Are Hereditary Conditions Covered?

Some pet insurance plans cover hereditary and congenital conditions—but only if they appear after your policy starts. Early enrollment is critical.
Source: BestPetPlanGuide.com

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Hereditary and congenital conditions are health issues passed down genetically. These can include hip dysplasia, heart disease, IVDD (disc disease), cherry eye, or epilepsy—especially common in purebred dogs and cats. Coverage for these conditions varies widely by provider.

Many high-quality comprehensive plans do cover hereditary conditions, but only if symptoms or diagnoses occur after enrollment and waiting periods. That’s why it's important to insure pets early—before any issues arise that could be marked as “pre-existing.”

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Some providers exclude certain breeds altogether or charge higher premiums for known hereditary risks. Others include full hereditary condition coverage as long as there are no signs or diagnoses at the time of signup.

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If your pet is a breed known for chronic issues (e.g., French Bulldog, Golden Retriever, Maine Coon), it’s essential to find a policy that explicitly covers these risks.