Pet insurance providers view pre-existing conditions as any injury or illness which occurs before coverage starts or during a waiting period, and will reject coverage if your pet is currently injured or ill. This can leave you responsible for any vet bills unless there is a policy in place.
Fortunately, even with a pre-existing condition, you can still obtain pet insurance and get coverage for issues not related to the pre-existing condition. Here are some tips on how you can do just that.
Be proactive
As a pet owner, you should take care of any injury or illness as soon as possible so it doesn’t worsen, resulting in expensive vet bills. Taking proper precautions can also help prevent additional problems due to the condition. Your insurer may deny a claim if your pet isn’t kept up-to-date with vaccinations according to your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Compare policies
When looking at pet insurance options, compare the obvious factors like monthly price, deductible, and waiting periods, but also look at age factors, as some plans reduce coverage as your pet gets older. Make sure you’re selecting an insurer who will be a partner for life – switching insurers later could result in claims from your previous provider being treated as pre-existing by the new provider, and therefore won’t be covered.
Buy early on
Owners with pets who have pre-existing conditions should buy pet insurance early on. By doing so, they can guarantee that their pet qualifies for coverage and will not be subject to additional costs related to pre-existing conditions. MetLife Pet Insurance offers accident coverage right away, letting you customize deductible and reimbursement rates. Ensure that you read customer reviews on sites such as TrustPilot first to get an idea of the level of satisfaction customers have experienced.
Overall, pet insurance can save you a lot of money when the unexpected happens, but keep in mind that pre-existing conditions aren’t generally eligible for coverage. Start by getting a free quote now, and make sure you consider the following points:
- Be proactive and take care of any injuries/illness immediately
- Keep up to date with your pet’s vaccinations
- Compare pet insurance policies carefully
- Buy pet insurance early on to guarantee eligibility
By taking these steps and understanding what pre-existing conditions mean for your pet insurance policy, you can ensure your pet is always taken care of without breaking the bank. At the end of the day, your goal should be to get the best coverage while minimizing costs, and with the right policy, this should be entirely achievable by 2023.
