Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

The short answer

It can be worrying to learn your pet’s health problem may be classed as a pre-existing condition. Although pet insurance doesn’t usually cover conditions that began before your policy started, the good news is your pet may still be protected for any new illnesses and injuries. Some insurers may also reconsider older conditions after a period free from symptoms or treatment.

What counts as a pre-existing condition in pet insurance?

A pre-existing condition is usually an illness, injury or behaviour-related problem that your pet showed signs or symptoms before your insurance policy started. It doesn’t always need to have a formal name or diagnosis. If your pet was limping, had repeated tummy trouble, needed medicine or you’ve asked a vet for advice, an insurer may see the related problem as pre-existing.

Each insurer sets its own definition and looks at your pet’s history in its own way. At Napo pet insurance, a pre-existing condition is an injury, illness or behaviour-related problem your pet has shown signs or symptoms of, or had treatment, medication or advice for in the 24 months before your policy start date.

If, when you take out a Napo policy, your pet has had no signs, symptoms, treatment, medication or advice for that condition in the previous 24 months, Napo can cover it (subject to your policy terms).

Why do insurers ask about pre-existing conditions?

Insurance is there to help with the unexpected, so your insurer needs to understand what was already happening when your cover began, so they can work out which problems are new and which started earlier.

That’s also why your pet’s medical notes matter when you make a claim. They give a clear timeline of symptoms, advice and treatment which helps the insurer apply the policy fairly and consistently.

Clear, honest information also reduces the chance of a surprise later. If you’re asked about your pet’s health, answer as fully as you can. If you’re unsure whether something is relevant, ask your insurer before taking out a policy.

Can you still get cover if your pet has a pre-existing condition?

Often, yes. Pre-existing conditions may be excluded, but your pet may still be covered for unrelated illnesses and injuries that begin after the policy starts and any waiting periods have passed. 

For example, if your cat had an ear problem before your policy began, the insurer might exclude that problem and anything closely linked to it, but the rest of the policy may still offer valuable protection for new, unrelated issues - such as joint problems or eye conditions.

Some insurance providers offer specialist cover for existing conditions, often with particular limits or rules. Others may reconsider a condition after a symptom-free period (like we do at Napo after 24 months).

As for waiting periods, these are short stretches of time at the start of a policy when conditions aren’t covered. At Napo, there's a brief waiting period for certain conditions which means that you won’t be covered for:

• any accidents that happened before or happen within the first 24 hours of your policy start date

• any other illnesses or conditions which happened before or appear within the first 10 days of your policy start date

If you’re switching to Napo from another insurer, these waiting periods may be waived if your pet has been insured continuously with no gap in cover - but you’ll need to provide evidence of this before Napo agrees to waive the waiting period.

What happens if a new condition develops after you’re insured?

If a new condition appears after your cover starts (and after any applicable waiting periods) it may be covered in line with your policy’s terms and vet fee limits.

With lifetime cover, an eligible condition can continue to be covered year after year for as long as you renew and keep meeting the policy terms. Your annual vet fee limit normally refreshes at renewal. You may need to pay a new excess for the condition in each policy year, depending on your cover. Napo pet insurance provides lifetime cover for dogs and cats worth up to £16,000. 

Why should I consider staying with the same insurer?

Once an insurer has accepted a condition under lifetime cover, staying insured with them can protect that ongoing cover at future renewals, subject to the policy terms and annual limits.

Switching providers can essentially ‘reset’ your cover. This means any conditions that began while you were with your old insurer may then count as pre-existing with your new one, even if you never claimed for them. Your new insurer may exclude future care for that condition or related problems.

That doesn’t mean you should never switch. Price, quality of service, and your level of cover all matter. Before moving, compare more than just your monthly cost. Check how the new insurer would treat anything already noted in your pet’s medical history, and if they can waive any waiting periods to avoid a gap in your pet’s cover. If your pet has an ongoing health problem, ask for clear answers before cancelling existing cover.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a pre-existing condition for pet insurance?

Insurers each have their own definitions. At Napo pet insurance, we define a pre-existing condition as any injury, illness, or behavioural disorder your pet has shown signs or symptoms of, or received treatment, medication, or advice for in the last 24 months before your policy start date. A condition doesn’t have to be diagnosed to be considered pre-existing.

Can I insure a pet that already has a health condition?

Yes, in many cases. While pre-existing conditions may be excluded, any new and unrelated problems that appear after your policy start date (and any relevant waiting periods) can still be covered. Some insurers offer specialist options to cover pre-existing conditions, or may reconsider older conditions after a certain period of time has passed without symptoms or treatment.

Will my pet’s condition ever stop being classed as pre-existing?

Possibly. Some insurers always exclude it, while others may review a condition if your pet has had no signs, treatment, medication or advice for an extended period of time. Napo uses a 24-month window to reassess things, but any decision depends on the condition and your pet’s medical history.

What happens if my pet develops a new condition after I take out cover?

A new condition may be covered if it appeared after your policy start date and any waiting periods. Cover still depends on your policy terms, exclusions and limits. With lifetime cover, eligible ongoing or chronic conditions remain covered as long as you renew the policy each year.

Does switching insurers affect cover for an existing condition?

It can. A new insurer may treat any issues that began under your old policy as pre-existing conditions, and exclude them. Check this before switching, especially if your pet has an ongoing problem, and don’t cancel your current cover until you understand the new policy.

Do I need to disclose my pet’s full medical history when I apply?

Answer every health question fully and honestly. Some insurers ask for specific details when you apply, while others review your vet’s notes when you claim. Don’t guess or leave out something because it seems small. If you’re unsure, ask the insurer exactly what they need.