Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Like other providers, we do not cover pre-existing conditions. But this is to make sure we can provide value to as many pets as possible.
What’s a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing condition refers to any health issue that occurred or showed signs before your pet insurance policy goes into effect. These conditions are not eligible for coverage as a result.
If my pet has pre-existing conditions, does it make sense to sign up for Trupanion?
YES! New health issues can still be covered so your pet remains eligible for dog or cat insurance coverage on new injuries and illnesses, even if they have pre-existing conditions. While the pre-existing conditions themselves won't be covered, this doesn't affect coverage for unrelated health issues that develop later.
Pets can enroll in insurance later in life when they already have some health concerns, as older pets are more likely to develop additional new, expensive health issues that would be eligible for coverage in the future.
Since each pet's medical situation is unique, we encourage you to contact our award-winning customer care team for a detailed discussion about how pre-existing conditions might impact your specific coverage options.
Call us to learn moreHow a Trupanion policy works with a pre-existing condition
Before signing up for a Trupanion policy
Age 1
Ginger is diagnosed with chronic allergies
Cost: $50 per month
Ginger's parent pays the full amount for the lifetime of the pet
After enrolling in a Trupanion policy
Age 3
Ginger chews on a rubber bone and has surgery when she swallows a piece of the bone
Invoice: $3,000
Trupanion paid: $2,700
Age 5
Ginger is treated for diarrhea & vomiting after eating something she shouldn't
Invoice: $500
Trupanion paid: $450
Age 9
Ginger is diagnosed with Lymphoma and undergoes chemotherapy
Invoice: $7,500
Trupanion paid: $6,750
Based on a member plan with 90% coverage and a $0 deductible applied. See our policy for full coverage details.
How can I avoid pre-existing conditions?
Enrolling your pet in Trupanion insurance early in their life is the most effective strategy to maximize coverage. When you enroll your pet while they're young and healthy, you can establish protection before health issues develop, ensuring the broadest possible coverage for their lifetime.
Why enrolling as early as possible can have the most benefits:
- Provides coverage before health issues develop
- Guarantees the most protection
- Reduces the likelihood of pre-existing condition exclusions
- Offers peace of mind throughout your pet's life
Remember: Young pets can get sick or injured too. The earlier you enroll your pet, the better positioned you are to avoid issues with pre-existing conditions.
Examples of pre-existing conditions
You go to the vet before enrolling in a policy and share that your dog constantly licks their paws. You enroll them, and your pup is later diagnosed with allergies. Are the allergies eligible for coverage?
No, the allergies are considered pre-existing and are not covered. The incessant licking pre-policy is a common clinical symptom that your dog has allergies.
You enroll your cat who develops a benign growth on their back leg right after sign up, but before your policy's effective date. Is the growth eligible for coverage?
No, the growth is considered pre-existing and is not covered. That benign tissue, and any future growths associated with the original, are considered pre-existing because it occurred before the policy went into effect. However, any new growths not associated with the original can be covered.
Before you enroll, your dog sprained their knee. A few weeks after your coverage starts, they developed hip dysplasia. Is their hip dysplasia eligible for coverage?
Yes, the hip dysplasia can be covered. The knees sprain is not connected to the hip dysplasia diagnosis, so it would not be considered pre-existing.
Because they're more than a pet
Your pet is your family, and now you can protect them like it. Whether they bark or meow, Trupanion is designed for the life of your furry friend.
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