What Are Waiting Periods?
A waiting period is the time between when your pet insurance policy starts and when coverage actually begins. During this period, any conditions that develop will be treated as pre-existing and may not be covered. Waiting periods exist to prevent pet owners from buying insurance only when their pet is already sick.
Types of Waiting Periods
Accident waiting period: Usually 2-5 days. This is the shortest waiting period, reflecting the unpredictable nature of accidents. Some providers like Embrace have no accident waiting period at all.
Illness waiting period: Typically 14-30 days. This prevents coverage for illnesses that were developing at the time of enrollment.
Orthopedic waiting period: Many providers impose a longer 6-12 month waiting period for orthopedic conditions like cruciate ligament tears and hip dysplasia. This is because these conditions often develop gradually.
Cancer waiting period: Some insurers have a separate 30-day waiting period for cancer coverage.
Waiting Periods by Provider
Embrace: 2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for orthopedic conditions
Healthy Paws: 15 days for accidents and illnesses, 12 months for hip dysplasia
Lemonade: 2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for orthopedic and cruciate conditions
Trupanion: 5 days for accidents, 30 days for illnesses, no separate orthopedic waiting period
How to Navigate Waiting Periods
- Enroll early: Get insurance before your pet develops any health issues to ensure maximum coverage
- Avoid vet visits during waiting periods: If possible, wait until after the waiting period ends for non-emergency check-ups to avoid conditions being flagged as pre-existing
- Understand your specific terms: Read your policy to know exactly when each type of coverage begins
- Keep existing coverage: If switching providers, maintain your old policy until the new waiting periods end
Can You Waive Waiting Periods?
Some insurers may waive or reduce waiting periods if you provide a recent veterinary exam showing your pet is healthy. This is not standard practice, but it is worth asking about when enrolling. Trupanion, for example, may waive the illness waiting period with a qualifying veterinary exam.