Is a Pre-Existing Condition Covered?

No. Pet insurance excludes pre-existing conditions—anything diagnosed, treated, or symptomatic before your policy starts is not eligible for coverage.
Source: BestPetPlanGuide.com

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Pre-existing conditions are one of the biggest reasons pet insurance claims are denied. These include any illness, injury, or clinical signs noted before coverage begins—even if undiagnosed. For example, if your dog limped once before enrollment and is later diagnosed with hip dysplasia, some providers may reject claims for related treatment.

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However, there’s nuance. Some providers make a distinction between:

• Curable pre-existing conditions (like ear infections or UTIs) that may be covered again after a symptom-free waiting period (typically 6–12 months)

• Chronic or incurable conditions (like cancer, diabetes, arthritis) that are never eligible for reimbursement

Policies that offer coverage for curable conditions often require full medical history at signup. Early enrollment—especially during puppy or kittenhood—is the best way to avoid exclusions.

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Some insurers also offer accident-only policies for pets with significant pre-existing illnesses. These won’t cover the known issue, but may still be useful for unrelated future emergencies.