Pet insurance can help you save on expensive veterinary bills when your pet gets sick. However, there is a big pitfall. You may not be covered on the same day you purchase your policy.
Almost all pet insurance companies require a waiting period before insurance coverage begins. The length of the waiting period varies depending on the type of insurance, the pet insurance company, and the age of your pet.
To help you understand what happens after you sign up, we’ll break down how the waiting period works, how long it lasts, and how your coverage will affect your wallet.
What is the waiting period for pet insurance?
The waiting period for pet insurance is the period of time from the policy effective date until coverage becomes effective. This is a pre-set time period set by the insurance company to prevent fraud (such as insuring a pet that is already sick) and to establish coverage criteria.
It’s also a stressful time for pet owners. Anything that happens to your pet during the waiting period, such as a broken leg or a cancer diagnosis, is considered a pre-existing condition and may not be covered.
Waiting periods are only part of pet insurance. Check out our comprehensive guide to pet insurance and what you can expect after signing up.
How does the waiting period work?
Let’s say you buy pet insurance today. If your insurance company requires a waiting period, it begins after you enroll. Based on your policy, the waiting period for your pet can be days or weeks. Pet insurance coverage becomes effective at midnight on the day the waiting period ends.
If your pet becomes ill, injured, or has an emergency during the waiting period, your application may be denied. Once the waiting period is over, you can file a claim for any new injuries or illnesses covered by your pet insurance plan.
If something happens to your pet before the waiting period ends, it is likely to be considered a pre-existing disease. Regardless of the type of pet insurance you choose, pre-existing conditions are not covered.
What factors affect the waiting period?
Insurance type, medical history, and even state regulations can affect the length of your pet’s waiting period. However, depending on the situation, waiting times may be reduced.
Waiting periods typically fall into two categories: accident and illness. Additionally, certain conditions, such as orthopedics or cruciate ligament problems, require long wait times. Therefore, it is important to read the fine print of the policy carefully.
Here is a summary of factors that affect the waiting period:
- condition type:Each company can set different waiting periods according to various conditions. The most common types are accidents, illnesses, orthopedic or cruciate diseases, but the list can be extended to other diseases such as hip dysplasia.
- insurance company policy: Each insurance company reserves the right to set a waiting period. The average waiting period in case of accident or illness is 14 days. However, depending on the insurance company, these periods can range from 0 to 30 days.
- existing symptoms: Certain conditions noted before or during the waiting period will either result in a longer waiting period or be excluded entirely.
- state regulations: Legal requirements may vary by state. For example, a six-month waiting period for a cruciate ligament injury in Mississippi may change to a 30-day waiting period in Washington state.
- Reducing or waiving waiting periods: Some pet insurance companies offer to shorten the waiting period if you meet certain requirements, such as providing medical records. If your pet was previously insured, the waiting period may be waived.
Waiting period for major pet insurance companies
If you haven’t decided on an insurance company yet, here are some of the best pet insurance companies’ waiting periods for accidents, illnesses, orthopedic and cruciate ligament conditions.
| company | accident | disease | orthopedic symptoms | cruciate ligament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASPCA | 14th | 14th | 14th | 14th |
| hug | none | 14th | 6 months | 6 months |
| Figo | 1 day | 14th | 6 months | 6 months |
| heart building | 14th | 14th | 14th | 14th |
| lemonade | 2 days | 14th | 30 days | 6 months |
| liberty mutual | 14th | 14th | 14th | 14th |
| lots of pets | 15th | 15th | 15th | 15th |
| metlife life | none | 14th | 14th | 6 months |
| Nationwide | 14th | 14th | 12 months | 12 months |
| pet vest | 3 days | 14th | 14th | 6 months |
| progressive | 3 days | 14th | 6 months | 6 months |
| spot pet | 14th | 14th | 14th | 14th |
| Trupanion | 5 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
The above list of waiting periods for pet insurance is a great starting point, but they may vary by state and are subject to change at any time. We highly recommend researching your pet insurance company and reading the entire policy. Details such as coverage amounts, premiums, and deductibles vary depending on the pet insurance company.
What happens if something happens to my pet during the waiting period?
Waiting times can be frustrating and nerve-wracking, especially if your pet needs care or an emergency has occurred. Fortunately, if you’re looking for a way to avoid waiting period exclusions or reduce expensive veterinary bills during the waiting period, you have several options. Here are some steps you can take during the waiting period.
plan ahead
One way to avoid long waiting periods is to get pet insurance while your pet is young and healthy. This is especially helpful if your pet’s breed is prone to developing certain genetic or congenital diseases.
For example, Labrador retrievers tend to develop hip dysplasia later in life. Therefore, treatment for hip dysplasia may be covered by insurance if you have insurance before your dog develops the disease.
Continue regular checkups
Prevention is better (and cheaper) than cure. Visit your veterinarian regularly to monitor your pet’s health and catch problems early.
For example, veterinarians recommend regular dental checkups, but many pet owners skip this step. It turns out that dental problems can compromise your pet’s health. Regular inspections and descaling will help keep your furbaby’s pearly whites in good condition.
Save it for emergencies
Are you worried that something will happen to your pet during the waiting period? Make sure you have some money set aside for any out-of-pocket costs you may incur while waiting for insurance to cover you. A pet savings account can help cover these and other expenses.
If a serious emergency occurs during the waiting period and you don’t have the money to cover your bills, consider whether you can take out a pet loan.
Options for waiving or shortening waiting periods
Pet insurance rarely provides true instant coverage without a waiting period, but there are exceptions. Some insurance companies will waive the waiting period if you can prove that your pet previously had another policy, there are no gaps in coverage, or within 24 hours of taking out the new policy. It may happen.
Pet insurance companies may also reduce wait times based on your pet’s medical history and veterinary records. If your insurance company offers it, you can also pay for preventive coverage during the waiting period.
conclusion
Whether you just brought home a healthy puppy or kitten, or you have a senior pet that needs veterinary care, pet insurance can provide a great financial safety net. We also recommend enrolling early to start the waiting period and maximize your coverage.
If you’re considering pet insurance, being aware of waiting periods and understanding how coverage varies by health condition and company can help ensure your pet gets the treatment they need, when they need it. Masu.
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