
If you're considering AKC Pet Insurance for your furry friend, one of the first things you might wonder is whether they cover pre-existing conditions.
Unfortunately, AKC Pet Insurance typically does not cover pre-existing conditions, which are conditions that your pet has been diagnosed with or is showing symptoms of before purchasing the insurance.
However, there is an exception to this rule. If you purchase a new policy within 14 days of adopting your pet, AKC Pet Insurance may consider covering pre-existing conditions that were not apparent at the time of adoption.
The key is to understand what AKC Pet Insurance considers a pre-existing condition. According to their policies, a pre-existing condition is any condition that your pet has been diagnosed with or is showing symptoms of before purchasing the insurance.
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Finding Animal Insurance
Finding animal insurance can be a challenge, especially if your pet has pre-existing conditions. You can start by looking for exceptions, as some insurers may cover conditions they consider curable if your pet has been symptom-free for a specified period, usually six or 12 months.
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It's essential to review your pet's medical history to understand what the insurance company might classify as pre-existing. This will give you a feel for what might be covered.
Enrolling your pet in a health plan early is key to avoiding existing issues. The sooner you sign up, the less likely they are to have pre-existing conditions.
Some pet insurance companies, like AKC, cover all pre-existing conditions once you've had continuous coverage for a year, even if they're incurable. This can be a game-changer for pet owners with pets that have ongoing medical needs.
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Pre-Existing Condition Coverage
AKC Pet Insurance is one of the few major pet insurance companies that offers coverage for pre-existing conditions. However, this coverage comes with a 365-day waiting period after continuous coverage, during which no claims can be made for treatments associated with the pre-existing condition.
To be eligible for coverage, your pet must have had a policy with AKC Pet Insurance for a full policy term (365 days) with continuous coverage. After this period, claims for your pet's pre-existing condition may be eligible.
Some examples of pre-existing conditions that may be covered by AKC Pet Insurance include allergies, UTIs, chronic ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues. These conditions can be claimed after the 365-day waiting period, but not during the first year of coverage.
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Companies Covering Pre-Existing Conditions
AKC Pet Insurance is the first and only major pet insurance company to offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company.
If your pet has had a policy with AKC for a full policy term (365 days) with continuous coverage, after policy renewal, your pet will have satisfied the exclusion period for pre-existing coverage.
Some pet insurance companies do cover pre-existing conditions, but the rules vary. For example, Embrace and Figo cover curable pre-existing conditions if your pet has been symptom-free for 12 months.
Nationwide covers pre-existing conditions if they are curable, but you'll need to wait 6 months symptom-free before claims are eligible.
Here's a breakdown of some popular pet insurance companies and their pre-existing condition coverage:
Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of any pet insurance policy before purchasing.
Coverage for Conditions
AKC Pet Insurance is a standout in the pet insurance industry, offering coverage for pre-existing conditions. They're the only major pet insurance company to do so, underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company.
Most pet insurance companies, however, won't cover pre-existing conditions, which are illnesses or injuries that occurred before you bought your pet's policy or during your waiting period.
Some pet insurance companies differentiate between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions. While incurable conditions are rarely covered, some insurance companies may cover curable ones after the pet has been symptom-free for a specific period.
Curable conditions that may be covered by some pet insurance companies include allergies, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, chronic kidney disease, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and heart disease.
If your pet has a hereditary or congenital condition, many pet insurance policies will cover it as long as your pet hasnāt shown symptoms before coverage begins. However, others may have limitations or extra charges.
To be eligible for coverage of a pre-existing condition with AKC Pet Insurance, your pet must have had a policy with them for a full policy term (365 days) with continuous coverage. This means claims for treatments that occurred during the first policy term won't be eligible, but claims for the same condition may be considered eligible after the policy renewal.
Here are some examples of conditions that may be covered by AKC Pet Insurance:
- Allergies
- UTIs
- Chronic ear infections
- Gastrointestinal issues
Condition Coverage Terms
AKC Pet Insurance offers a unique feature that sets it apart from other pet insurance companies: coverage for pre-existing conditions. This includes both curable and incurable conditions, as long as your pet has been insured for 365 consecutive days.
The waiting period for AKC pet insurance is 365 days, during which time you'll need to pay for any treatment related to pre-existing conditions yourself. However, after this period, AKC will cover these conditions in many states.
Here's a brief overview of how AKC's pre-existing condition coverage works:
Note that AKC's 365-day waiting period is the longest among the pet insurance companies listed, but it's a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your pet is covered for pre-existing conditions.
AKC Waiting Periods
AKC waiting periods are a crucial aspect of understanding condition coverage terms. The length of waiting periods can vary depending on the state you live in and conditions your pet may have, such as pre-existing conditions.
With AKC Pet Insurance, the waiting period is specified in each policy and starts on the day the policy or policy upgrade begins. This means you'll have to wait before some or all of your coverage begins.
The waiting period for pre-existing conditions is 365 days, after which coverage begins and you can file claims for conditions that existed before you took out the coverage. During this first year, no claims can be made for any treatment associated with that pre-existing condition.
A 180-day waiting period applies to conditions like anterior cruciate ligament injury and IVDD (intervertebral disc disease). This means you'll have to wait 180 days before filing claims for these conditions.
Here's a summary of AKC waiting periods:
Waiting periods do not apply to annual renewals unless there is a gap in coverage. This means you can renew your policy without waiting for the waiting period to end.
Curable vs. Incurable Diseases

Curable pre-existing conditions can heal completely with treatment. Some insurers will cover curable conditions if your pet remains symptom-free for a set amount of time, often six to 12 months.
Examples of curable pre-existing conditions include respiratory infections, urinary tract or bladder infections, vomiting and diarrhea (non-chronic), broken bones, cuts and bruises, and kennel cough.
Incurable pre-existing conditions, on the other hand, are those that your pet will have for a lifetime. These include chronic diseases or conditions with no known cure.
Insurance policies typically don't cover incurable conditions if they're present before the policy starts or during a waiting period.
Some examples of incurable pre-existing conditions include allergies, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, chronic kidney disease, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and heart disease.
Here's a comparison of curable and incurable pre-existing conditions:
Condition Types and Coverage
AKC Pet Insurance offers unique coverage for pre-existing conditions, including curable ones. They cover conditions like allergies, UTIs, chronic ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues.
Some pet insurance companies differentiate between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions. If your pet has a condition like cancer, diabetes, arthritis, chronic kidney disease, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, or heart disease, you may not be covered.
Hereditary and congenital conditions, such as Addison's disease, elbow dysplasia, or hypothyroidism, may be covered by some pet insurance policies. However, there may be limitations or extra charges.
Pre-existing conditions can be defined as any illness or injury that occurred, reoccurred, existed, or showed symptoms prior to enrollment or during the waiting period. Gaps in coverage can also cause a condition to be pre-existing.
To be eligible for coverage, your pet must have been symptom-free for a specific period, which can vary depending on the insurance company.
Here are some examples of pre-existing conditions that may be covered by AKC Pet Insurance:
- Allergies
- UTIs
- Chronic ear infections
- Gastrointestinal issues
Note that conditions like cancer, diabetes, arthritis, chronic kidney disease, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, or heart disease may not be covered by AKC Pet Insurance.
Insurance Considerations
Insurance providers have varying rules for handling pre-existing conditions, so it's essential to read the policy's fine print and ask questions if you're unsure about your pet's coverage.
Insurers will often ask for your pet's medical history or veterinary records when you apply for a policy, which can provide insight into any pre-existing conditions.
You can request a medical history review from some insurers, which gives you a full breakdown of what will be considered "pre-existing" for your pet.
This review can also tell you which of your pet's issues might be covered after a symptom-free period, depending on the insurer's rules.
If the medical history is unclear, insurers might require a veterinary examination to determine the extent of the pre-existing condition.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does AKC Pet Insurance cover illness?
Yes, AKC Pet Insurance's Accident & Illness plans cover a wide range of illnesses, including some commonly excluded conditions, after a 12-month waiting period. Coverage details and exclusions can be found on their website.
What is considered a pre-existing condition for insurance?
A pre-existing condition is a health issue that existed before applying for or enrolling in a new health insurance policy, as defined by the insurer. Examples include conditions like heart disease, cancer, and others that may have been diagnosed or treated before purchasing insurance.
How long is the waiting period for AKC Pet Insurance?
Waiting periods for AKC Pet Insurance vary: 2 days for accidents, 180 days for cruciate ligament conditions, and 365 days for pre-existing conditions. Review our policy details for more information on coverage and waiting periods.
Sources
- https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/blog/are-preexisting-conditions-covered
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/pet-insurance-pre-existing-conditions
- https://insurance.petplace.com/akc-pet-insurance/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/pre-existing-condition-world-pet-insurance/
- https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/plans/compare-coverage
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