|
| Thursday, September 20, 2007 |
| Pet Insurance For Pre-Existing Conditions May Be Hard To Obtain |
As more pet owners look into covering their pet’s health with veterinarian insurance, companies are springing up to take advantage of the growing trend. While the sales of pet insurance policies are rising slowly, the increase is steady and many carry similar rules as insurance for the rest of the family. It can be difficult to find pet insurance for pre-existing conditions, just as if it is for humans, so buying insurance while the animal is still healthy can save a lot of money in the long run.
Typically, once an animal is diagnosed with a specific chronic problem, they will require care for it on a continuing basis. Changing veterinarians in the event of move is not usually a problem as far as the health coverage is concerned, but if the owner cancels the current policy and attempts to find new coverage, it is likely that everything can be covered except for problems caused by their past health. Pet insurance for pre-existing conditions is normally not available and if it is, there is usually an extended waiting period before the insurance coverage kicks in. The wait can two years or longer, which the insurance company watches the health of the pet.
Besides not being willing to offer pet insurance for pre-existing conditions some insurance companies also will not cover diseases that the pet may be genetically predisposed to contract, or others for which the pet’s parents have been treated. Some cancers and bone diseases, known to be a problem for certain breeds of animals are also usually not covered in many policies.
Proving Onset Of Disease Up To Owner
With many insurers, determining the initial onset, and when the owner became aware of it can be a contentious point between owners and insurance companies, which will typically claim the do not offer pet insurance for pre-existing conditions. Having the animal insured from its first few weeks of life can make this easier; however, there are some companies that will deny coverage claiming the animals hereditary is responsible for its current problems.
In cases of rare or expensive breeds some insurance companies may require a statement from the animal’s vet that it is free from certain ailments, and even then pet insurance for pre-existing conditions may not be paid if the company deems the condition was known by the owner and hidden from the vet for the purpose of obtaining health coverage before divulging its existence. |
posted by Patty @ 12:52 PM  |
|
|
|
|
| Previous Post |
|
| Archives |
|
|
| Links |
|
| Template by |
 |
|
