Can Pets With Pre-Existing Conditions Get Insurance in 2025?
Pet owners often face a frustrating reality: by the time they consider pet insurance, their dog or cat may already have a diagnosis—arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, or even cancer. So the big question is: can pets with pre-existing conditions still get insurance in 2025? And if so, what are the real limitations?
Let’s unpack the data, policies, and industry practices across the U.S. and other Western markets based on the latest developments in 2025.
What Qualifies as a Pre-Existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition typically refers to any health issue your pet showed symptoms of, was diagnosed with, or received treatment for before your insurance policy starts.
| Type of Condition | Example | Usually Covered? |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic Conditions | Diabetes, allergies, arthritis | ❌ No |
| Curable Conditions | Ear infections, diarrhea, UTIs | ✅ Sometimes (with wait period) |
| Congenital/Hereditary | Hip dysplasia, heart defects | ❌ Rarely covered unless early enrollment |
Some insurers distinguish between chronic and curable conditions. Curable illnesses may be insurable if your pet goes symptom-free for a period (e.g. 6-12 months), but chronic and hereditary diseases are typically excluded.
Top U.S. Pet Insurers’ Policies in 2025
Let’s compare how different major insurers handle pets with pre-existing conditions:
| Insurance Provider | Covers Chronic Illness? | Covers Curable Conditions? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy Paws | ❌ | ✅ After 12 months symptom-free | No routine care coverage |
| Trupanion | ❌ | ❌ | Strictest underwriting |
| ASPCA | ❌ | ✅ After 180 days symptom-free | More flexible than others |
| Figo | ❌ | ✅ With 1-year symptom-free clause | Offers wellness add-ons |
| Spot | ❌ | ✅ With documentation | Known for easier claims |
Most pet insurers still won’t cover existing chronic issues. But some, like ASPCA and Figo, allow curable conditions back in with time and documentation.
Can You Still Insure a Chronically Ill Pet?
Yes—but with caveats.
Even if the condition itself won’t be covered, insurance can still help pay for unrelated future health issues. For instance:
If your cat has diagnosed kidney disease (not covered), but later gets cancer (unrelated), the cancer treatment can be covered—as long as it’s not linked to the pre-existing condition.
So while it’s not ideal, getting a policy now still protects against future illnesses or injuries.
Real-World Scenarios
- Case 1: A 6-year-old labrador diagnosed with arthritis. After policy enrollment, arthritis isn’t covered—but future unrelated conditions (like ACL tears or cancer) are.
- Case 2: A cat had recurring ear infections, but no symptoms for 14 months. Under ASPCA’s policy, ear infections may be insurable again.
- Case 3: A rescue dog with no known history. Most insurers treat it as a “clean slate” if no symptoms are observed at enrollment.
These nuances can mean thousands of dollars saved—or lost—depending on what you disclose and when you apply.
What About Pet Insurance for Senior Pets?
By 2025, several insurers have no upper age limits for enrollment, but premiums rise steeply after age 7. Pre-existing conditions become more common with age, so if you’re insuring a senior dog or cat:
- Get vet records ready
- Expect exclusions
- Choose a policy that allows curable condition reviews
Figo and Spot are considered more age-tolerant, while Trupanion tends to be stricter.
How to Increase the Chance of Getting Covered
Here are 4 actionable steps:
- Request a medical review from the insurer before enrollment—some offer a preliminary coverage decision.
- Ask about curable condition waivers after symptom-free periods.
- Disclose fully—withholding info can void claims.
- Bundle with wellness plans—some costs (vaccines, bloodwork) may still be reimbursable.
FAQ
Q: Can I lie about a pre-existing condition?
A: No. Misrepresentation can void your entire policy and deny future claims.
Q: What if I don’t know my pet’s full history?
A: Rescue pets often lack records. In such cases, insurers rely on a “first symptoms after enrollment” rule.
Q: Are there any companies that cover pre-existing conditions fully?
A: Not as of 2025. Some startups are experimenting with case-by-case pricing, but no major U.S. insurer offers full chronic condition coverage at this time.
Final Thought
While you can’t fully insure pets with pre-existing conditions in the traditional sense, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Many plans in 2025 allow for partial protection, curable condition exceptions, and future illness coverage. The key is transparency, timing, and finding a plan that fits your pet’s future—not just their past.
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