Waiting periods
Coverage doesn’t start the moment you enroll. Most plans have a short waiting period for accidents — often a few days — and around two weeks for illnesses. Some insurers set longer waits for orthopedic problems such as cruciate ligament injuries or hip dysplasia, and some let you shorten them with a vet exam.
Anything that happens or shows symptoms during the waiting period is usually treated as pre-existing.
Pre-existing conditions
A pre-existing condition is an illness or injury your pet showed signs of before coverage started or during the waiting period — even if it wasn’t diagnosed. These are generally excluded.
- Curable conditions (like an ear infection or upset stomach) may be covered again at some insurers after your pet has been symptom-free for a set time, often 12 months.
- Incurable or chronic conditions (like diabetes or allergies) usually stay excluded for the life of the policy.
How to avoid surprises
- Enroll while your pet is young and healthy, before conditions appear.
- Keep vet records — insurers usually review your pet’s history when you file the first claim.
- Think before switching insurers: conditions that started under your old plan can count as pre-existing on a new one.
- Read each policy’s definitions of pre-existing, bilateral and curable conditions before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get pet insurance if my pet has a pre-existing condition?
Yes. You can still buy a plan; that condition just won’t be covered, while new accidents and illnesses will be.
Does the waiting period start over if I switch insurers?
Yes. A new policy has its own waiting periods, and conditions from before it starts can be excluded as pre-existing.
This guide is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Coverage and requirements vary by insurer and state.