Fetch Pet Insurance logo.

Pet insurance & pre-existing conditions.

Fetch provides coverage for future injuries and illnesses — the things you can’t see coming. We’re unable to cover pre-existing conditions. But what does that really mean? Glad you asked. It’s important you have all the facts, so you can decide whether insurance is right for you and your pet.

What is a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is any injury, illness or condition that you or your veterinarian notice your pet has (or shows signs of) either:

  • Before you enroll with Fetch
  • Before your policy’s effective date
  • Or during the waiting period of up to 15 days

Here are a few examples:

Your puppy is excessively licking his paws, so you take him to the vet. Later, you purchase a policy. The paw-licking continues and now he’s getting skin infections. Your vet diagnoses him with allergies. Since the clinical signs appeared before your policy with us, allergies would be a pre-existing condition.

Your kitten was limping on the right front leg before you got pet insurance, and your vet couldn’t identify the cause. After the policy waiting period, of up to 15 days, your kitten starts limping again on the same leg. Your vet takes an X-ray and diagnoses her with a fracture. Since the limping was observed prior to purchasing a policy, the fracture would be a pre-existing condition.

Your dog accidentally injured the cruciate ligament in her right knee before you signed up with Fetch. A year into the policy, the ligament is completely torn. Because the accident occurred before you purchased the policy, the tear would be considered pre-existing.

Some pre-existing conditions can be covered.

A medical condition or injury that can be completely resolved without recurrence, or showing any clinical signs, is considered a curable medical condition. And good news, we’ve got your back. If your pet goes 12 months from the day you signed up for Fetch pet insurance without showing signs of a curable condition, it may be covered in your plan moving forward.

How do pet insurance companies know your pet has a pre-existing condition?

Fetch requires your pet's medical record to process your claims. They show us your pet’s medical history and let us see what we can cover and what would be considered a pre-existing condition.

That’s why it’s important to get your pet a checkup now. Your vet can give you an assessment of their health and identify any potential concerns before you sign up for insurance.

Still have questions about pre-existing conditions?

We’re here for you. Call us at 866.509.0163 and a licensed pet advisor can give you the answers you need to decide if insurance is right for you and your pet. And if you’d like to price a plan for your best pal, get a free quote now.

Get your price

What is a pre-existing condition?

A medical condition that first occurred, or your pet showed clinical signs of, before the effective date of your Fetch policy or during the 15-day policy waiting period.

Does Fetch cover pre-existing conditions?

Fetch does not cover pre-existing conditions. We do offer the most comprehensive coverage available for new injuries and illnesses.

How do I know if my pet has a pre-existing condition?

Take your pet for a checkup. Your vet can give them a clean bill of health or identify any potential concerns before you sign up for insurance. If your pet was not examined by a vet six months prior to the effective date of your Fetch policy, an exam is required within 30 days after the policy effective date.

How do insurance providers know my pet has a pre-existing condition?

Fetch requires your pet's medical record to process your claims. They show us your pet’s medical history and let us see what we can cover and what would be considered a pre-existing condition.

Are breed-specific issues the same as pre-existing conditions?

No, a breed-specific issue is something your pet is genetically prone to — like back problems in Dachshunds or hip dysplasia in German Shepherds. As long as your pet hasn't shown clinical signs of a breed-specific issue before the effective date of your Fetch policy or during the 15-day policy waiting period, Fetch covers it.

Get your price