Navigating pet insurance when your cat already has a health issue can feel overwhelming. Most insurers exclude pre‑existing conditions by default, but some offer exceptions or customized coverage paths that may help—especially if the condition is curable or your cat has remained symptom‑free for a time. This guide walks you through the options, terminology, and real-world strategies for insuring your special feline.
Understanding Pre‑Existing Conditions in Pet Insurance
A pre‑existing condition refers to any illness or injury that manifests before your policy takes effect or during its waiting period. In most cases, insurers view these as too risky to insure—because the condition is likely to recur or cause immediate claims.
However, there are two important distinctions:
- Curable pre‑existing conditions: Things like ear infections, minor allergies, or temporary issues that resolve fully can sometimes become eligible for coverage after a waiting or symptom-free period.
- Incurable/chronic pre‑existing conditions: Conditions like chronic kidney disease, arthritis, diabetes, or cancer often remain excluded indefinitely, unless an insurer explicitly states otherwise.
Pet Insurance Providers Offering Pre‑Existing Coverage Exceptions
Though rare, a few companies lead the industry by offering specific pathways to cover pre‑existing conditions:
AKC Pet Insurance
- Unique among insurers, AKC may cover curable and incurable pre‑existing conditions—but only after your pet has maintained one full year (365 days) of uninterrupted coverage.
- After that period, claims for previously excluded chronic conditions may be accepted just like any new illness.
- Ideal for owners of cats with known chronic conditions, as long as you enroll early and keep the policy active.
- Some existing coverage with partner providers may count toward this waiting period.
ASPCA Pet Insurance
- Offers coverage for some curable pre‑existing conditions that have remained symptom‑ and treatment‑free for at least 180 days.
- Broader coverage options include treatments for behavioral issues, alternative therapies, and congenital conditions.
- Does not cover chronic or recurrent issues like hip or ligament problems—even if symptom‑free, these remain excluded.
Hartville Pet Insurance
- Allows coverage for curable pre‑existing conditions after a 180‑day symptom‑ and treatment‑free period.
- Simple and transparent waiting periods, with most conditions excluded during that window.
- Exclusions still apply to knee or ligament issues—they remain uncovered if present before coverage.
Pumpkin Pet Insurance
- Will cover curable pre‑existing conditions after your cat remains symptom‑ and treatment‑free for 180 days.
- No maximum age limit to enroll, and offers generous reimbursement tiers along with multi‑pet discounts.
- Exclusions include chronic joint and ligament issues, which remain permanently excluded.
Spot Pet Insurance
- Allows coverage for curable pre‑existing conditions following a 180‑day symptom‑free interval.
- Offers unlimited annual coverage and customizable plans including behavioral modification and prescription foods.
- Older cats qualify with no upper age limit, though existing chronic conditions remain excluded.
When Pre‑Existing Condition Exclusions Still Make Insurance Worth It
- Even if pre‑existing conditions aren’t covered, new injuries, illnesses, accidents, and age-related diseases may still be insured under your policy.
- Trupanion, for example, will still insure your cat’s future unrelated health conditions—even if your cat already has an existing issue.
Alternative Option: Veterinary Discount Plans
If your cat’s health history makes pet insurance unaffordable or unworkable, veterinary discount plans may offer relief:
Pet Assure
- Offers a flat percentage discount on veterinary services regardless of any pre‑existing conditions.
- Works with most veterinary clinics, and there are no exclusions for chronic or pre‑existing conditions.
- Ideal for managing predictable, ongoing treatment costs with a straightforward, no‑claims-needed benefit.
Key Tips for Insuring Cats with Pre‑Existing Conditions
- Act early: Enroll when your cat is young and healthy to establish coverage before conditions emerge.
- Request a medical history review: Some companies will assess your cat’s records to determine specifically what may or may not be covered.
- Maintain continuous coverage: Lapsed policies often convert previously covered conditions into pre‑existing exclusions.
- Review symptom-free timelines: Different insurers have different waiting periods—180 days is common for curable issues.
- Understand reimbursement structure: Most policies pay 70%–90% of costs after your deductible, up to an annual limit.
Sample Case: Hepatic Lipidosis in Your Cat
Say your cat had hepatic lipidosis six months ago, has recovered, and is symptom-free now. Some insurers (like ASPCA, Hartville, Pumpkin, Spot) might cover a recurrence after a 180-day symptom‑free window. AKC might cover it after a full year of ongoing coverage, even if the condition remains chronic. Vet discount plans would continue applying discounts on all treatments, including lipidosis—without exclusions.
The Bottom Line
While most pet insurance policies exclude pre‑existing conditions, there **are** exceptions—but they’re rare. If your cat has a serious health history, your best bets are insurers offering post‑waiting‑period coverage (AKC, ASPCA, Hartville, Pumpkin, Spot) or a veterinary discount plan like Pet Assure. Always read policy language carefully, ask for a written medical review, and shop plans based on your cat’s individual medical profile. With the right plan and a bit of timing, you can secure meaningful financial protection for your beloved kitty.