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Pet insurance for pre-existing conditions
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*Based on the 51 percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted less than £12.88i for pet insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket in the month of April 2024 where only 1 pet was included in the quote and the pet did have a pre-existing medical conditions. 1 Price promise restrictions T&Cs apply click here for details
Can I get pet insurance for pre-existing conditions?
If you want your pet insurance to cover your pet's pre-existing conditions, you can also take out specialist pet insurance. These specialist policies will cover most of your pet's existing health problems, although they may be more expensive than most existing policies because of the expectation of ongoing treatments. Even with an existing condition, there is still a good chance that you can receive cover for your pets with standard dog insurance, cat insurance, and most domestic pet policies, as long as you declare any conditions before your policy start date.
What is a pre-existing condition?
Standard pet insurance won't always cover your pet's pre-existing health problems but the definition of a pre-existing condition can vary slightly between insurers. Most insurers will define a pre-existing condition as one that:
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Is showing symptoms
Your pet had symptoms before the insurance policy was taken out
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Has already been diagnosed
Your pet was diagnosed with this condition before the policy was bought
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Relates to a previous injury
The condition stems from an illness or injury your pet had before you took the policy out
How does pre-existing pet insurance work?
Specialist policies for pre-existing conditions work in the same way as standard pet insurance, except these policies will cover your pet for most of their existing health policies.
Here is a brief outline of how your policy will work:
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Tell your insurer about your pet
You should always be honest when giving details to your insurer and disclose any of your pet's pre-existing conditions. With a specialist policy, most of these conditions will be covered
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Pay annually or monthly
Paying for your policy annually can slightly reduce the cost of your insurance. As long as you continue to pay your premiums, your pet insurance will continue to cover your pet
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Claim for veterinary treatments
If your pet requires treatment for their pre-existing conditions, you can use your pet insurance to cover part or all of the cost as well as the cost of some medications and tests
How do I get the cheapest policy with a pre-existing condition?
It’s worth making sure the policy is right for your pet before committing to pet insurance. Consider these steps to help you choose the best deals for you:
Shop around
Comparing insurance from a range of providers can help you avoid paying over the odds for insurance while still ensuring the right level of cover
Decide your level of cover
Insurers offer a broad range of cover from accident only to maximum benefit, and more comprehensive lifetime cover. Make sure you select a level of cover that meets your and your pet's needs
Check the policy features
Make sure your pet is covered for everything that you’re concerned about from vet bills to boarding fees if you’re taken sick, to third-party liability cover and advertising for missing pets
Know exactly what's covered
If you’re worried your pet might not be covered for a pre-existing condition, contact the insurance provider first to find out
Check policy limits
Even if all the conditions you’re concerned about are covered, how long this lasts and the maximum amount you can claim per condition can vary between insurers
Increase your excess
This is the amount you agree to pay before the insurer covers the rest of the claim. The higher it is, typically the lower your premiums
Our expert says…
Don’t assume you can’t get cover if your fur baby has a chequered medical past, but be prepared for it to cost more than the standard cover.
Always check the small print – regardless of your pet’s health to date – to be sure you are clued up on what is and isn’t covered. And never omit the truth when asked about your pet’s medical history in a bid to save a few pounds - you could end up voiding your cover just when you need it.
Kate Hughes Money & Savings Expert
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Is it worth getting pre-existing pet insurance?
Before deciding whether to take out pet insurance for a pre-existing condition, it’s worth considering the pros and cons.
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Advantages
Peace of mind for your beloved pet will be cared for if their existing conditions flare up
Protects you against expensive vet fees if your pet needs extensive or ongoing treatment
Many providers offer cover for medications, prescribed food, and therapies
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Disadvantages
Cover for pre-existing conditions may be limited or you may only be able to claim for them for a limited time
Premiums are likely to be much higher compared to standard pet insurance policies
Your insurer may not provide cover for ongoing, chronic, or hereditary conditions such as allergies, arthritis, or hip dysplasia
Do I need to declare pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes. You need to declare your pet's pre-existing conditions to your provider. However, that doesn't mean that you will need to tell them every detail of your pet's medical history. Failing to do so could invalidate your policy, so you won't be approved if you try to make a claim.
Most providers will want to know of any health problems your pet has had in the past few years, so you don't need to worry about trying to remember every trip you've taken to the vet. In the case of some providers, they may only need to know whether your pet has a pre-existing condition without needing you to specify.
The important thing is that you answer honestly when applying for your policy and give plenty of detail.
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Guides and tips for pre-existing pet insurance
Keep up to date and find out all you need to know with our latest guides.
Get pet insurance for pre-existing conditions with MoneySuperMarket
We offer policies from a range of providers for pets with pre-existing conditions. You can pick the cover that’s right for you in just a few steps
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Compare providers
See our list of specialist pet insurance providers who cater for pets with pre-existing conditions
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View policy features
Each policy has its key features summarised to help you make the right decision for you and your pet
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Click through and apply
Once happy with your choice, click through to the pet insurance provider and apply.
How long does a pre-existing condition last for pet insurance?
How pet insurers define pre-existing conditions – including the length of time a condition is classified this way – differs from insurer to insurer. Some will allow you to take out cover if your pet has not had treatment for the condition within the past three months, while others extend it to two years or more. Similarly, if your policy includes cover for a pre-existing condition, but your pet is symptom-free for a given period, i.e. 12 months, you may find the limit for any treatment related to that condition increases or it is no longer considered a pre-existing condition.
Are allergies considered a pre-existing condition for pet insurance?
Allergies for which your pet receives ongoing medication prescribed by your vet are generally considered chronic conditions. In these circumstances, it can be difficult to find a pet insurer that will give you new cover for the allergy.
What’s the difference between pre-existing, hereditary and chronic conditions?
Insurers try and distinguish between ongoing health conditions in pets, but the general rule is cover is harder or more expensive to get once a condition has manifested. Pre-existing conditions are health conditions that have arisen before you take out an insurance policy. Hereditary conditions are genetic conditions that particularly affect pedigree and pure-breed animals – common examples include hip dysplasia in certain dog breeds. Many pet insurance policies will cover hereditary issues, but they’re more likely to do so if you take cover out before your pet develops the condition. Chronic conditions are illnesses that require ongoing, lifetime treatment such as diabetes, obesity, arthritis and allergies, where it may be harder to find.
Can I change pet insurance with a pre-existing condition?
You may be able to change pet insurance if your pet has a pre-existing condition, but it’s worth comparing any new policy with what your existing provider can offer.
For example, once you have claimed on a pet insurance policy, you may find it more difficult to switch to a new insurer because it’s unlikely they’ll offer the same cover for the same condition. However, depending on the terms of your policy, there could be a limit to how much your existing insurer will pay out too, and it could be more cost-effective to switch.
Aside from cover for pre-existing conditions, there are many other benefits pet insurance can provide including third-party liability cover, advertising for lost animals, pet boarding fee if you’re taken ill and cover for death by accident or illness.
Will I be covered immediately?
No, pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions immediately, there usually is a waiting period of 10-14 days.
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Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025 by
51% of consumers could save up to £207.36 on Lifetime Pet Insurance with no pre-existing medical conditions. Consumer Intelligence , Oct 2025. Exc NI, CI, IOM
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