Finding coverage for a dog with existing health problems can be challenging but isn’t impossible. While most insurers exclude ongoing health issues, some providers offer coverage after waiting periods, with AKC Pet Insurance standing out for eventually covering both curable and incurable conditions.
Discovering your beloved canine companion needs ongoing medical care can be emotionally and financially taxing. The reality of pet insurance for pre-existing conditions presents a particular challenge for dog owners who didn’t enroll their pets before health issues emerged. But don’t lose hope—options do exist, though they come with important considerations.
What Exactly Is a Pre-existing Condition?
Insurance providers consider any illness or injury that appeared before your policy began as pre-existing. This includes diagnosed conditions like diabetes or arthritis but also extends to symptoms that manifested before enrollment, even if they hadn’t yet received an official diagnosis.
The Critical Distinction: Curable vs. Incurable Conditions
When it comes to insurance coverage, not all health issues are treated equally. The distinction between temporary and chronic conditions determines your options.
Curable Conditions
Many insurers will eventually cover conditions considered “curable” after a specific symptom-free period:
- Respiratory infections
- Ear infections
- Bladder issues
- Digestive problems
- Minor injuries
Providers like Embrace typically require 12 months without symptoms or treatments, while others may accept shorter periods of around 6 months.
Incurable Conditions
These chronic or ongoing issues present the greater challenge:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Hip dysplasia
- Chronic allergies
- Heart disease
Most insurers permanently exclude these conditions from coverage, though your dog can still get insured for new, unrelated issues.
The AKC Pet Insurance Difference
When researching insurance for older dogs with health problems, one provider stands apart. AKC Pet Insurance offers a remarkable exception to the industry standard by providing a path to coverage for both curable AND incurable pre-existing conditions.
The approach is straightforward: maintain continuous coverage for 365 days, and previously excluded conditions become eligible when your policy renews. This applies to chronic illnesses that would otherwise be permanent exclusions with most other providers.
Comparison of Major Providers
| Provider | Curable Conditions | Incurable Conditions | Waiting Period | Special Notes |
| AKC Pet Insurance | Covered after 365 days | Covered after 365 days | 1 year of ontinuous coverage | Unique in the market; may require add-ons |
| Embrace | Covered after 12 months | Not covered | 12 months symptom-free | Excludes orthopedic issues |
| ASPCA | Covered after 180 days | Not covered | 6 months symptom-free | Excludes knee/ligament issues |
| Most Others | Covered after 6-12 months | Never covered | Varies by provider | Coverage only for new issues |
Strategic Approaches for Dog Owners
If your furry friend has existing health issues, consider these approaches:
1. Don’t Wait to Enroll
Even if your dog has health problems, securing coverage now prevents future conditions from being classified as pre-existing. Puppy insurance is always the ideal scenario, but coverage at any age is better than none.
2. Document Recovery Periods
For curable conditions, maintain detailed records showing when your dog became symptom-free. This documentation proves invaluable when requesting coverage after waiting periods.
3. Explore Breed-Specific Options
Some providers offer tailored coverage based on your dog’s breed. For example, Golden Retriever insurance might address common breed-specific issues even when they started before enrollment.
4. Consider Alternative Coverage Options
When traditional insurance isn’t meeting your needs, look into:
- Wellness plans (covering preventative care)
- Discount programs through veterinary networks
- Setting up a dedicated savings account for your pet’s care
- Pet life insurance with living benefits
Making the Most of Available Coverage
Remember that even with pre-existing condition exclusions, insurance still provides valuable protection against:
- New illnesses
- Future accidents
- Emergency treatments
- Unexpected diagnoses
A dog with diabetes can still be covered for everything from broken bones to ear infections.
The Bottom Line
While the perfect situation would be enrolling your dog in insurance before any health issues arise, the reality is many owners seek coverage after problems develop. The good news is that insurance companies are gradually becoming more accommodating.
For now, AKC Pet Insurance offers the most promising option for dogs with established health concerns, while most other providers will at least cover new and unrelated conditions. Remember that cat insurance follows similar patterns if you’re a multi-pet household.
Whether your dog has pre-existing conditions or not, having some form of coverage provides peace of mind and financial protection against the unexpected twists and turns of pet parenthood.
