🐾 The Truth About Pet Insurance & Pre-Existing Conditions: What Every Pet Parent Should Know

 

🐾 The Truth About Pet Insurance & Pre-Existing Conditions: 

What Every Pet Parent Should Know

When it comes to keeping our pets happy and healthy, most of us would do just about anything. Vet visits, medications, even surgery—whatever it takes. But as any pet parent knows, those costs can add up fast. That’s where pet insurance comes in.

But before you sign up, there’s one critical detail you need to understand: pre-existing conditions.

🩺 What Is a Pre-Existing Condition?

Unlike in healthcare for humans (which I thought was complicated and ridiculous enough, oh but just wait) in the world of pet insurance, a pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or health issue your pet had before your insurance policy started—or during the waiting period right after enrollment.

That includes:

  • Diagnosed medical issues - even those cured with medication

  • Symptoms or signs noted by your vet

  • Any treatments, prescriptions, or diagnostics already performed

Even if your pet only had symptoms and wasn’t officially diagnosed, it could still count.

🐶 One UTI? Or Two? It Matters.

Let’s say your dog had one urinary tract infection (UTI) before coverage began. Most insurers would label this a pre-existing condition—but some may consider it “curable” if there are no symptoms or treatments for a set period (often 6–12 months).

On the other hand, if your dog had multiple UTIs, that could indicate a chronic or recurring issue—something most insurers will not cover going forward.

🛡️ Which Pet Insurance Companies Are More Flexible?

Here’s a quick overview of how top providers handle pre-existing conditions:

  • Lemonade: Any past condition is excluded, even if it occurred once. No coverage for curable pre-existing conditions. (this is who we currently use and have been happy with - even with the rate increases they are still less expensive than other companies. If you want a quote please use our REFERRAL LINK)

  • Embrace: Offers a "curable condition" clause. If your pet has been symptom- and treatment-free for 12 months, they may cover future issues.

  • ASPCA / Spot: Similar to Embrace; may cover past conditions that haven't returned after a specific time.

  • Trupanion: Very strict. Once a condition appears, it’s permanently excluded—even if it only happened once.

🔍 Tip: Ask for a Medical Review

Many insurers will perform a medical history review after enrollment. This can clarify what they’ll consider pre-existing. It’s a great way to avoid surprises when you file your first claim.

💡 Final Thought

Shop for insurance before you even get the dog. That way the probability of everything being covered is greater. Shop multiple carriers and be sure you like who you are with, switching in the future may not be an option. It will expose you to uncovered pre-existing conditions.

Pet insurance is a powerful tool for managing unexpected veterinary costs, but it’s not a magic fix for past issues. Understanding how pre-existing conditions are defined—and what’s excluded—can help you choose the best coverage for your furry friend.

If your pet has a clean bill of health, enrolling early is one of the smartest things you can do. And if there’s already a history of illness? Don’t worry—there may still be options to help cover future care.

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MEET DEWEY





Dewey

French Bulldog Mixed Breed

Sweet Dewey was rescued from a municipal shelter in Georgia, and she hasn’t stopped wagging her tail since. This affectionate, playful girl is the total package—great with dogs, cats, and people of all ages! Dewey’s loving personality lights up every room she enters, and she’s ready to bring endless joy to a forever family who will cherish her. Dewey is ready for adoption—let’s find this special girl the home she deserves!

All dogs will be altered, microchipped, and receive age-appropriate vaccines prior to adoption. Please note that the listed location for this dog may not be accurate due to technical limitations of this database and we have transportation options available within 6 hours of NYC (so don't let location hold you back)!

Interested in fostering or adopting?  Need more info on this dog?  The first step in the process is filling out an application on our website.

Adoption application:  www.nycsecondchancerescue.org/general-application/

Foster application:  https://www.nycsecondchancerescue.org/dog-foster-application/

Adoption process & fees:  www.nycsecondchancerescue.org/process/

For a full list of our available dogs and current adoption promotions, visit:https://nycsecondchancerescue.org/adoptable-dogs/

Not what you were looking for? You can adopt a different pet by using our search feature and adjusting the radius. Thank you for helping our animal shelters and rescue groups with pet adoption. 

NameDewey
Adoption Fee$495.00- puppy under 6 months
Age7 Months and 4 Weeks
GenderFemale
SizeMedium
Shots up to dateYes
OK with kidsNot Sure
HousetrainedNot Sure
HypoallergenicNo
Spayed / NeuteredYes
OK with dogsYes
OK with catsYes
If you have questions about Dewey please contact 

NYC Second Chance Rescue


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Transporting dogs is our passion but passions come at a cost.
 With the price of everything increasing, (gas, tolls, supplies, etc) we could use some help! 
If you can, we would graciously accept some donation assistance. Venmo @dalind31 


THANK YOU!!

Thinking it's time to expand your family? Want to explore rescuing a dog of your own? 
Check out Second Chance Rescues available pups  --> CLICK HERE <--

Thinking maybe fostering is more your speed? --> CLICK HERE <--

Maybe you can't adopt or foster but can help in another way? 
To donate to Second Chance Rescue... --> CLICK HERE <-- Every bit helps!

Remember to, #adoptdontshop #becausetheymatter.
There is no love like the love from a rescue!


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