Pet insurance can help cover the costs of taking care of your furry friend, but keep in mind that there are exclusions, restrictions, and conditions that might not be included based on the type of policy you choose. For instance, most plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions. Some rules apply to all pets, while others are specific to certain breeds or species. So, What Does Pet Insurance Not Include?
Typical Expenses That Pet Insurance Doesn’t Cover
When you’re looking into pet insurance, it’s super important to check out the list of exclusions before you sign anything. You can usually find these exclusions on the insurance company’s website, and they often have more items listed than what’s actually covered. You can read What’s Included in Pet Insurance Coverage? if you want.
Here are a few of the typical exclusions you might see in pet insurance policies.
Waiting Period
Most pet insurance plans come with a waiting period, typically lasting between 10 to 30 days, where you won’t have any coverage. However, you might be able to access optional wellness benefits right away. Plus, keep in mind that once the waiting period ends, any issues that started during that time won’t be covered either.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
A typical exclusion is for pre-existing medical issues. Any health problems your pet had before the policy kicks in usually won’t be covered. This rule also applies if you cancel one policy and get a new one. That said, some insurance companies might cover a condition after it’s been “cured” for a specific amount of time, but that timeframe can differ based on the insurer’s rules.
Pregnancy and/or Birth
Many pet insurance plans cover complications that can arise during a pet’s pregnancy, but most companies typically exclude pregnancy itself. This means if your pet gets pregnant, you’ll probably be on the hook for any related expenses.
Death of a Pet
When a pet passes away, expenses like euthanasia, cremation, or burial aren’t always part of a pet life insurance plan. Some insurers might cover things like euthanasia or end-of-life care under their accident and illness policies. Additionally, a wellness policy from certain companies might help with costs for cremation or memorial items.
Bilateral Condition
A bilateral condition refers to an issue that can affect both sides of your pet’s body, like hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament problems, or cataracts. Generally, these conditions are covered by insurance unless your pet has already experienced the issue on one side. If that’s the case, it won’t be covered.
Preventable Diseases
If you don’t get your pet vaccinated against preventable diseases like canine influenza, kennel cough, giardia, and parvovirus, and they end up getting sick, you probably won’t be covered for the treatment costs.
Breed Exclusion
Certain dog and cat breeds are more likely to develop specific health issues like diabetes or ligament injuries, and insurance companies often exclude these conditions based on the breed. For instance, a provider might not cover degenerative myelopathy for breeds like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers.
Age Exclusion
Insurance companies might not cover pets that they think are either too young or too old. For instance, they often won’t insure pets younger than eight weeks, and they might also have age limits for older pets based on their species and breed. Plus, if they do offer coverage for older pets, you can expect the premiums to be significantly higher as the pet ages.
Elective Procedures
A lot of elective procedures, especially cosmetic ones, usually aren’t covered by pet insurance. This includes things like anal gland expression, tail docking, ear cropping, nail trimming, declawing cats, and removing dewclaws.
Alternative Services Outside of Veterinary Care
Certain procedures or activities that aren’t typically linked to veterinary services or standard care aren’t included. This covers things like waste disposal, food, nutritional supplements, boarding, transportation, grooming, and bathing. Additionally, services like behavioral training or experimental treatments are also not covered. Now, Bottom Line of What Does Pet Insurance Not Include.
Conclusion
Different kinds of pet insurance cover various expenses. It’s just as crucial to know what isn’t covered by a policy as it is to know what is. When you’re on the hunt for a pet insurance plan that fits your needs, start by figuring out which costs you want it to cover, like those for injuries or regular check-ups. It’s the end of “What Does Pet Insurance Not Include?” article, thank you for reading.