Pet Insurance and Pre-existing Conditions

Support Your Pet with Insurance Covering Eligible, Curable Pre-Existing Conditions

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 curable pre-existing condition and remains symptom-free and treatment-free for a year, we will 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 comprehensive 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 categorize pre-existing conditions differently. Curable pre-existing conditions 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.

Curable Pre-existing Conditions in Pets

If your furry companion has been diagnosed with or experienced symptoms of a curable pre-existing condition prior to joining the Embrace family, we'll follow a 12-month observation period before covering any related recurrence.

Here's our promise: if your pet is symptom-free and treatment-free for a year, we'll reevaluate and may instate coverage for these ailments should they return.

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 wellbeing 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, medications, 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 more comprehensive protection they'll have against unforeseen health issues. 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, besides those deemed curable are not covered. For example, orthopedic issues, allergies, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses present before the end of the waiting period are not covered.

Does pet insurance almost always exclude pre-existing conditions?

Most pet insurance companies exclude all pre-existing conditions, but we consider covering certain curable pre-existing conditions if your pet is symptom-free and treatment-free for 1 year.

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 non-curable pre-existing conditions from coverage indefinitely. What makes Embrace different is that we reevaluate curable pre-existing conditions after a 12-month period of being symptom-free and treatment-free and may instate coverage.

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 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?

We may cover curable pre-existing conditions after your pet has been symptom-free and treatment-free for 12 months.