Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Pet insurance can help with those unexpected vet bills if you are pet falls ill or has an accident. However, if your pet has a health condition when you take out your pet insurance policy, this condition typically won’t be covered by most insurers.
In this guide, we look at what’s considered a pre-existing medical condition, and how it may impact your insurance.
What is a pre-existing medical condition?
A pre-existing condition in pet insurance refers to any illness or injury your pet had before you took out your insurance. This means your pet will have showed symptoms of the condition or will have already been diagnosed.
It’s important to check your policy documents as different providers will have different definitions of pre-existing medical conditions. Some insurance providers may not cover pets with certain medical conditions.
It’s also crucial to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions your pet may have with your insurance provider to ensure peace of mind that you have the right coverage for your furry friend.
Can you insure pets with pre-existing conditions?
Yes, if your pet has a pre-existing condition, it is still possible to get pet insurance. But the insurance likely won’t cover the current condition. For example, if your pet has diabetes, it won't be covered for this condition, but it will be covered for other health issues or injuries that might arise in the future.
There may be specialist pet insurers who will offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions.
As with the majority of providers, Asda Money pet insurance does not cover pre-existing medical conditions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pet insurance means you can rest assured that your furry friend will be covered if their existing condition flares up | Premiums will likely be much higher than standard pet insurance |
| Pet insurance protects you against costly vet fees | Some conditions may be rejected for cover |
| Several providers offer coverage for prescribed medication, food, and therapies | It's important to note that coverage for pre-existing conditions may be restricted or available for only a limited period of time when making a claim |
What pre-existing medical conditions are covered?
Each specialist insurer that covers pre-existing medical conditions will have conditions they do and don’t cover. The best way to ensure your pet’s condition is covered is to check the policy documents or call the insurer.
Some specialist insurers may provide cover the following conditions:
- Chronic conditions- such as diabetes.
- Historic conditions – illnesses or ailments your pet previously had but no longer does
- Congenital conditions – passed down from your pet’s family
- Bi-lateral conditions – affecting both sides of your pet’s body
Pre-existing medical conditions exclusions and exemptions
Some providers may cover a pet who has had a pre-existing medical condition, providing they have been free of it for a certain period of time.
Asda Money pet insurance does not cover the following, including but not limited to:
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- The cost of treating an illness that first shows clinical signs in the first 14 days of cover
- The cost of treating an accident that took place in the first 48 hours of cover
- Routine examinations, vaccinations and preventative treatments
To see the full list, take a look at our policy documents.
Do I need to disclose my pet’s pre-existing medical condition?
Failing to declare your pet’s pre-existing medical condition can lead to your policy being cancelled and higher insurance premiums in the future. Crucially, you won’t be able to claim on your insurance to treat the condition, which means you’ll need to pay for it out of your own pocket.
Do existing conditions increase premiums?
If you’re looking for insurance for a pet with a pre-existing condition, you’ll need to use a specialist provider. Specialist pet insurance providers often charge higher premiums as pets with pre-existing conditions are expected to need more frequent medical care.
With most pet insurance policies, you may find your premiums gradually increase as your pet gets older. But there will be other factors that affect this, such as any claims you have made during the year.
If you have pet insurance but are looking to change providers on your next renewal, it is important to bear in mind that any existing conditions your pet has developed, whether diagnosed or not, may not be covered elsewhere.
Top Pet Insurance Existing Medical Conditions FAQs:
- What counts as a pre-existing condition for pet insurance?
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A pre-existing medical condition is a condition that your pet developed symptoms for or had already been diagnosed with before you took out pet insurance coverage.
- How long does a pre-existing condition last for pet insurance?
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Typically, most providers will cover your pet if they have been free (shown no symptoms and had no treatments) of their pre-existing medical condition for over two years.
Asda Pet Insurance is arranged and administered by Insurance Factory Limited. Insurance Factory Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. (No. 306164). Registered in England and Wales Number 02982445. Registered Office: Markerstudy House, 45 Westerham Road, Bessels Green, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 2QB. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register at https://www.fca.org.uk/register