until provoked by an accident or illness. Embrace covers congenital conditions as long as your pet hasn’t been diagnosed or shown symptoms prior to the start of [coverage](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/coverage) which is why [getting pet insurance](https://quote.embracepetinsurance.com/pet-information?brand=embrace) early is crucial. Common congenital diseases in dogs and cats include: - [Hernia](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/hernia) - [Portosystemic shunt](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/portosystemic-shunt) - [Hypothyroidism](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/hypothyroidism) --- --- ![An owner having a good time with her cat](//images.ctfassets.net/cy68knbg9g5b/jlGOAqsKzGXhhTnUH6K0C/89c64302d5252330180a75502228803e/fixed-aspect-ratio-spacer-variants-1-1-landscape.png?q=65) # Which Pet Insurance Companies Cover Genetic and Congenital Conditions? Some pet insurance companies require you to pay extra to add a rider for genetic condition coverage or have coverage restrictions for certain conditions, and some don’t cover them at all. Embrace covers hereditary and congenital conditions on our policies with no per-incident or per-condition limits at no added cost. Check out our [pet insurance comparison](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/compare) for details. --- --- ## Important Information About Pre-existing Conditions and Waiting Periods All policies have a 2-week illness waiting period. Other waiting periods and exclusions vary by state. Embrace accident and illness policies fully cover breed-specific conditions. It’s important to note that [pre-existing conditions](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/coverage/pre-ex-conditions) are not covered, whether breed-specific or not. --- Updated Nov 4, 2025