Vet bills add up fast. Pet health insurance can take some of the sting out of veterinary expenses. If your pet has a pre-existing condition, you likely won't be able to find immediate insurance coverage. However, some policies cover some pre-existing conditions after a certain time period. Much depends on whether the condition is considered curable or incurable.
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Pre-existing Conditions
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Insurance companies generally define a pre-existing condition as any illness or injury occurring before the initial coverage date. That can include signs of an illness for which you didn't seek treatment until coverage kicked in. Don't plan to take your pet to the vet for a first visit when it's obvious the animal has shown symptoms of an illness for some time, or has an old injury. Most policies require a veterinary visit before insuring your pet. Pre-existing conditions also include recurrences of previous injuries occurring before the coverage date.
Curable Versus Incurable
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Whether a pet health insurance company covers your pet for a pre-existing condition after an exclusionary period depends on whether your pet will get better. Examples of curable conditions include respiratory infections, some urinary tract issues -- but not blockages -- and gastrointestinal illnesses. If a simple course of antibiotics takes care of the issue, it's probably considered a curable condition. Incurable conditions might include cancer, diabetes, orthopedic problems, allergies, thyroid disease and any chronic disorder.
Exclusionary Periods
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If your pet has a curable pre-existing condition, some plans might allow coverage after an exclusionary period. The time frame varies by company, but expect to wait at least one year from the policy's start date until coverage kicks in for a pre-existing condition. The exclusionary period for some companies might last between 18 months and two years. Some companies might exclude certain conditions for a probationary period, even if they are not pre-existing.
Understanding Policies
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It's important to read a policy and understand beforehand if a pre-existing condition is covered. If you have questions, ask the insurance agent. Some policies, such as those offered by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, do not cover pre-existing conditions. Request your prospective insurance company review your pet's veterinary records and let you know whether your pet is eligible for coverage for a specific issue. Even if a pre-existing condition isn't covered, purchasing pet health insurance can be a wise decision should your pet's medical bills mount.
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