Best Pet Insurance For Pre-Existing Conditions In New York

Our insurance experts spent more than 28 hours comparing and reviewing 31 quotes from 16 pet insurance brands across New York. After careful consideration, the best coverage option for owners of pets with pre-existing conditions was AKC Pet Insurance.

Other companies, like Spot Pet Insurance, Figo Pet Insurance, ASPCA, and MetLife Pet Insurance, also received honorable mentions for specific categories.

The following guide will closely examine these five pet insurance brands and some factors that impact pet insurance rates for dogs and cats with pre-existing conditions.

What Are Pre-Existing Conditions?

As a pet owner, you might hear the phrase “pre-existing condition” tossed around by insurance companies as you compare quotes for coverage on your dog or cat. Generally, pre-existing conditions include any illness your pet has either shown symptoms for, been diagnosed with, or received treatment for prior to obtaining coverage.

Since these conditions begin before establishing coverage, many pet insurance carriers won’t accept claims related to the illness. However, some providers will categorize pre-existing conditions into curable and incurable. Depending on the coverage, some curable conditions may still receive coverage.

Curable Pre-Existing Conditions

For a pre-existing condition to fall under the “curable” category, it must be an illness that won’t chronically recur once treated. Each carrier will have a different time frame for what they consider a chronic condition. However, most will provide some coverage for the following conditions:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bladder infections
• Ear infections
• Respiratory infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Gastrointestinal issues

Incurable Pre-Existing Conditions

Unfortunately, incurable pre-existing conditions aren’t likely covered by any provider since they need ongoing treatment or medication. Below are a few of the most common incurable pre-existing conditions for dogs and cats:

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Kidney disease

What Are Bilateral Conditions?

Generally, a bilateral condition affects both sides of your pet’s body. If a pet develops a bilateral disease, such as hip dysplasia, on one side of its body, it’s very likely to develop the same condition on the other side.

Due to the high-risk nature of the second condition occurring, many pet insurance companies will exclude bilateral conditions from coverage.

Below are some of the most common bilateral conditions:

• Cataracts
• Luxating patellas
• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia

Are Hereditary Conditions Considered Pre-Existing?

Hereditary conditions are different conditions your pets are more likely to develop based on the genes passed down through their bloodline. The most common genetic conditions for dogs include allergies, hip dysplasia, and inflammatory bowel disease.

The insurance company will usually deny the claim if your pet shows signs of a hereditary condition before establishing coverage. However, if symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment occur after a policy is activated, it will most likely be covered.

How Do Pet Insurance Companies Determine A Pre-Existing Condition?

Like our health insurance, pet insurance companies will conduct a medical review on your dog or cat before providing coverage. These review sessions often consist of a thorough medical history examination and sometimes a physical exam by your pet’s vet.

Once the insurance carrier has reviewed your pet’s file, you’ll receive a detailed list of all the eligible coverage items.

Why Are Pre-Existing Conditions A Problem For Pet Owners?

The main problem for pet owners with animals that have a pre-existing condition is managing pet insurance. Many pet insurance organizations won’t cover testing or treatment for any conditions or illnesses the pet had before the policy took effect.

For instance, if your dog shows signs of allergies and you purchase a pet insurance plan to help offset the cost, most carriers won’t reimburse you for ongoing medicine. Similarly, insurance companies may not cover pets developing symptoms during the waiting period.

Average Cost Of Pet Insurance For Pre-Existing Conditions In New York

Average Cost In New York — By Cat Breed

Average Cost In New York — By Dog Breed

Average Cost In New York — By City For Dogs

Average Cost In New York — By City For Cats

How To Find The Best Pet Insurance Company For Pre-Existing Conditions For You

While purchasing pet insurance is involved, buying coverage for a dog or cat with a pre-existing condition can be even more challenging. Many insurance providers won’t cover pre-existing conditions, so comparing quotes and asking questions about what is covered and what isn’t covered is essential.

The best place to start when looking for coverage for a pet with pre-existing conditions is your vet. Speaking with them about situations that could arise later in life will allow you to ask further questions when comparing pet insurance policies.

Once you have all the information on your pet’s illness and potential future issues, it’s time to start looking for policies. Pet insurance companies typically offer one of two options: accident-only or accident and illness coverage.

Since many organizations don’t cover pre-existing conditions, you must determine which coverage makes the most sense for your pet. If your dog or cat is relatively healthy and isn’t susceptible to other illnesses, then an accident-only plan would be a good option.

Largest Pet Insurance Companies In The United States

How To Buy Pet Insurance Online In New York

New York pet owners can buy pet insurance online through different channels. However, the easy way to purchase a policy is using a platform like Insuranceopedia, where you can quickly compare multiple quotes within minutes.

While these platforms make it easy to identify the perfect coverage, it can be time-consuming without the appropriate information.

Below are several steps that will help you quickly move through the pet insurance buying process and find the best coverage for your furry companion:

• Step 1: Gather all important information ahead of time (EX: pet type, breed, age, medical history, and any documentation you have on the pet’s lineage)
• Step 2: Identify the amount of coverage and deductible you want for your pet
• Step 3: Compare at least three pet insurance quotes from different carriers
• Step 4: Purchase your policy and reach out to your vet to let them know about your new coverage

New York Pet Insurance Laws To Know

Currently, New York has no pet insurance laws that force owners to purchase a health insurance policy for their pets. However, several animal laws offer protection to pets and their owners.

For example, in the past, insurance carriers that offered homeowners’ insurance could deny applications and raise premiums based on having a specific dog breed in the house. However, after a recent wave of animal laws, insurance providers can no longer refuse coverage or cancel a policy based on a pet’s breed.

Information About New York

New York is one of the biggest cultural and economic hubs of the United States. The region is well-known for its fashion, arts, and culture. The state also has some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, including the Statue of Liberty, Broadway, and Time Square.

While many people associate the city with icon locations like Wall Street, New York also has an incredible landscape. Visitors who want time away from the big cities can visit the Adirondack Mountains or spend time on the picturesque Finger Lakes.

Pet Insurance Discounts In New York

Pets are wonderful parts of our families, but the costs associated with properly caring for them can be high. One way to help make pet health care more affordable is through carrier-provided discounts. The following is a list of pet insurance discounts you should ask about before purchasing a policy:

• Employer-sponsored discounts
• Multi-pet discount
• Employee union discounts
• Wholesale and special interest clubs discounts
• Multi-policy discount
• Active and retired military discounts
• Senior discounts
• Online policy discounts
• Animal care employee discounts
• Special service animal discounts