Furry friends hold a special place in our hearts, so it’s important to have pet insurance to cover them for accidental injuries, emergencies, or if they get sick. Like any insurance policy, checking your new policy for exclusions before signing up is crucial.
Pet insurance exclusions to watch out for
Insurers will typically exclude therapies deemed too risky to cover and list any pre-existing or preventable conditions as exclusions. We’ve listed some of the most common exclusions below, but keep in mind these will vary between policies and insurers.
- Failure to take due care or abuse. Insurers will not pay out claims if your pet is injured or gets sick because of an evident malicious act or negligence.
- Ambulance costs. Some vets offer callouts for sick animals. Depending on your level of cover, transportation may not be included.
- Artificial limbs. While your insurance may cover a procedure to fit a prosthetic, the cost of the artificial limb itself may not be included.
- Bilateral conditions. These are ailments that affect both sides of an animal’s body. For example, if a pre-existing condition affects your dog’s right patella, the opposite body part generally won’t be covered.
- Cruciate ligament conditions. These are common conditions and expensive to treat, so may not be covered by your insurance. However, some policies will allow treatment after a waiting period.
- Dental procedures. Most pet insurance policies do not cover dental treatments such as cleaning and therapy for oral diseases. However, some insurers allow you to add routine care as an optional extra to your policy to cover a portion of dental treatments.
- Diseases with a known vaccine. This exclusion is designed to stop people from neglecting important vaccinations and preventative treatments for ailments like parvovirus and heartworm.
- Elective treatments. This can include de-sexing and other therapies that aren’t medically necessary. Depending on the insurance company and the level of cover on your pet’s policy, you may be able to claim reimbursem*nt for routine care. It’s important to check the full details to understand your annual benefit limit.
- Organ transplants. Organ transplants can be particularly risky operations, and donors can be difficult to source. Typically, this procedure is excluded from illness cover.
- Breeding or pregnancy. Pet insurance is designed for pet owners rather than breeders, which means most pet policies don’t cover pregnancy, obstetrics, or difficulties in breeding or in labour.
- Pre-existing conditions. Any problems that occurred before your policy started generally won’t be covered. Common examples include hip and elbow dysplasia. However, you should still be able to claim for chronic conditions that begin after you’ve started your policy.
- Prescription foods. Doggy on a diet? That’s another bill you’ll need to cover. Special foods are usually an exclusion in most pet insurance products.
- Preventative care. Some basic policies won’t cover routine check-ups and preventative care, including vaccinations, worming, and tick treatments.
- Banned breeds: Breeds banned by the government, or a local authority and dogs declared dangerous will generally not be eligible for insurance. Certain insurers may also exclude specific dog breeds from coverage.
Other pet insurance restrictions you may encounter
There are several terms and conditions that can impact your ability to claim. We encourage policyholders to check the full details of their desired insurance policy before signing a new policy.
Most pet insurance policies provide cover from when your pet is six weeks of age and up until they turn eight or nine years old. Once insured, pet insurance can cover your fur baby for life – for as long as the product is offered, provided there are no breaks in cover, and subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.
Many policies also include a waiting period, which can range between 30 days and six months, depending on the insurer and the benefit(s) you want to claim. Premium costs will differ based on your pet’s breed, age, and health status.
Always read your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand your benefit limit and any sub-limits on certain conditions or therapies.
Don’t wait for the right opportunity to get covered
It’s important to keep pet insurance exclusions in mind while you’re shopping around for a policy to make sure you’re covered when your furry friend needs it most. For all the things that pet insurance excludes from cover, there are still lots that it will cover.
Still sniffing around for pet insurance information? We’ve got your back.
FAQs
Typical examples of excluded perils under a homeowners policy are flood, earthquake, and nuclear radiation. A typical example of an excluded loss under an automobile policy is damage due to wear and tear.
What are some situations that pet insurance does not cover? ›
Common Costs Not Covered by Pet Insurance
- Waiting Period. ...
- Pre-Existing Medical Conditions. ...
- Pregnancy and/or Birth. ...
- Death of a Pet. ...
- Bilateral Condition. ...
- Breed Exclusion. ...
- Age Exclusion. ...
- Elective Procedures.
Insurers will typically exclude therapies deemed too risky to cover and list any pre-existing or preventable conditions as exclusions.
Which of the following would not be covered under pet insurance? ›
While pet insurance is designed to assist with unexpected medical expenses, it typically doesn't cover routine and preventive care in a standard accident and illness policy. This type of care includes things like vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and annual check-ups.
What is a list of exclusions? ›
According to the OIG, the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) “provides information to the health care industry, patients and the public regarding individuals and entities currently excluded from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, and all other Federal health care programs.” Individuals and entities are ...
What are two of the most common exclusions used by underwriters? ›
Risky activity: Any death due to risky activities, such as skydiving or rock climbing, are usually counted as an exclusion. Substance abuse: If a policyholder's death is the result of drug or alcohol abuse, it may be excluded from their policy.
What voids pet insurance? ›
Some of the most common things pet insurance does not cover are: Pre-existing illness or injury - In general, insurers will not cover illness or injury that your pet had or showed signs of having before the policy started.
What is generally covered by pet insurance? ›
Most will cover common injuries and illnesses, like cancer, diabetes, and broken bones; however, coverage for certain treatments and services, like microchipping, behavior therapy, and dental care, can vary. Pet insurance works differently from human health insurance.
Do all pet insurances not cover pre-existing conditions? ›
While pet insurance often doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, other options might help you pay for expensive health costs. For example, your veterinarian may be willing to set up a payment plan so your pet can get the care they need when they need it.
What is canine liability exclusion? ›
An animal liability exclusion endorsem*nt, also known as a canine liability exclusion, specifies that the insurance company will not accept claims or make payouts for animal/dog-related incidents, including property damage caused by animals or dog bite personal injury lawsuits.
A canine liability exclusion is a type of clause that is often included in homeowners insurance contracts. Its purpose is to release the insurer from any liability relating to injuries or property damage caused by dogs.
Does pet insurance cover MRI? ›
Many pet insurance companies will reimburse you for all or part of the costs of diagnostic imaging, including MRIs. Ultimately, whether your pet insurance will cover an MRI for your dog depends on your type of coverage, so you need to review your policy or talk to your provider to be certain.
What are the alternatives to pet insurance? ›
Financial Assistance Programs
- Face Foundation.
- Brown Dog Foundation.
- Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program (FVEAP)
- HandicappedPets.com.
- International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP)
- Shakespeare Animal Fund.
- The Magic Bullet Fund (Cancer Specific)
- The Mosby Foundation.
Pet insurance does not cover routine preventative care such as worming and flea treatment. Your vet practice may be able to offer a wellness plan to help you cover these kind of costs.
What are the risks of pet insurance? ›
Cons
- Pet insurance reimburses you for veterinary expenses, meaning you have to pay them upfront.
- Pet insurance doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, meaning once your pet is sick, it's too late to sign up.
- Not all health issues are covered by pet insurance.
Life insurance exclusions may vary, but the typical exclusions are: Genetic illnesses. Alcohol, drug or smoking related. Health and lifestyle related e.g obesity.
What are the common exclusions in an insurance agent's E&O policy? ›
insured - E&O insurance policies typically exclude claims between two parties who are insured under the same policy. Dishonest, criminal, fraudulent or malicious acts. Bankruptcy or insolvency of any party. Liability of others assumed under contract.
What is usually excluded from typical homeowners insurance? ›
Many things that aren't covered under your standard policy typically result from neglect and a failure to properly maintain the property. Termites and insect damage, bird or rodent damage, rust, rot, mold, and general wear and tear are not covered.
What are the key person insurance exclusions? ›
The most common key person insurance exclusions are fraud, misrepresentation, and suicide. A claim can be denied in case of a proven instance of intentional dishonesty. During the first two years of every life insurance policy, there is a contractual clause known as the contestability period.
