Table Of Contents
- Waiting periods are standard practice in the pet insurance industry
- The timeframe for waiting periods can vary amongst companies as well as by type of insurance plan
- Most pet insurance plans require a waiting period of 2 to 5 days for accidents and 14 to 30 days for illnesses
- Accidents or illnesses that occur during the waiting period will not be covered
What Is The Waiting Period When It Comes To Pet Insurance?
A pet insurance waiting period is the duration of time you will need to wait between enrolling your pet in an insurance policy and when coverage kicks in. Any accidents or illnesses that occur during the waiting period will not be covered. Once the waiting period ends, eligible claims should be covered.
Waiting periods vary by pet insurance company and by policy. Additionally, some conditions have longer waiting periods than others.
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How Long Are Pet Insurance Waiting Periods?
There are several categories of pet insurance waiting periods:
Accident Waiting Periods
This is the amount of time it will take for insurance coverage to kick in for accidents such as broken bones, toxin ingestions, wounds, etc. Accident waiting periods commonly range from 2 to 15 days.
Illness Waiting Periods
This is the amount of time it will take for insurance coverage to kick in for illnesses such as respiratory infections, diabetes, cancer, etc. Illness waiting periods commonly range from 14 to 30 days.
Condition-Based Waiting Periods
This is the amount of time it will take for insurance coverage to kick in for specific conditions. Most commonly, pet insurance companies will impose these additional waiting periods on orthopedic conditions such as hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament injuries.
Condition-based waiting periods tend to range from 6 to 12 months but some offer exclusions if your pet has had a recent orthopedic exam with no abnormal findings.
Preventative Care Waiting Periods
This is the amount of time it will take for insurance coverage to kick in for preventative care plans or add-ons known as wellness plans. These typically have the shortest waiting period, ranging from 0 to 3 days.
Common waiting periods from some of the top pet insurance companies:
| Pet Insurance | Accident Coverage | Illness Coverage | Preventative Care | Condition-Based Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASPCA | 14 Days | 14 Days | No Waiting Period | None |
| Embrace | 2 Days | 14 Days | No Waiting Period | 6 Months for Orthopedic Conditions (or 14 Days with an Orthopedic Exam Waiver) |
| Fetch | 5 Days | 15 Days | Not Available | 6 Months for Hip Dysplasia or Cruciate Ligament Conditions |
| Figo | 1 Day | 14 Days | No Waiting Period | 6 Months for Cruciate Ligament Conditions |
| Lemonade | 2 Days | 14 Days | No Waiting Period | 6 Months for Cruciate Ligament Conditions |
| Nationwide | 14 Days | 14 Days | 1 Day | 12 Months for Cruciate Ligament Conditions |
| Pets Best | 3 Days | 14 Days | No Waiting Period | 6 Months for Cruciate Ligament Conditions |
| Trupanion | 5 Days | 30 Days | Not Available | None |
What is The Purpose of Waiting Periods?
Pet insurance waiting periods are imposed to prevent pet owners from filing claims for conditions that they were already aware of before purchasing insurance coverage. Otherwise known as preexisting conditions which no pet insurance covers.
Pet insurance is designed to cover what may happen and not what has already happened. Waiting periods allow pet insurance companies more flexibility when administering insurance policies and help keep rates lower for everyone.
To ensure optimal coverage, it’s best to insure your pet as early as possible, before they develop anything that can be considered a preexisting condition.
What happens if I change policy or provider? Is there still a waiting period?
Typically there will be a waiting period if you switch insurance companies, just as if you were a new customer. However, pet insurance providers have different policies on waiting periods so it can depend on the rules set forth by the new provider.
If you are changing plans within the same insurance company, you may not have a waiting period since your pet’s medical review has typically already taken place.
Is There Any Pet Insurance With No Waiting Period?
Wondering if there are any pet insurance companies with no waiting periods? The short answer is no, however, the full answer is a bit more complex.
There is one pet insurance company that does not impose a waiting period, Companion Protect. While Companion Protect does not have a formal waiting period, the protocols surrounding the enrollment process can make access to this particular policy difficult for some pet owners.
To enroll your pet in an insurance policy from Companion Protect you must complete a medical records review (which can take a few days) and most importantly, your pet must have been adopted from a partnering shelter. If you’re able to meet these qualifications, Companion Protect can be a great option for quick coverage.
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What is the Best Pet Insurance?
The best pet insurance will be the one that fits your budget and provides the best coverage for your pet. When it comes to pet insurance, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Every pet insurance plan will have aspects that will make it the ideal plan for some pets, and a less-than-ideal plan for others.
When searching for the best pet insurance, be sure to research and compare several companies, there are many to choose from. Navigating the world of pet insurance can be daunting and require a bit of research but it is a worthwhile endeavor. No matter which policy you settle on, you’ll be helping ensure your pet’s medical needs are taken care of and potentially saving you thousands of dollars in the future!
