Pet insurance typically excludes pre-existing conditions, but some insurers may cover issues that have been cured for a certain amount of time — including lacerations, broken bones, urinary tract infections, kennel cough and gastrointestinal problems.
CNBC Select chose the best pet insurance companies for covering curable pre-existing conditions in a variety of categories. (See our methodology for more information on how we made our list.)
Best pet insurance for pre-existing conditions
Compare pet insurance
Best for affordability: Figo
Figo Pet Insurance
-
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
-
Policy highlights
Figo pet insurance offers a number of options to customize your pet insurance policy, including a wellness plan option. Its policies cover dental injuries and illnesses and can pay for holistic treatment. Without an upper age limit, it’s a coverage option for pets older than eight weeks old.
-
App available
-
Standout features
Figo states that it averages under three days to pay a claim. It also offers 24/7 access to a licensed veterinary expert, allowing for pet owners to get answers at any time.
Pros
- Exclusive discounts available for Costco members to save 15% on coverage
- May cover curable conditions that have been healed for 12 months
Cons
- Veterinary exam fee coverage isn’t included in base price
Who’s this for? Figo Pet Insurance is a great option for budget-minded pet parents, with a 5% discount for multiple pets and 15% off for Costco members. Costco Executive members also get the $15 enrollment fee waived.
Standout benefits: Figo offers a 100% reimbursement option.
Pre-existing condition policy: Figo covers conditions that have been cured for at least 12 months.
[ Jump to more details ]
Best for older pets: Pets Best
Pets Best Pet Insurance
-
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
-
Policy highlights
Available in all 50 states, Pets Best is a standout for its affordable rates. Pet’s Best focuses on accident-only and accident and illness policies, although a wellness plan is available, .
-
App available
-
Standout features
Pet’s Best offers coverage to cats and dogs as young as 7 weeks with no maximum age limit.
Read our review of Pets Best pet insurance
Pros
- Affordable accident-only and accident and illness coverage
- Deductible options as low as $50
- No maximum age limit
- Offers direct-payment option
Cons
- Only two levels of maximum coverage
- Multi-pet discount is smaller than other providers
- Doesn’t cover alternative or behavioral therapies
Who’s this for? Pets Best has no upper age limit for coverage, making it a good choice if you have a senior dog.
Standout benefits: Get a 5% discount when you insure more than one pet.
Pre-existing condition policy: Pets Best will cover conditions it considers curable — including broken bones, sprains, upper respiratory infections and dental fractures — if they’ve shown no symptoms for 180 days.
[ Jump to more details ]
Best for high reimbursement rate: Pumpkin
Pumpkin Pet Insurance
-
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
-
Policy highlights
Pumpkin’s pet insurance plans don’t have an upper age limit and have no breed exclusions. Its coverage includes exam fees for covered accidents and illnesses and also includes coverage for dental illnesses, behavioral conditions, alternative therapies and prescription foods for covered conditions.
-
App available
-
Standout features
Pumpkin offers 90% reimbursement rates on all of its pet insurance plans, with three options for coverage limits including an unlimited option. It also offers a 10% discount for insuring multiple pets.
Pros
- Coverage includes exam fees and microchip implantation.
- No upper age limits or breed restrictions
Cons
- Only 90% reimbursement rate available
Who’s this for? All Pumpkin policies offer 90% cash back on covered vet bills, making it a standout in the market.
Standout benefits: You can get a 5% discount when you insure more than one pet. Pets Best has a wellness plan with two tiers, either of which can be added to an accident and illness plan.
Pre-existing condition policy:, A curable pre-existing condition may be covered in the future If your pet is symptom-free for 180 days (except for knee and hind leg ligament conditions).
[ Jump to more details ]
Best for customization: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
ASPCA Pet Insurance
-
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
-
Policy highlights
ASPCA covers common accidents and injuries, as well as hereditary, congenital and breed-specific conditions. Coverage is available to animals as young as 8 weeks old and there is no maximum age limit.
-
App available
-
Standout features
A 30-day money-back guarantee is available if no claims are filed. Reimbursement is available by direct deposit. ASPCA pet insurance also offers coverage for horses.
Pros
- 10% discount for additional pets
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Coverage for horses
Cons
- No direct-pay option
- Bilateral conditions not covered
Who’s this for? ASPCA’s Pet Health Insurance allows you to customize your policy’s annual coverage limits, reimbursement limits and deductibles, which can help you keep costs under control.
Standout benefit: Policies come with a 30-day money-back guarantee if no claims have been filed.
Pre-existing condition policy: Curable pre-existing conditions are covered if the pet is symptom-free for 180 days (except for knee and ligament conditions).
[ Jump to more details ]
Best for preventative care: Spot
Spot Pet Insurance
-
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
-
Policy highlights
Spot Pet Insurance offers accident and illness and accident-only coverage for cats and dogs. It has a variety of choices of reimbursement rates, annual limits (including an unlimited policy), and deductibles to cater your coverage to your needs and budget. The option to cover preventative care procedures and exams (including a dental cleaning and wellness exam) for an extra fee is available.
-
App available
-
Standout features
There are no upper age limits for new enrollments and plans include microchipping. Spot offers a 24/7 veterinary helpline to address wellness and health concerns.
Pros
- no upper age limits for new enrollments
- 24/7 veterinary helpline
- Covers prescription food and behavior therapy
- 10% discounts for additional pets
Cons
- 14-day waiting period for accidents
- Average rates for cats is higher than competition
Who’s this for? Spot’s comprehensive wellness plan includes dental treatments, behavioral issues and spaying/neutering. It starts 24 hours after purchase, so you can take advantage of benefits quickly.
Standout benefits: There’s no maximum age limit for coverage, so even older pets can get covered.
Pre-existing condition policy: Spot says it may cover curable conditions if they have been free of symptoms and professional treatment for 180 days (except for knee and ligament conditions).
[ Jump to more details ]
Best for speedy claims processing: Lemonade
Lemonade Pet Insurance
-
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
-
Policy highlights
Lemonade offers affordable pet insurance options for base accident and illness coverages, while wellness options are available for an extra cost. There are a variety of additions you can make to a policy, including things like coverage for behavioral conditions, coverage for acupuncture and chiropractic care, and coverage for dental illnesses.
-
App available
-
Standout features
A special puppy/kitten preventative care package is available for an extra cost, which can help pay for the cost of vaccines, parasite testing, microchipping and spay or neutering procedures. Lemonade also offers injury coverage with a short 2-day waiting period.
Pros
- Available option to bundle with homeowners or renters insurance
- 2-day waiting period for injury coverage
Cons
- Only available in 37 states
Who’s this for? Lemonade combines affordability and convenience with an AI-powered interface that it claims settles nearly 40% of claims in seconds. Upload your claim on the website or mobile app and your reimbursement is wired directly to your bank account.
Standout benefits: Bundle your pet insurance policy with renters, homeowners or car insurance from Lemonade and save up to 10%.
Pre-existing condition policy: Select conditions that have been asymptomatic for 12 months may be eligible for coverage.
[ Jump to more details ]
Best from a big insurer: Nationwide
Nationwide Pet Insurance
-
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
-
Policy highlights
Nationwide is one of the few pet insurance providers that insures exotic pets. It offers accident-only coverage as well as a comprehensive Whole Pet with Wellness plan. Policies are underwritten by National Casualty Company or Veterinary Pet Insurance Company.
-
App available
-
Standout features
Nationwide may cover curable conditions if your pet has been symptom-free for six months. Multi-pet and multi-policy discounts are available.
Pros
- One of the only companies to cover exotic pets
- Discount for bundling, enrolling multiple pets
- Vet helpline is available 24/7
- Preferred pricing for prescriptions at Walmart and Sam’s Club
- Available in all 50 states
Cons
- 70% maximum reimbursement rate is low
- One-year waiting period for coverage of cruciate ligament injuries.
- No coverage for end-of-life expenses
- No direct payment option
Who’s this for? In addition to issuing pet insurance, Nationwide is one of the ten largest providers of both home and auto insurance, so you can keep all your policies in one place (and enjoy a 5% bundling discount).
Standout benefit: Nationwide is one of the few insurers that covers exotic pets, including birds, reptiles and small mammals.
Pre-existing condition policy: Nationwide covers curable illnesses after six months without symptoms.
[ Jump to more details ]
More on our top pet insurance companies for pre-existing conditions
Figo
Founded in 2013, Chicago-based Figo generated $77 million in premiums in 2023. Policies are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company and coverage begins 12:01 a.m. the day after enrollment.
Age limits
Minimum enrollment age is 8 weeks old, no maximum age
Policies offered
Accident and illness, preventative care
Waiting period
Varies by state
[ Return to summary ]
Pets Best
Pets Best has insured over 100,000 cats and dogs since launching in 2005. Policyholders have access to a 24/7 emergency vet helpline and the option to have Pets Best pay your vet directly.
Age limits
Minimum enrollment age is seven weeks, no maximum age
Policies offered
Accident only, accident and illness and wellness care options
Waiting period
Varies by state, but typically 3 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses and 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions.
[ Return to summary ]
Pumpkin
Pumpkin policies include benefits other insurers charge extra for, including coverage for prescription food for covered conditions and microchip implantation. There are no breed exclusions and you can get a 10% multi-pet discount for each additional pet you enroll.
Age limits
Minimum enrollment age is eight weeks, no maximum age
Policies offered
Accident and illness and preventative care options
Waiting period
14-day waiting period for all coverage
[ Return to summary ]
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is offered through PTZ Insurance Agency and underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company and United States Fire Insurance Company. In addition to dogs and cats, the ASPCA also has policies for horses.
Age limits
Minimum enrollment age is eight weeks, no maximum age
Policies offered
Accident-only, accident and illness, preventative care
Waiting period
14-day waiting period for accident and illness coverage.
[ Return to summary ]
Spot
Spot’s pet insurance is available in all 50 states, with policies underwritten by the Independence American Insurance Company and United States Fire Insurance Company. Benefits include coverage for alternative therapies, access to a 24/7 veterinary helpline and a 10% discount for insuring multiple pets.
Age limits
Minimum enrollment age is eight weeks, no maximum age
Policies offered
Accident only, accident and illness and preventative care options
Waiting period
14-day waiting period for all coverage
[ Return to summary ]
Lemonade
Lemonade underwrites its own pet insurance policies, allowing customers to bundle their policies with renters, homeowners and other types of insurance.
Age limits
Minimum enrollment age is 2 months; maximum age to enroll is typically 14 (some higher-risk breeds have a lower limit)
Policies offered
Accident and illness, preventative care
Waiting period
Two days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 30 days for orthopedic conditions and 6 months for cruciate ligament injuries. (May vary by state.)
[ Return to summary ]
Nationwide
Nationwide stands out for offering coverage for exotic pets and prescription discounts at Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies. In 2009, Nationwide acquired Veterinary Pet Insurance, which introduced pet insurance to the U.S. in 1982.
Age limits
Minimum enrollment age is 8 weeks old, maximum age to enroll in accident and illness policies is 8 years old
Policies offered
Accident and illness, preventative care
Waiting period
Typically 14 days
[ Return to summary ]
What is a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury your pet had before you enrolled them in a pet insurance policy. If your dog was diagnosed with diabetes before you purchased insurance, for example, any treatments related to their diabetes would not be covered.
Some pre-existing conditions are considered curable, however, and may be covered if they present again.
Curable vs. incurable pre-existing conditions
Every pet insurance company has different criteria for what constitutes curable or incurable health issues. You may be required to submit medical records or take your pet for a vet exam before your policy is approved.
Incurable pre-existing conditions
Pre-existing conditions that can’t be cured are generally not covered by pet insurance if diagnosed before you bought your policy. These can include:
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Hip dysplasia
- Kidney disease
If your pet develops one of these conditions while they’re insured, however, they may be covered. It’s one of the reasons that it makes sense to get coverage for your pet when they’re young and healthy.
Curable pre-existing conditions
Some companies will cover certain conditions if your pet has been symptom-free and not received treatment for a predetermined amount of time (anywhere from 6 to 12 months). They include:
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Ear infections
- Eye infections
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Kennel cough
- Respiratory infections
- Urinary tract infections.
Bilateral exclusions
Bilateral conditions affect both sides of the body. Your provider may consider illnesses that were diagnosed on one side of the body as incurable pre-existing conditions if they appear on the other side later. These include:
- Cruciate ligament tears or damage
- Cataracts
- Hip or elbow dysplasia
- Luxating patella
Does my pet need to get a vet exam before being enrolled?
Some pet insurance companies require a veterinarian to examine your animal before determining if they have any pre-existing conditions that won’t be covered.
| Company | Exam required to enroll |
|---|---|
| Spot pet insuarnce | No |
| Pets Best Pet Insurance | No |
| Pumpkin Pet Insurance | No |
| ASPCA Pet Insurance | No |
| Lemonade Pet Insurance | Yes |
| Figo Pet Insurance | No |
| Nationwide Pet Insurance | In some circumstances |
Should I buy pet insurance if my pet has a pre-existing condition?
If your dog or cat has a pre-existing condition that’s excluded, pet insurance can still be worth it because your policy will cover other illnesses and accidents unrelated to that condition.
If you’re worried about paying for illness coverage and not being able to use it, premiums on accident-only policies are generally much lower: Dog owners paid an average of $56.30 per month for an accident and illness policy in 2023, according to the North American Peth Health Insurance Association, but only $17 for an accident-only policy.
FAQs
What is a pre-existing condition?
Any illness or injury that your pet was diagnosed with before your policy took effect is considered a pre-existing condition. Most pet insurance companies will not cover pre-existing conditions that are considered incurable.
What is a curable pre-existing condition in a pet?
Curable pre-existing conditions are usually defined as illnesses or injuries that have been fully treated and exhibit no symptoms for a certain amount of time, often six to twelve months. Each provider has a different list of conditions it considers curable, so check to see if your pet qualifies.
How do pet insurance companies know about pre-existing conditions?
Your insurance company will request your pet’s vet records when you apply for a policy or file a claim to determine when the problem started. Some pet insurance companies also require an exam before enrollment.
Does pet insurance cover hereditary conditions?
Most pet insurance won’t cover hereditary or genetic conditions like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) if they presented before you bought your policy. Some won’t cover them even if they develop after enrollment, so read your policy to see what is excluded.
Does pet insurance cover congenital conditions?
A congenital condition is one that your pet is born with, though they might not show symptoms right away. Common congenital conditions include dysplasia, hernia, heart defects and hypothyroidism. Some pet insurance companies will cover congenital conditions so long as your pet was not diagnosed before coverage took effect.
Can I get pet insurance for a pet with pre-existing conditions?
Yes, it’s possible to get pet insurance for an animal with a pre-existing condition. However, any treatment related to that condition won’t be covered by your policy. The companies we’ve listed here will cover “curable” pre-existing conditions if your pet has not had treatment and remained symptom-free for a set amount of time.
Subscribe to the CNBC Select Newsletter!
Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox. Sign up here.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every pet insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of pet insurance products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best pet insurance companies.
Our methodology
To determine the best pet insurance companies for pre-existing conditions, CNBC Select analyzed dozens of pet insurance companies based on various factors.
We looked at numerous data points, including the types of policies available, choices of deductibles, reimbursement levels, annual coverage limits, waiting periods, and customer reviews from the Better Business Bureau. We also reviewed providers’ policies regarding pre-existing conditions and the length of the period required for a condition to be considered “cured.”
From there, we sorted our recommendations by the best for preventative care, for older pets, for high reimbursement rates, for customization, for speedy claims process, for affordability and from a big insurer.
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
Premiums and policy structures listed for pet insurance companies are subject to change in accordance with company policies.
Catch up on CNBC Select’s in-depth coverage of credit cards, banking and money, and follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
