Pet Insurance Basics, in Plain English
Most pet insurers exclude pre-existing conditions, and many exclude hereditary or congenital conditions (NAIC).
The NAIC Pet Insurance Model Act (adopted 2022) defines a pre-existing condition as one where, before the policy started or during a waiting period, a vet gave medical advice, the pet was treated, or verifiable records show signs or symptoms directly related to the claimed condition. A condition covered on a policy can't be treated as pre-existing at renewal, and the insurer bears the burden of proving the exclusion applies (NAIC Model Act).
The model act applies only in states that adopted it; check your state insurance department.
Info may be outdated. Verify with the source.
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