
If your pet has already been injured or had an accident, getting pet insurance might seem like a daunting task.
Some pet insurance companies have pre-existing condition exclusions that can make it difficult to get coverage for your pet's existing injury or illness.
You can still shop around and compare different pet insurance plans to find one that meets your needs.
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Getting Pet Insurance After Injury
You can get pet insurance after an injury, but the timing and cost may vary depending on the type and severity of the injury.
Typically, pet insurance companies will cover injuries that occur after the policy is purchased, but some may have a waiting period before coverage begins.
The waiting period can range from a few days to several weeks, so it's essential to check your policy documents to understand what's covered and when.
In some cases, pet insurance may not cover pre-existing conditions, including injuries that occurred before the policy was purchased.
Even with a pre-existing condition, you may still be able to get pet insurance, but the coverage may be limited or have higher premiums.
Some pet insurance companies offer accident-only policies that cover injuries, but not illnesses or chronic conditions.
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Understanding Pet Insurance Coverage
You can get pet insurance after a diagnosis, but the policy will likely exclude coverage for the pre-existing condition.
Pet insurance usually covers vet bills for unexpected accidents and illnesses, including burns, lacerations, bite wounds, and other kinds of physical injuries.
Accident-only plans are a type of pet insurance that excludes coverage for illnesses, so it's essential to choose a plan that fits your pet's needs.
Many pet insurance providers offer an accident and illness plan that covers some conditions requiring ongoing care.
Routine care services like vaccinations and check-ups can be covered with an optional wellness add-on.
Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded from pet insurance coverage, but future unexpected accidents or illnesses can still be covered.
Pet Insurance Costs and Waiting Periods
Pet insurance costs can be a significant expense, especially for emergency vet care, which can cost two to three times more than your usual vet bill.
The cost of your premium will depend on your plan, where you live, and the species, breed, and age of your pet. Other factors that impact your premium include the reimbursement percentage, annual deductible, and annual coverage limit you select.
Emergency vet care can be a financial burden, but having the right pet insurance plan can help alleviate some of that stress.
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What Pets Consider Pre-Existing Conditions
A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury that shows signs of manifesting prior to getting a policy and before the end of the policy’s waiting period, including undiagnosed issues.
If your pet has a pre-existing condition like a broken bone or foreign object ingestion, it may be covered in the future if they've gone 180 days symptom and treatment-free, with some pet insurance plans.
Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered by pet insurance, but you can still purchase a policy after a diagnosis.
Vet bills for cured and curable conditions like broken bones may be covered in the future with certain pet insurance plans, but ligament and knee conditions are not included.
You can get pet insurance after a diagnosis, but the policy will likely exclude coverage for the pre-existing condition.
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Cost of Accidents and Emergency Care
Accidents and emergency care for pets can be extremely costly, with emergency vet bills ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
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Emergency vet care for accidents and injuries can cost two to three times more than your usual vet bill, making it difficult to afford without insurance.
A typical emergency vet bill can hit hard, especially if you're not prepared for the unexpected costs, which can range from $565 for trauma to over $1,921 for foreign body ingestion.
By choosing accident pet insurance, you can protect your pet's future and your financial peace of mind, knowing that unexpected vet bills won't break the bank.
The cost of pet insurance for accidents and emergency care will depend on your plan, where you live, and your pet's species, breed, and age, among other factors.
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Waiting Periods?
Waiting periods are an essential aspect of pet insurance to consider. They're the time frame between when you purchase a policy and when your insurance kicks in, covering your pet's medical expenses.
The waiting period for illnesses is 14 days, which means if your pet falls ill within this timeframe, you'll need to cover the costs yourself. After 14 days, your insurance will start covering eligible expenses.
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Accidents, on the other hand, have a shorter waiting period of just 2 days. This means if your pet gets injured, you'll have a shorter window before your insurance starts covering the costs.
Some conditions, however, have a longer waiting period. Specifically, IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) and cruciate ligament related conditions have a waiting period of 180 days. This is something to keep in mind if your pet has a pre-existing condition in this area.
Here's a quick summary of the waiting periods:
- Illnesses: 14 days
- Accidents: 2 days
- IVDD and cruciate ligament related conditions: 180 days
Specific Insurance Plans and Options
If you're looking for pet insurance after an injury, you have several options to consider.
You can choose from two main types of pet insurance plans: accident-only plans and comprehensive plans.
Accident-only plans cover injuries and accidents, but not illnesses or preventative care.
Comprehensive plans, on the other hand, cover accidents, illnesses, and preventative care.
Some pet insurance companies offer a "wellness rider" that covers preventative care, such as vaccinations and dental cleanings.
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This can be a great option if you want to ensure your pet stays healthy and prevent costly vet visits down the line.
Some popular pet insurance companies that offer comprehensive plans include Nationwide and Trupanion.
Nationwide offers a "Wellness Program" that covers preventative care, while Trupanion offers a "Plus Plan" that covers accidents, illnesses, and preventative care.
It's worth noting that some pet insurance companies may have a waiting period before you can start coverage for pre-existing conditions.
This can range from 2-14 days, depending on the company and the policy.
It's essential to read the fine print and understand the waiting period before choosing a policy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a time limit to claim pet insurance?
Yes, there is a 90-day time limit to submit claims for pet insurance. Be sure to include your paid vet bill and pet's medical record with your submission
Can you buy pet insurance after diagnosis?
You can buy pet insurance at any time, but recent diagnoses may be considered pre-existing conditions by the insurance provider. Buying insurance after diagnosis may not cover the condition, so it's essential to review policy details carefully.
Can you get pet insurance later?
Yes, you can get pet insurance at any time, but some companies may not cover senior pets or have age limits. Most companies require an initial exam or vet records to ensure they don't cover pre-existing conditions.
Sources
- https://spotpet.com/does-pet-insurance-cover-pre-existing-conditions
- https://getodie.com/blog/are-all-accidents-covered-by-accident-only-pet-insurance/
- https://www.petpartners.com/our-plans/accident-illness
- https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/research-and-compare/pet-insurance-basics/accident-only-pet-insurance/
- https://www.petinsurance.com/whats-covered/accident-only-pet-insurance/
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