Best Pet Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions

What are Pre-existing Conditions in Pets?

Pre-existing conditions are health issues or illnesses that your pet has been diagnosed with or showed symptoms of before the start of their insurance policy. This can include a wide range of conditions, such as:

• Arthritis
• Hip dysplasia
• Allergies
• Chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease
• Cancer or tumors
• Past injuries or surgeries

Most standard pet insurance policies exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, which can leave owners in a difficult position when their pet develops ongoing health concerns. However, some insurance providers offer solutions for pets with pre-existing conditions, either covering them after a waiting period or with special terms.

Top Pet Insurance Providers for Pre-existing Conditions

While most pet insurance providers have exclusions for pre-existing conditions, some companies offer ways to manage these conditions, either through limited coverage or offering coverage after a waiting period. Here are some of the best pet insurance options for pets with pre-existing conditions in 2025:

1. **Bought By Many Pet Insurance**

Overview: Bought By Many is one of the few pet insurance providers that offer flexible coverage options for pets with pre-existing conditions. They offer specific policies that cater to pets with ongoing health issues or conditions that may not be covered by other insurers.

• Key Features:
  • Coverage for some pre-existing conditions after a 24-month symptom-free period (subject to policy terms).
  • Customizable policies that can be tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
  • High customer satisfaction and a flexible claims process.
  • Access to expert advice and a user-friendly claims platform.
• Considerations:
  • Pre-existing conditions may only be covered if your pet has been symptom-free for 24 months.
  • Not all conditions are eligible for coverage, and there may be exclusions depending on the policy.

Visit Bought By Many Pet Insurance

2. **Petplan**

Overview: Petplan is one of the UK’s most established pet insurance providers and offers excellent coverage options. While they typically exclude pre-existing conditions, Petplan’s “Lifetime” policies offer ongoing cover for chronic conditions, which may be beneficial if your pet develops an illness after the policy starts.

• Key Features:
  • Lifetime cover options for chronic conditions that may develop after the policy begins.
  • Comprehensive cover for accidents and illnesses, even if they are long-term.
  • Access to a 24/7 vet helpline and online claims submission for convenience.
• Considerations:
  • Does not cover pre-existing conditions that were present prior to enrollment.
  • Premiums may be higher for older pets or those with pre-existing conditions.

Visit Petplan

3. **Direct Line Pet Insurance**

Overview: Direct Line offers flexible coverage options and lifetime policies that cover pets with long-term conditions, although pre-existing conditions are generally not covered. However, Direct Line provides good options for managing conditions that arise after the policy begins.

• Key Features:
  • Lifetime policies available, with no upper age limit for new customers.
  • Covers ongoing conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and skin allergies.
  • Access to emergency cover abroad and a 24-hour vet helpline.
• Considerations:
  • Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded, but new conditions arising after enrollment are covered.
  • Older pets may face higher premiums or reduced coverage options.

Visit Direct Line Pet Insurance

4. **More Than Pet Insurance**

Overview: More Than provides comprehensive pet insurance plans, including lifetime cover for chronic conditions and long-term health issues. While pre-existing conditions are generally excluded, More Than offers excellent lifetime policies for pets with conditions that arise after enrollment.

• Key Features:
  • Lifetime cover for ongoing conditions such as arthritis and diabetes, if the condition arises after enrollment.
  • Optional add-ons for wellness care, including dental and routine checkups.
  • 24/7 access to a vet helpline for emergencies and advice.
• Considerations:
  • Pre-existing conditions are excluded, and there are waiting periods before certain conditions are covered.
  • Higher premiums for senior pets or those with previous health issues.

Visit More Than Pet Insurance

5. **Healthy Paws Pet Insurance**

Overview: Healthy Paws is a popular pet insurance provider known for its straightforward and comprehensive coverage. They cover pre-existing conditions in some cases, but only if your pet has been symptom-free for at least 12 months.

• Key Features:
  • Unlimited annual benefits with no caps on treatment costs.
  • Covers chronic conditions if your pet has been symptom-free for at least 12 months.
  • Quick claims processing, typically within 2 days.
  • Direct vet pay option to make treatment payments easier.
• Considerations:
  • Pre-existing conditions are not covered, but there is a possibility of coverage after a 12-month symptom-free period.
  • Not all types of pre-existing conditions are eligible for coverage.

Visit Healthy Paws Pet Insurance

What to Look for in Pet Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions

When looking for pet insurance for a pet with pre-existing conditions, there are a few factors to keep in mind:

• Waiting Periods: Some insurance providers will cover pre-existing conditions if your pet has been symptom-free for a certain period, typically 12–24 months. Make sure to understand the waiting periods for your policy.
• Coverage Limits: Look for a policy with high annual limits or lifetime benefits, especially if your pet has a chronic or pre-existing condition.
• Exclusions: Ensure that you know which conditions are excluded from coverage, and whether your pet’s pre-existing condition falls under these exclusions.
• Policy Flexibility: Some insurers offer more flexible options for pets with pre-existing conditions, including the ability to add coverage as long as the condition is stable.
• Claims Process: Choose a provider with a simple, fast claims process and transparent terms to make it easier for you to get reimbursed for treatment costs.

Conclusion

Finding the best pet insurance for pets with pre-existing conditions can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Providers like Bought By Many, Petplan, Direct Line, More Than, and Healthy Paws offer flexible policies that provide coverage for chronic and ongoing conditions. By comparing coverage options, premiums, and exclusions, you can ensure that your pet receives the care they need without financial strain.