Having a pet can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. Pets can bring us joy, comfort, and companionship, but they also come with certain responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is making sure that our pets are taken care of and protected in case of unexpected medical emergencies. Pet insurance is one way to do this, but what if your pet has a pre-existing condition? Or if you have an elderly cat? Should you disclose this when getting pet insurance?
In this article, we'll explore what pre-existing conditions are, what kinds of conditions are classified as such, the benefits of disclosing pre-existing conditions when getting pet insurance, what happens if you don't declare pre-existing conditions, and whether all pet insurance covers pre-existing conditions.
What are classified as pre-existing conditions?
A pre-existing condition is any chronic medical condition or illness that your pet has had prior to getting pet insurance. Pre-existing conditions can range from minor ailments such as skin allergies to major illnesses such as cancer. Any medical condition or illness that your pet had before applying for pet insurance can be considered a ‘pre-existing condition.’
It's important to remember that pet insurance policies vary, so always check the policy documents to make sure you understand what is and is not covered. Most pet insurance companies define pre-existing conditions as those that have previously been diagnosed or treated. Also, insurance companies may refuse pet insurance for your cat based on the type and severity of the chronic condition. Although, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For instance, you may be able to keep your coverage with the same pet insurance provider even if your pet has developed a life-long condition. However, your premium may increase or you may be switched to a different policy that covers pre-existing conditions.
Examples of pre-existing conditions
Pre-existing conditions can range in severity from minor illnesses to serious diseases. Some examples of pre-existing medical conditions include
- Skin allergies
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Cancer
- Kidney disease
- Seizures
- Eye conditions
This list is not exhaustive, so it is important to review the pet insurance policy documents to ensure you understand what is and is not covered.
Benefits of disclosing pre-existing conditions when getting pet insurance
One of the main benefits of disclosing pre-existing conditions when purchasing pet insurance is that it allows the insurance company to assess the risk and determine if they can offer you coverage. This can help you determine whether your pet is receiving the best coverage possible or whether the insurance company you have chosen is the best fit for you.
Another benefit of disclosing pre-existing conditions is that it allows the insurance company to adjust the premiums and coverage accordingly. This means that you may be able to get coverage for your pet even if they have a pre-existing condition, but the premiums and coverage may be adjusted to reflect the risk.
Last but not least, revealing pre-existing conditions when obtaining pet insurance enables you to take a more proactive approach to your pet's health. By disclosing what pre-existing conditions your pet has, you can be better prepared to address and cover any medical issues that may arise.
What happens if you don't declare pre-existing conditions
If you fail to disclose pre-existing conditions when purchasing pet insurance, you could be in for a nasty surprise. Insurance companies may be able to deny your claim if they find out that you didn't disclose a pre-existing condition. This means that if your pet has a medical emergency and you haven't disclosed any pre-existing conditions, the insurance company may deny your claim.
It's also important to remember that pet insurance companies may have the right to cancel your policy if they find out that you didn't disclose a pre-existing condition. This means that if you don't declare pre-existing conditions, you may not be able to get coverage with the same insurance company in the future.
Does all pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
The short answer is no. Pre-existing conditions are only sometimes covered by pet insurance policies because it is impossible to offer an adequate level and type of coverage. Serious pre-existing conditions, such as cancer, often require extensive medical care and attention and can be very costly for insurance companies to cover. As a result, most providers will consider pet insurance for pre-existing conditions on a case-by-case basis. Some pet insurance companies may even limit the amount of vet fees covered in the first year.
When looking for pet insurance, it's important to check the policy documents to make sure what types of pre-existing conditions are covered. If you're unsure, it's always best to speak to an insurance advisor who can help you find the best coverage for your pet. You can also ask family and friends who have pets with chronic conditions for advice on pet insurance for you and your pets.
Summing it up
When it comes to getting pet insurance, it's important to remember to disclose any pre-existing conditions, even if it’s a minor one. It will provide you with greater peace of mind when you least expect it. Pre-existing conditions are classified differently by different pet insurance companies, and not all pet insurance policies cover long-term conditions. By declaring pre-existing conditions when getting pet insurance, you can ensure that you are getting the best coverage for your pet and that any medical emergencies are covered.