Which Pet Insurance Covers Pre-existing Conditions?
- Injuries, illnesses, dental illnesses
- Veterinary fees
- Surgeries and emergency care
- Cancer treatment
- Advertising/rewards for lost or stolen pets
- Injuries, illnesses, dental illnesses
- Veterinary fees
- Surgeries and emergency care
- Cancer treatment
- Advertising/rewards for lost or stolen pets
Fetch Pet Insurance offers a single, comprehensive plan tailored for pet owners who want extensive yet flexible coverage. With annual limit options of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 and customizable reimbursement rates (70%, 80%, or 90%), Fetch allows pet parents to find a plan that fits their budget. The plan covers accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and advanced treatments, although there is no unlimited coverage tier. Deductibles range from $300 to $700 and are age-based, offering some adaptability based on your pet’s needs.
What sets Fetch apart is its inclusive dental coverage for all teeth and gum disease—something many other providers overlook. The plan also includes alternative therapies like acupuncture and behavioural treatments, as well as sick-visit exam fees, which are often excluded by competitors. Additional perks include lost pet advertising, boarding fees during the owner's hospitalization, and a wellness add-on for routine care. Fetch also offers a Healthy Pet Credit, lowering premiums by up to 30% after two claim-free years. However, there’s no option for direct vet payment—claims must be paid out-of-pocket first.
Fetch does have some drawbacks. It doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, prescription food, or late claims (over 90 days). A six-month waiting period applies to hip and knee issues, though this can be waived with a timely vet exam. It’s also unavailable in New Brunswick and Quebec. Still, for pet owners looking for generous dental and therapeutic coverage with flexible plan design, Fetch is a top-tier contender.
Ideal Profile: Best for pet owners looking for comprehensive accident, illness, and dental coverage, with flexible reimbursement and deductible options. Especially recommended for younger pets who are more prone to accidents and illnesses—getting coverage early can help secure lower premiums and ensure broad eligibility for care.
- Comprehensive accident and illness coverage
- Extensive dental coverage (includes all teeth and gum disease)
- Covers alternative therapies (acupuncture, chiropractic care, behavioural therapy)
- Sick-visit exam fees included (saves $50–$250 per visit)
- Flexible reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, or 90%
- Annual limits of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000
- No upper age limit for pet enrollment
- Healthy Pet Credit: Up to 30% off premiums with no claims for two years
- No unlimited coverage option
- No direct vet payment (must pay upfront and get reimbursed)
- Not available in New Brunswick or Quebec
- Routine wellness care requires an additional add-on
- No per-incident or lifetime caps
- Injuries, Illnesses & Wellness Care
- Next-Day Accident Coverage
- Microchipped Pet Discount Available
- Up to 15% Multi-Pet Discount Available
- No per-incident or lifetime caps
- Injuries, Illnesses & Wellness Care
- Next-Day Accident Coverage
- Microchipped Pet Discount Available
- Up to 15% Multi-Pet Discount Available
Spot Pet Insurance offers flexible, affordable coverage with two main plans: Accident & Illness and Accident-Only. Annual coverage ranges from $5,000 to unlimited, with reimbursement rates of 70% to 90% and low deductibles starting at $100 (age-based). Unlike many competitors, Spot includes behavioural treatments and pet owner assistance in its standard plans. While dental illnesses aren’t covered by default, optional wellness add-ons can provide preventive and dental care.
Spot’s Accident & Illness plan covers vet exams, diagnostics, surgeries, hospital stays, hereditary issues, and alternative therapies. A standout feature is its next-day accident coverage—much faster than most providers. Spot also offers a 5% discount for microchipped pets, a 5% multi-pet discount for two pets, and 10% for three or more. However, it does not include a 24/7 vet helpline, which some competitors now offer.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Dental illness coverage requires an upgrade. Spot Pet Insurance is also not available in Quebec. Still, with its fast accident coverage, customizable plans, and multiple discounts, Spot is a great fit for pet owners seeking flexible, budget-conscious insurance.
Ideal Profile: Best for pet owners looking for customizable accident & illness coverage with flexible reimbursement options. Ideal for those who want quick accident coverage, lower deductibles, and discounts for multiple pets or microchipped pets. Especially recommended for younger pets, who are more prone to accidents and can benefit from fast coverage.
- Multiple annual coverage options, including unlimited coverage
- Covers alternative therapies and behavioural issues in standard plans
- Next-day accident coverage (shorter waiting periods than most providers)
- Lower deductibles ($100-$300) compared to some competitors
- Multi-pet discount (5% for two pets, 10% for three or more)
- 5% discount for microchipped pets
- Optional wellness add-ons for routine and preventive care
- Highly positive customer reviews for claim processing and affordability
- Age-based deductibles and reimbursement rates increase as pets age
- No 24/7 vet helpline
- Not available in Quebec
- No dental illness coverage in standard plans (requires add-on)
- Accidents and illnesses
- Exam fees and taxes
- Hereditary conditions
- Multi-pet discount
- Accidents and illnesses
- Exam fees and taxes
- Hereditary conditions
- Multi-pet discount
Pets Plus Us offers two main plans: Accident & Illness and Accident Only—making it one of the few Canadian insurers with an accident-only option. The Accident & Illness plan comes with annual coverage limits of $7,500 or $15,000 and customizable reimbursement rates (70%, 80%, or 90%), while the Accident Only plan offers a fixed $5,000 limit and 80% reimbursement. Deductibles are age-based, starting at $100 and increasing with the pet’s age.
Coverage includes hereditary conditions, diagnostics, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, behavioural therapy, and alternative treatments like acupuncture. Both plans include extra benefits like boarding fees, trip cancellation, and end-of-life expenses. Blue Ribbon Benefits add value with 24/7 vet access, poison control, and grief counselling.
Pets Plus Us stands out with its 4Life Guarantee, which ensures lifelong coverage as long as the policy stays active, and there are no breed exclusions. However, it doesn’t cover dental care, pre-existing conditions, or preventive treatments, and lacks an unlimited coverage option.
Ideal Profile: Best for pet owners looking for customizable coverage with strong accident and illness protection. The Accident & Illness plan is ideal for those wanting comprehensive care, while the Accident Only plan is a budget-friendly alternative perfect for younger and active pets. A great fit for those seeking lifetime coverage with no breed restrictions.
- Two customizable annual limits: $7,500 or $15,000
- Accident-only plan available for budget-conscious pet owners
- Reimbursement options of 70%, 80%, or 90% for Accident & Illness
- Covers hereditary and congenital conditions
- Alternative therapies and behavioral therapy included
- $1,000 in additional benefits per incident for trip cancellations, boarding, lost pet advertising, and end-of-life costs
- 4Life Guarantee ensures lifetime renewability
- No breed exclusions
- No unlimited coverage option
- Dental care and routine wellness treatments not covered
- Pre-existing conditions are excluded
- Deductible increases with pet’s age
- Care and intervention
- Diseases and accidents
- Advertising/reward for a lost or stolen pet
- Direct payment by veterinarians at participating veterinary hospitals
- Care and intervention
- Diseases and accidents
- Advertising/reward for a lost or stolen pet
- Direct payment by veterinarians at participating veterinary hospitals
Trupanion Canada offers a simple yet robust pet insurance plan with 90% reimbursement and no payout limits—making it one of the few providers with truly unlimited coverage. Instead of annual deductibles, it uses a per-condition lifetime deductible, so you only pay once per issue, no matter how long treatment continues. Coverage begins after a 5-day waiting period for accidents and 30 days for illnesses.
The core plan includes diagnostics, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and hereditary conditions. Trupanion Pet Insurance’s standout feature is its Vet Direct Pay system, allowing the insurer to pay your vet directly at checkout (at participating clinics), avoiding out-of-pocket costs. Optional add-ons cover alternative therapies and lost pet support.
While Trupanion Canada offers excellent long-term value for pets with chronic conditions, it doesn’t cover exam fees or routine care. Premiums are generally higher, but the unlimited coverage and direct vet payment make it a strong option for owners seeking dependable, lifetime protection.
Ideal Profile: Best for pets with chronic or hereditary conditions, especially if you're worried about long-term treatment costs. A solid choice for owners who want predictable costs and peace of mind, particularly for breeds prone to specific health issues. Not ideal if you're looking for coverage on routine checkups or want to customize reimbursement levels.
- 90% reimbursement
- No annual or lifetime payout caps
- Lifetime per-condition deductible is ideal for chronic conditions
- Option to pay vets directly at checkout
- Covers congenital and hereditary conditions
- Fast claims processing
- No coverage for exam fees or wellness/routine care
- Higher premiums compared to other providers
- Limited customization
- Not ideal for owners seeking coverage for preventative care
- Illness and accidents
- Dental care included
- Behavioural therapy
- Exams fees
- Illness and accidents
- Dental care included
- Behavioural therapy
- Exams fees
PHI Direct offers a simple, affordable pet insurance plan with two annual coverage limit options: $5,000 or $10,000. It features 80% reimbursement and a low $200 annual deductible, making it an accessible choice for budget-conscious pet owners. What makes PHI Direct unique is its “New-Condition Coverage” model—any condition treated during the policy year is considered pre-existing the following year, which helps keep premiums low but limits long-term coverage for recurring or chronic conditions.
The plan covers a broad range of treatments, including accidents, illnesses, surgeries, hospitalization, prescriptions, diagnostics, and even alternative therapies like acupuncture and physiotherapy. Exam fees and taxes are also covered, and 24/7 telehealth access is included for added convenience. Pets can be enrolled from 7 weeks up to 14 years old, and a 5% multi-pet discount is available. However, PHI Direct doesn’t cover routine dental care, wellness services, bilateral conditions, or ongoing treatment for issues from a prior policy year.
PHI Direct is best suited for young, healthy pets whose owners want low-cost protection against new accidents and illnesses. Its streamlined, no-frills model offers solid short-term value, but it's not ideal for pets with ongoing medical needs or those prone to chronic conditions.
Ideal Profile: Best for young, healthy pets or pet owners looking for affordable accident and illness coverage without ongoing treatment needs. The low-cost premiums and straightforward policy make it a good option for budget-conscious pet parents. Not suitable for pets with chronic conditions, as prior-year treatments are excluded from future coverage.
- Two affordable annual coverage options: $5,000 or $10,000
- Low $200 deductible, making claims reimbursement quicker
- Exam fees, taxes, and alternative therapies included
- 24/7 Telehealth support for quick pet health consultations
- 5% multi-pet discount for households with multiple pets
- Keeps premiums lower over time with the New-Condition model
- New-Condition Coverage model means conditions covered one year are excluded the next
- No coverage for pre-existing conditions, wellness care, or preventive treatments
- Bilateral conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament issues) are not covered
- Not ideal for pets with chronic illnesses requiring long-term treatment
Navigating pet insurance can be a daunting task, especially regarding pre-existing conditions—an area that can leave pet owners feeling financially vulnerable. But here's a secret: even if your furry friend has a pre-existing condition, there are ways pet insurance can work for you.
Confused? We'll show you how. So buckle up as we take you through a comprehensive guide on pre-existing conditions, how insurers determine them, and unveil the providers who cover these ailments. This guide will empower you to make informed decisions and discover the true possibilities of pet insurance no matter what your pet's medical history may be.
Pet Insurance pre-existing conditions: Key takeaways
- Most pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions.
- Insurance providers often require a vet examination before determining coverage.
- Curable pre-existing conditions may be covered if sufficient time has passed without symptoms.
- Insuring pets while young increases the chances of coverage for future health issues.
- Pet owners should compare policies on pre-existing conditions before making a decision.
What are pre-existing conditions?
Generally speaking, pre-existing conditions are any health problems that a vet diagnosed as occurring, existing temporarily or showing symptoms before the beginning of coverage, including the waiting period after signing the insurance policy.
Insurance providers commonly request and review a pet’s medical history before specifying the monthly premium that you’ll have to pay and what pre-existing conditions aren’t covered.
Usually, at this stage, pet insurance providers request a full examination of your pet by a vet, so even if your pet has never been to the vet, you’ll have to take them before purchasing pet insurance.
If you are looking for pet insurance to cover pre-existing conditions such as an injury or an illness, you must first understand the three broad categories insurers use to classify medical conditions: curable conditions, incurable (chronic) conditions and bilateral injuries.
Curable Pre-existing Conditions
If your pet had a medical issue that was resolved, many insurers will still insure that condition, as long as enough time has passed without any resurfacing symptoms. The waiting period for curable conditions, often called temporary exclusion, varies from insurer to insurer.
For example, Fetch pet insurance protects your pet against a curable condition as long as they have no symptoms for 12 months after signing the policy. The cured, pre-existing condition is then covered moving forward.
Here are some examples of common, curable pre-existing conditions:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and bladder infections
- Ear infections
- Kennel cough and other respiratory infections
- Vomiting, diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal issues
Incurable Pre-existing Conditions
If a pre-existing condition is deemed chronic (incurable), insurers will not cover it because of the likelihood of recurrence. Such conditions often need several visits to the vet, continued medication and even surgery, which is why they are excluded from coverage.
Expert advice
Insuring your pets while they are still young and healthy increases your chances of them being covered for any health issue that may arise later!
The pre-existing conditions that pet insurances consider incurable include:
- Allergies
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Heart Disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Organ diseases
- Orthopedic conditions
- Epilepsy
- Kidney disease
Bilateral Conditions
Bilateral conditions are any illness or injury that can affect both sides of the body, for example, knee joint issues can happen to each knee separately. Many insurance companies consider bilateral conditions as pre-existing and likely to reoccur, so they do not cover them.
If your pet has a health problem that occurs on one side of their body, it will not be covered if it emerges on the other side of their body. Problems with joints, such as hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament tears are examples of bilateral conditions that lead to exclusions in insurance policies.
However, if your pet experiences a bilateral condition for the first time after coverage starts then that issue (and any related issue after that) will be covered.
You could use our comparator below to get a quick quote on the best pet insurance and also see if they cover pre-existing conditions:
Compare the best pet insurance plans on the market!
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
The overwhelming majority of companies, be it the best pet insurances in Ontario or the top providers in BC, do not cover pre-existing conditions. Some insurers even fail to cover hereditary or congenital conditions.
Even if your pet wasn’t formally diagnosed by a vet, the insurance company may still refuse to cover them if they had symptoms or signs of a condition before the start of coverage.
For example
Jess is a French Bulldog whose owner recently purchased pet insurance. Before coverage began, Jess started to shake her head every once in a while as though something was bothering her. It got worse over time, and her owner finally decided to take her to the vet. She was diagnosed with an ear infection, but the insurance company considered the condition pre-existing due to the early symptom, so Jess’s owner had to pay for treatment out of pocket.
Considering that the cost of owning a dog or cat is quite significant, your pet should be insured as early as possible to ensure maximum protection.
However, a pre-existing health issue does not mean your pet cannot have pet insurance. Finding pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions might be difficult, but it’s not impossible.
Watch out!
Most pet insurance policies have a waiting period between signing the contract and the actual start of coverage. If your pet suffers an injury or gets sick during the waiting period, it is considered pre-existing and is therefore not covered.
What pet insurance covers pre-existing conditions?
The difficult reality is that most pet insurers do not cover any injuries or illnesses that occurred before the beginning of a policy. Pet insurance does not cover chronic (incurable) conditions that the pet already has before the coverage starts. Conditions such as allergies, cancer, diabetes and hip dysplasia are examples of chronic conditions that most insurance companies will not cover.
However, some pet insurance companies cover curable pre-existing conditions as long as enough time has passed without symptoms or need for treatment. These could be infections, vomiting and diarrhea.
For example, CAA and OVMA pet insurance both allow you to review a curable condition exclusion as long as your pet is symptom-free for 6 months to a year, depending on the condition. For similar conditions, Fetch requires your pet to be symptom-free for 12 months after you purchase the policy.
Expert advice
Always remember to read a policy carefully before you purchase it, so you know exactly what is and isn’t covered in the case of an accident or illness.
You can now compare the best pet insurances and find out if they cover pre-existing conditions using our easy-to-use comparator :
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How do pet insurance companies know about pre-existing conditions?
To determine exactly what pre-existing conditions your pet might have and clarify what is covered by the insurance policy, insurance companies run medical history reviews where they check not just the pet’s medical history but also require a visit to the vet before purchasing the policy.
Providers like OVMA and Trupanion Pet Insurance run such reviews themselves to decide what the pet insurance policy will highlight as potential pre-existing conditions.
Can you lie about pre-existing conditions for pet insurance? If you’re wondering this, well, the screening process makes it difficult. The vet will note and highlight any condition or symptom which will later be excluded from coverage if a related issue occurs.
For example
Bo is a mixed-breed puppy that recently got rescued by his owner during a trip to Portugal. As soon as Bo arrived in Canada, his owner wanted pet insurance, so Bo went to the vet to determine any pre-existing conditions. The report noted that Bo was healthy overall, but the vet noted that Bo licked his paws repeatedly during the visit. A few months later, Bo begins to get a rash around his right paw, so his owner takes him to see the vet. He is diagnosed with allergies. However, even though Bo is within coverage, the clinical signs emerged before the policy kicked in, so any treatment for Bo’s allergies is not covered.
Pet insurance medical history reviews are designed to inform you exactly what is and isn’t covered in your policy, so you’ll know exactly what type of medical issues you’d be responsible for financially. After the review, insurers will often give you the option to cancel the policy if the financial support it provides is insufficient for your needs as a pet owner.
Watch out!
If you are thinking of changing pet insurance for your pet, think about their pre-existing conditions. A new provider means a new medical history review which might mean new pre-existing conditions that your pet’s current pet insurance might cover.
How to find the best pet insurance for a pet with pre-existing issues?
Almost all pets can be insured. Even if your pet has a health issue, you can still get pet insurance that will cover any condition that isn’t related to their already-existent health condition.
Unfortunately, it is rare to find pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions in Canada. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for the best pet insurance for pets with pre-existing conditions.
Get insurance as early as possible
Insurance is there to protect you from burning a hole in your wallet while treating your pet’s unexpected health concerns. The best time to get pet insurance is when your animal is still young before the insurer can pinpoint any future issues. That way, you’ll be sure any health problems that may arise are covered.
Favour preventive medicine
Being preventive is always better than relying on reactive medicine when it comes to your pet’s health (and your wallet’s too). However, only the best pet insurance will cover preventive treatments. It’s worth looking at pet insurance that offers routine checkups and annual examinations.
Keep vaccination up to date
Many insurers will claim negligence and not cover any illnesses that result from a pet not having their vaccines updated. Even the best pet insurance for cats and dogs with pre-existing conditions will not cover unvaccinated animals.
Ask for a review
If your pet insurance policy has a temporary exclusion for a curable pre-existing condition, remember to ask for a review as soon as you can after your pet no longer presents any symptoms.
Compare policies before signing
Although chronic pre-existing conditions are virtually never covered, it is still worth comparing different providers to find the best to cover any other health problems. Keep in mind the deductible and premiums but also the waiting periods and definitions of pre-existing conditions.
Does my pet need to be examined before getting pet insurance?
The simple answer is yes. Your pet will have to be examined at some point. Most pet insurance providers will request access to your pet’s medical records or a full veterinary exam report (and sometimes both). Insurers need such documentation to establish pre-existing conditions and any symptoms before enrolling your pet.
Some insurance companies do not require an examination or records preemptively but demand an annual checkup, where pre-existing conditions will also be established.
Either way, when you file a claim regarding your pet’s health, virtually all insurers will request your pet’s medical records to uncover whether or not symptoms existed before the policy began.
Watch out!
A pet insurance company may refuse your claim if your pet has not had a general check-up exam at the vet in the last year, especially if the period in question includes the time before the start of your coverage.
What if a condition hasn’t been diagnosed yet?
Diagnosis is not required for a condition to be deemed pre-existing. For example, if your kitten was limping on their right leg and the vet was unable to determine a cause and the limping eventually stopped so you stopped worrying.
A year later you get insurance for your cat and a few months after that, they start limping again. This time, the vet takes an x-ray and discovers a fracture. Because the limping began before your cat was covered, the fracture would be considered pre-existing.
Expert advice
Remember to take your pet to the vet for routine examinations. If you do not take your companion to the vet for periodic checkups, insurance providers will often refuse to cover conditions due to negligence.
