Pre-existing Condition Part 1

Definition: Each company has a different definition of what a pre-existing condition is but whatever it is defined as, none of them cover will cover it. Insurance is meant to protect you from the unknown.

Veterinary Pet Insurance: Any illness, accident or injury that is contracted, manifested, or incurred prior to the effective date of your policy. This would include conditions that have not yet been clearly diagnosed, are currently in remission or being controlled via prescription medications or special diets.
An exclusion review request can be submitted in writing if the condition is/can be deemed cured. A pre-existing condition prior to the policy effective date may be covered during the policy term if the condition has been cured.

For example, pre-existing conditions such as gastritis or the removal of a foreign body in the paw if cured may be reviewed and considered for removal from exclusion status on your policy by sending us the medical records from your veterinarian indicating the existing health of your pet, along with a written request to review the exclusion. At that time, one of our on-site veterinarian consultants will review the medical records and issue the change in your policy, if applicable.

Petshealth Care Plan: Pre-existing and/or recurring illness or injury prior to effective date, unless 180 days since cure and/or last treatment.

PetCare: We cannot provide coverage for existing conditions, injuries, medical conditions and symptoms of concern that were evident prior to enrollment on a policy or which occur during the waiting period. Exclusions may be temporary or permanent.

Pet Protect: Conditions diagnosed and/or treated within the past 12 months of the Application.

Pet Partners: All pet insurance policies exclude illnesses, diseases, conditions and accidents that occur before you take out the policy. This also applies to illnesses or conditions, which happen before the coverage is taken out and then reoccur at a later date.

What else do I need to know?

This is an area that is very sensitive for pet lovers who can view it as a tool for insurers to deny claims. Of course, each side feels they are right in any dispute and there often is no win-win result.

To prevent disappointment, check before you buy your policy to see if any old health issues would be considered a pre-existing condition or not. Make sure to get the decision in writing.

Check out Pre-existing Condition Part 2 as well. Also see how Embrace defines Pre-Existing conditions and how genetic conditions work with pre-existing conditions at Embrace.