---
title: What Is the Waiting Period for Orthopedic Conditions? | Embrace Pet Insurance Help Center
description: Embrace offers personalized, affordable pet insurance for dogs & cats with up to 90% back at any vet. Add a wellness plan for total protection. Get a free quote for your pet's customized policy.
lastUpdated: 2025-10-02T19:06:14.000Z
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# **What Is the Waiting Period for Orthopedic Conditions?**

Learn more about what it is and how to check if you can reduce in you state.



## What is the Orthopedic Waiting Period?

The orthopedic waiting period is a specified period of time after your policy begins that restricts coverage for orthopedic accidents or illnesses.  
​ *Note: Orthopedic waiting periods vary by state. Look for your state's specified waiting period* <a href="https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/guides/orthopedic-waiting-period">*here*</a> *.*

## What is the Orthopedic Exclusion Period?

**(Dogs only)** The following orthopedic conditions that occur or show symptoms before the end of the illness waiting period or during the first 180 days of the policy are **excluded** from coverage and are pre-existing for the life of the policy:

· Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)

· Cruciate Ligament Injury

· Patellar Luxation

· Canine Hip Dysplasia

*All other orthopedic conditions are subject to the 14-day illness waiting period.

*Orthopedic accidents may be subject to the full orthopedic waiting period.

**(Cats only)** For cats, there is also a 14-day waiting period for orthopedic conditions.

All other orthopedic conditions are subject to the Illness, 14 day, waiting period.

## Examples of Orthopedic Accidents and Illnesses

- Arthritis
- Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injuries (CCL)
- Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
- Luxating Patella
- Bone Cancer
- Fractures
- Other Injuries or Illnesses Involving Bones, Ligaments, & Joints

## Reducing the Orthopedic Waiting Period

Some states allow you have the option to reduce the waiting period for certain orthopedic conditions to as few as 14 days by following the Orthopedic Exam and Waiver Process.

Your pet would need to be examined by a veterinarian after the purchase of your policy and the vet must complete the Orthopedic Report Card.

- If the exam is completed *within* the first 14 days of the policy and the pet is marked as healthy or the report shows no issues, the waiting period can be reduced to the end of the 14-day illness waiting period
- If the exam is completed outside of the first 14 days, the waiting period can be reduced to the date the exam took place
**Note:** Your Orthopedic Report Card can be found in your [MyEmbrace](https://my.embracepetinsurance.com/#/Login) customer account under **Claim Forms & Documents** if applicable to your policy version or in your state.

## How to Submit the Orthopedic Report Card Via MyEmbrace

1. Log in to your [MyEmbrace](https://my.embracepetinsurance.com/#/Login) customer account and select **Send Documents** from the **Quick Links** menu

![Step 1 is to Select Send Documents found in the left side of the Policy Overview.](//images.ctfassets.net/cy68knbg9g5b/6SkSenpIambqgbqnRnzErK/ea7e66937a1370fcfdfd0e4cb014ad22/1-_Policy_Overview__1__-_Waiting_Period_for_Orthopedic_Conditions.jpg?w=804)
2. Choose **Select Files to Upload**

- Select your Orthopedic Report Card from your files
- Accepted file types are: PDF, PNG, or JPEG.
- Size limit for each document submitted is 50MB

![Then, click select files to upload after you have chosen the document.](//images.ctfassets.net/cy68knbg9g5b/2FZwpH5v3XuD22X3vx7LJY/1ec4b7b33070bf13cfd8aefa0d38e09d/2-_Send_Documents.jpg?w=804)
3. Select **Submit**

![Select the Submit button after the file has been uploaded.](//images.ctfassets.net/cy68knbg9g5b/21JzPakAJjk0Ua6BniWXDF/7f78f64a2fc8d1f47d7de386035ffce1/3-_Submit__1_.jpg?w=804)
Your Orthopedic Report Card has been submitted and a claims adjuster will send you a confirmation email within 1-3 business days to let you know what the new waiting period end date is and if there were any abnormalities noted on the form.

## Other Ways to Submit

Email: [claims@embracepetinsurance.com](mailto:claims@embracepetinsurance.com)

**Note:** This is an unmonitored email address, we’re unable to respond to messages & questions sent here.

- Accepted formats are PDF, PNG, or JPEG
- The Orthopedic Report Card must be sent as an attachment, not pasted in the body of the email
Fax: (800) 238-1042

## Orthopedic Pre-Existing Conditions

If your vet notices an abnormality during the orthopedic exam and notes it on the orthopedic report card, that specific condition and anything related to it may be considered [pre-existing](https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/help/article/what-are-pre-existing-conditions-and-does-embrace-cover-them).

## Appealing the Orthopedic Report Card Results

If you feel that the orthopedic exam evaluation was incorrect, you can appeal the pre-existing condition that was noted. To appeal, respond to the email results and the claims adjuster can provide additional information.

**Note:** The results of the Orthopedic Report Card are based solely on what is noted on the form. However, if other orthopedic conditions are noted in your pet’s medical records, they may also be considered pre-existing.




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