Hip dysplasia in dogs is a genetic condition where the hip joint develops improperly, leading to instability and arthritis.
What is a pre-existing condition in dogs?
At Petsure, a pre-existing condition in dogs is:
- Anything your dog has had in the last two years before your cover start date or waiting period.
- A condition diagnosed over two years ago needing ongoing treatment, check-ups, or monitoring.
‘Anything’ could be:
- Signs or symptoms of changes in your dog’s health or behaviour
- An existing illness, injury, or physical deformity
- Needs or had treatment, surgery, medication, or a prescribed diet
- Check-ups, investigations, monitoring, or vet advice
Each pet insurer will have their definition of a pre-existing condition so it’s important to find this out when looking into cover.
Can I insure my dog with a pre-existing condition?
It’s possible to insure your dog if they have a pre-existing condition but you need to find a provider who offers this kind of cover.
Most pet insurance providers will only cover new illnesses and injuries that develop after your policy has started. Or they may:
- Only cover certain conditions and as long as there have been no symptoms for a set amount of time, e.g. symptomless for two years.
- Offer limited cover for existing conditions or put lots of exclusions on what you can and can’t claim for.
Remember to read the policy wording carefully to understand how pre-existing illnesses are covered, if at all.
Which insurance covers pre-existing conditions for dogs?
Petsure is one of only a few pet insurers that offer pre-existing conditions cover for dogs.
Our lifetime dog insurance gives you a choice of up to £15k vet fee cover with no compulsory excess or bill share, even as your pet ages.
You also get free 24/7 access to vet video appointments with Firstvet. This means you can speak to a professional anytime from the comfort of your home if you’re ever worried about your dog’s symptoms.
What pre-existing conditions can be covered by dog insurance?
We consider all pre-existing conditions and below are just a few examples. You’ll just need to answer some questions about your pet’s condition to see if we can cover them.
Hip dysplasia in dogs
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a genetic condition where the hip joint develops improperly, leading to instability and arthritis.
More info
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a genetic condition where the hip joint develops improperly, leading to instability and arthritis.
IVDD in dogs
IVDD is a condition where the cushioning discs between vertebrae deteriorate or herniate, causing pain, nerve damage, and potential paralysis.
More info
IVDD is a condition where the cushioning discs between vertebrae deteriorate or herniate, causing pain, nerve damage, and potential paralysis.
Epilepsy in dogs
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where repeated seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
More info
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where repeated seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Hip dysplasia in dogs
More info
IVDD in dogs
More info
IVDD is a condition where the cushioning discs between vertebrae deteriorate or herniate, causing pain, nerve damage, and potential paralysis.
Epilepsy in dogs
More info
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where repeated seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Watch to find out why Dr Scott works with Petsure
““I’ve teamed up with Petsure as their vet ambassador. Their insurance products could cover cats and dogs, healthy or with pre-existing conditions, old or young, with great flexibility to suit both you and them.” Dr Scott Miller, ITV This Morning vet”
Do I have to declare my dog’s pre-existing condition?
It’s important to tell us about all of your dog’s pre-existing conditions when you get a quote for insurance. Without this, your dog may not be covered if you need to make a claim in the future.
And remember, you’ll be automatically covered for any new conditions that develop after your policy cooling-off period.
Our expert says…
“It’s not always easy to know if your dog has a pre-existing condition, so speak to your vet if you aren’t sure.
They can check your dog’s medical records for any symptoms or illnesses that need to be declared when taking out cover.”
Allie Simpson – Pet insurance specialist
Will my dog insurance keep covering a pre-existing condition each year?
When you tell us about your dog’s pre-existing conditions, we’ll let you know if we’re able to offer cover for these, before you take out your policy. Make sure you let us know if anything changes with your dog’s health before their cover starts.
If you keep up with your payments, your dog’s new or pre-existing conditions will continue to be covered by your policy every year you renew.
Will my dog insurance cover any undiagnosed conditions?
You won’t be able to get cover for any undiagnosed conditions your dog may have. If your dog is showing symptoms, you should speak to your vet for any investigations they need to make before diagnosis.
Cover for pre-existing conditions
Petsure is a medical insurance specialist and considers all pre-existing conditions. When getting a quote, you’ll be asked about your pet’s health to see if we can cover them.
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*Cover for pre-existing medical conditions is subject to acceptance. They will not be covered unless you have declared them and they are shown on your Confirmation of Cover.