Best Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions in 2025 (What’s Actually Covered?)

Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions in 2025 (What’s Covered?)

As pet parents, we all want the best for our furry, feathered, or scaly family members. We strive to provide them with love, care, and the best possible healthcare. But what happens when our pets develop health issues before we even think about insurance? That’s where pet insurance for pre-existing conditions comes in—a lifeline for many pet owners in 2025.

Pre-existing conditions can be a minefield in the world of pet insurance. Many policies exclude them entirely, leaving pet parents in a lurch when their beloved companions need medical attention the most. But fear not—there are options out there, and I’m here to guide you through them.

In this article, we’ll explore what pre-existing conditions mean, the difference between curable and incurable conditions, and which pet insurance providers in 2025 are stepping up to offer coverage for these tricky cases. We’ll also dive into the fine print that most websites gloss over, so you can make an informed decision for your pet. Plus, I’ll share real-life examples to show how this works in practice.

So, let’s embark on this journey together, ensuring that no pet is left behind due to a pre-existing condition.

What Are Pre-Existing Conditions in Pet Insurance?

Pre-existing conditions in pet insurance refer to any illness, injury, or health issue that your pet has before you purchase a policy or during the waiting period after purchasing it. These conditions can range from minor ailments like ear infections to more serious diseases like diabetes or cancer.

Insurance companies typically exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage to prevent fraud and manage risk. For instance, if a pet owner could enroll a pet with a known condition and immediately file a claim, it would undermine the insurance model. However, some providers have started to offer more flexible policies that cover certain pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances, giving hope to pet owners.

Curable vs. Incurable Conditions (With Examples)

Understanding the difference between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions is crucial when shopping for pet insurance.

Curable Conditions: These are conditions that can be treated and resolved, such as broken bones, infections, or injuries. If your pet has a curable pre-existing condition and remains symptom-free for a certain period (usually 12 to 180 days, depending on the insurer), some policies will cover it if it recurs.
Example: If your dog, Max, had kennel cough last year and has been symptom-free for 180 days, providers like ASPCA Pet Health Insurance might cover future cases of kennel cough.
Incurable Conditions: These are chronic or ongoing conditions that cannot be cured, such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease. Most pet insurance policies do not cover incurable pre-existing conditions, but there are exceptions, like AKC Pet Insurance, which covers them after 12 months of continuous coverage.
Example: If your cat, Luna, has diabetes, most policies won’t cover it. However, AKC Pet Insurance might cover diabetes-related expenses after 365 days of continuous coverage.

This distinction is key because it affects what you can expect from a policy. Curable conditions offer more flexibility, while incurable ones require careful provider selection.

Do Any Pet Insurance Plans Cover Them in 2025?

Yes, several pet insurance providers in 2025 offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, particularly curable ones, and some even cover incurable conditions under specific circumstances. Here’s a look at the top providers:

AKC Pet Insurance: Best for incurable conditions. Covers both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous coverage. Examples include cancer, diabetes, and hip dysplasia.
Embrace Pet Insurance: Covers curable pre-existing conditions if the pet is symptom-free and treatment-free for 12 months. Incurable conditions, like diabetes or arthritis, are not covered.
Figo: Covers conditions that have been cured for at least 12 months, making it a budget-friendly option.
Pets Best: Covers curable conditions if symptom-free for 180 days, such as broken bones and sprains, ideal for older pets.
Pumpkin: Covers curable conditions if symptom-free for 180 days, except for knee/hind leg ligaments, with high reimbursement rates.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Covers curable issues if symptom-free for 180 days, except for knee/ligament conditions, with customizable plans.
Spot: May cover curable conditions if symptom-free and untreated for 180 days, except for knee/ligament conditions, with strong preventative care options.
Lemonade: Select conditions asymptomatic for 12 months may be eligible for coverage, known for speedy claims processing.

Each provider has unique strengths, so your choice depends on your pet’s specific needs, such as whether they have a chronic illness or a curable condition.

Best Providers That Cover Pre-Existing Conditions (Comparison Table)

To help you compare, here’s a detailed table with the key details for each provider in 2025:

Provider	Best For	Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions	Waiting Period for Coverage	Exclusions
AKC Pet Insurance	Incurable conditions	Covers both curable and incurable after 365 days	365 days for pre-existing	None specified for pre-existing after waiting period
Embrace	Curable conditions	Covers curable if symptom-free for 12 months	12 months for curable	Incurable conditions (e.g., diabetes, arthritis)
Figo	Affordability	Covers cured conditions after 12 months	12 months	Not specified
Pets Best	Older pets	Covers curable if symptom-free for 180 days	180 days	Not specified
Pumpkin	High reimbursement rate	Covers curable if symptom-free for 180 days, except knee/ligament	180 days	Knee/hind leg ligaments
ASPCA	Customization	Covers curable if symptom-free for 180 days, except knee/ligament	180 days	Knee/ligament conditions
Spot	Preventative care	May cover curable if symptom-free and untreated for 180 days, except knee/ligament	180 days	Knee/ligament conditions
Lemonade	Speedy claims processing	Select conditions asymptomatic for 12 months	12 months	Not specified

Sources: CNBC Select, Embrace Pet Insurance, AKC Pet Insurance, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

What Most Pet Owners Don’t Realize (Hidden Terms & Limits)

When exploring pet insurance for pre-existing conditions, there are several hidden terms and limits that can catch pet owners off guard:

Waiting Periods: These are the times you must wait before coverage for certain conditions begins. For pre-existing conditions, waiting periods can be lengthy—365 days for AKC’s coverage of incurable conditions or 180–365 days for curable conditions with other providers. Conditions arising during this period are often deemed pre-existing and excluded.
Exclusions: Some conditions, like knee and ligament issues (e.g., cruciate ligament tears), are permanently excluded if they occur before or during the waiting period, even by providers that cover other pre-existing conditions. For example, Pumpkin and ASPCA explicitly exclude these.
Renewal Rules: Some policies may increase premiums or become non-renewable if you file multiple claims, especially for pre-existing conditions. This can affect long-term affordability.
Fine Print: Policies often require medical records or exams to verify pre-existing conditions. Bilateral conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia on one side) may exclude coverage for the opposite side if previously affected. Always read the policy details to understand these nuances.

These factors highlight why it’s critical to dig into the details before committing to a policy. Websites often gloss over these limitations, leaving pet owners surprised when claims are denied.

Tips Before You Buy (What to Ask Providers)

Before purchasing pet insurance, especially for pets with pre-existing conditions, consider these practical tips:

Ask About Pre-Existing Conditions: Specifically inquire which conditions are covered, whether curable or incurable, and under what terms. For example, ask, “Will my dog’s diabetes be covered after a waiting period?”
Check Waiting Periods: Understand the waiting periods for accidents, illnesses, and pre-existing conditions. Confirm how they apply to your pet’s specific health issues.
Review Exclusions: Ask about permanent exclusions, like knee or ligament conditions, and how they might affect your pet’s coverage.
Compare Policies: Don’t settle for the first option. Compare multiple providers to find the best fit for your pet’s needs, especially if they have a chronic illness like diabetes.
Consider Add-Ons: Some policies offer add-ons for wellness care or exam fees, which can be valuable even if pre-existing conditions are excluded. For instance, AKC offers customizable plans with wellness options.

These steps can help you avoid pitfalls and secure the best coverage for your pet.

Chart comparing pet insurers that cover pre‑existing conditions in 2025 — Pet Insurance Care Guarantee Concept

Real-Life Example: Lucy, the Golden Retriever with Diabetes

Let’s take Lucy, a 5-year-old Golden Retriever diagnosed with diabetes a year ago. Her owner, Sarah, was worried about finding pet insurance that accepts existing health problems, as diabetes is an incurable condition. After researching, Sarah found that most providers, like Embrace and Spot, wouldn’t cover Lucy’s diabetes due to its chronic nature.

However, Sarah discovered AKC Pet Insurance, which covers incurable pre-existing conditions like diabetes after 365 days of continuous coverage. She enrolled Lucy in an AKC policy, and after a year, Lucy’s diabetes-related veterinary expenses became eligible for reimbursement. This coverage gave Sarah peace of mind, ensuring Lucy could receive ongoing care without breaking the bank.

This example shows how the right provider can make a significant difference for pets with chronic illnesses, like diabetes in dogs.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right pet insurance for pre-existing conditions can feel overwhelming, but with the right information, you can make an informed decision. Not all policies are created equal, and what works for one pet might not suit another. Providers like AKC Pet Insurance offer unique coverage for incurable conditions, while others like Embrace and ASPCA focus on curable ones after a symptom-free period.

Take the time to compare policies, ask detailed questions, and read the fine print. Your pet’s health is worth the effort, and finding the right coverage can ensure they get the care they need, even with pre-existing conditions.

Call to Action

Ready to find the best pet insurance for your furry friend? Compare quotes from top providers like AKC, Embrace, and ASPCA today to ensure your pet gets the coverage they deserve, even with pre-existing conditions. Visit their websites or call for personalized quotes to start protecting your pet’s health now.

FAQs

What is considered a pre-existing condition in pet insurance?
A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or health issue your pet has before purchasing a policy or during the waiting period. Examples include allergies, broken bones, or chronic conditions like diabetes.
Do any pet insurance companies cover incurable pre-existing conditions?
Yes, AKC Pet Insurance covers incurable pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or cancer, after 365 days of continuous coverage, unlike most providers.
How long are waiting periods for pre-existing conditions?
Waiting periods vary. AKC requires 365 days for pre-existing conditions, while Embrace, Figo, and Lemonade require 12 months for curable conditions. Others, like ASPCA, Spot, and Pumpkin, require 180 days for curable conditions.
Can I get pet insurance if my pet already has a condition?
Yes, but coverage for that condition may be limited or excluded. Some providers cover curable conditions after a symptom-free period, and AKC may cover incurable ones after a year.
What should I do if my pet develops a condition during the waiting period?
Conditions developed during the waiting period are often considered pre-existing and excluded. To minimize this risk, enroll your pet in insurance early, ideally when they’re young and healthy.

Golden Retriever with diabetes—example of incurable condition covered by AKC after waiting period”

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This guide is designed to help you navigate the complex world of pet insurance for pre-existing conditions in 2025. By understanding the options, waiting periods, and exclusions, you can make the best choice for your pet’s health and happiness.