Can I Change Pet Insurance with a Pre-existing Condition?

What is a Pre-existing Condition in Pet Insurance?

A pre-existing condition is any health issue or injury that your pet had before the start of their current pet insurance policy. These conditions could include illnesses, injuries, or any medical treatment your pet received before they were covered under the policy. Common examples of pre-existing conditions in pets include:

• Hip dysplasia
• Heart disease
• Arthritis
• Dental disease
• Respiratory issues (like asthma)

Pet insurance companies generally do not cover pre-existing conditions, meaning that any treatment, medication, or surgeries related to the pre-existing condition will not be reimbursed under the new policy. However, there are some important details to keep in mind when considering whether you can change pet insurance with a pre-existing condition.

Can I Change Pet Insurance After My Pet Has a Pre-existing Condition?

The short answer is yes, you can switch pet insurance providers even if your pet has a pre-existing condition. However, the process and the options available to you will vary based on several factors:

1. **Pre-existing Conditions Are Generally Excluded**

Most pet insurance companies will not cover treatment for pre-existing conditions. This means if your pet has been diagnosed with a condition before switching insurance providers, the new provider will likely exclude coverage for that condition. However, any new illnesses or injuries that occur after the policy is in place can still be covered, as long as they are not related to the pre-existing condition.

Some insurance providers may also impose a waiting period for new conditions before they start offering coverage, especially if your pet is older or has known health issues.

2. **Switching to a Different Policy with Better Terms**

If you are not happy with your current policy or premiums and want to switch insurance providers, make sure to check the terms of the new policy carefully. Some pet insurance providers may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions after a certain period of time (usually a year) if the condition has been stable and hasn’t required treatment in that time frame. This is called a “waiting period” for the pre-existing condition.

Additionally, some policies may cover certain pre-existing conditions under certain circumstances. For example, if your pet’s condition was mild and has been treated successfully with no complications for a year or more, a new provider might offer partial coverage or offer a waiver for specific conditions.

3. **No Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions**

Most providers will not cover pre-existing conditions at all, meaning they will exclude these conditions from the policy entirely. However, this does not mean you cannot switch providers. You can still get coverage for other health issues your pet may experience after the switch. For example, if your pet has hip dysplasia, the new insurer will likely not cover any further treatments related to that condition, but they will cover other health issues like a broken bone, a viral infection, or any other new conditions your pet may develop.

4. **Insuring a Pet with a Pre-existing Condition at a New Provider**

Some insurance companies may offer specialized policies or add-ons for pets with pre-existing conditions. These plans may provide a limited level of coverage for the pre-existing condition, or they may offer coverage for other health issues that occur. If you are switching to a new provider, it’s essential to have an honest conversation with them about your pet’s health history and the pre-existing condition to understand the exact coverage options available to you.

What to Do When Switching Pet Insurance with a Pre-existing Condition?

If you’re considering switching pet insurance for your pet with a pre-existing condition, here are some important steps to follow:

1. **Review Your Current Pet Insurance Policy**

Before switching, review your current pet insurance policy thoroughly. Check what is covered and what is excluded, particularly in relation to your pet’s pre-existing condition. Make sure you understand your policy’s terms and what you are and are not entitled to when switching providers.

2. **Research Providers Who Offer Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions**

Look for insurance companies that offer a waiting period for pre-existing conditions or that specialize in insuring pets with chronic health conditions. While it’s rare for providers to cover pre-existing conditions outright, some companies may provide partial coverage for conditions that have been stable for a certain period of time.

Check with the provider about the possibility of excluding the pre-existing condition from coverage entirely, or if there is a way to obtain coverage once the waiting period has passed.

3. **Ensure Continuous Coverage**

If your pet has an ongoing treatment plan for a pre-existing condition, it’s important to ensure there is no gap in coverage when switching insurers. If there is a gap between policies, it may be harder to get coverage for your pet’s ongoing condition, as it may be considered a new pre-existing condition by the new insurer.

To avoid gaps, make sure to start the new policy right as your current one ends, or ideally, overlap the policies for a short period to ensure coverage continuity.

4. **Disclose All Relevant Health Information**

When switching to a new provider, it’s important to disclose all of your pet’s health history, including any pre-existing conditions. Being transparent ensures that the new insurer can accurately assess the risk and offer appropriate coverage. Failing to disclose health information can lead to denial of claims or policy cancellation later on.

5. **Consider Waiting Periods**

Many pet insurance companies have waiting periods for new policies, particularly for illnesses and some surgeries. If you’re switching providers, it’s important to take into account any waiting periods before your new policy covers certain treatments. Make sure to plan for this waiting period to avoid any lapse in coverage for new conditions.

Alternatives if Your Pre-existing Condition is Not Covered

If switching insurance providers is not an option due to pre-existing conditions, there are other alternatives to consider:

• Emergency Fund: Consider setting aside an emergency fund for medical expenses related to your pet’s pre-existing condition. Having a financial cushion will help cover unexpected costs.
• Veterinary Savings Plans: Some veterinary offices offer savings plans or membership programs that can help reduce the cost of treatments, including for pre-existing conditions.
• Care Credit: Some pet owners use financing options like Care Credit to help cover the cost of veterinary treatments, including surgeries or ongoing treatments for pre-existing conditions.

While switching insurers may be difficult due to pre-existing conditions, these alternatives can help ensure that your pet still gets the care they need without breaking the bank.