What’s Lifetime pet insurance exclusions?
- Dental treatment – Dental treatment is covered by very few pet insurance policies, unless it’s as a result of an accident
- Cremation and burial – Although most lifetime policies include necessary euthanasia, cremation and burial tends not to be covered
- Pre-existing conditions – Although anything you’ve claimed for before should continue to be covered, illnesses and injuries related to a condition that happened before you took the policy out won’t be
- Excess and co-payment – You’ll have to pay a sum towards the claim yourself, called an excess. Some policies also have a co-payment – it’s another excess, where you also pay a percentage of the full cost
Lifetime pet insurance is a popular option for pet owners who want continuous coverage for their pets’ health issues. While this type of policy offers extensive benefits, it’s important to understand the exclusions—situations and conditions that won’t be covered even with lifetime protection.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Most lifetime pet insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions. This means that if your pet has been diagnosed or shown symptoms of a specific illness or injury before your policy starts, that condition and any related treatments are generally not covered. Even if the symptoms resurface years after the policy is active, insurance companies typically won’t provide coverage for these issues.
Preventive and Routine Care
Coverage for preventive and routine care is commonly excluded from lifetime pet insurance policies. Services such as vaccinations, flea and tick treatments, dental cleanings, and regular health check-ups usually need to be paid for out-of-pocket or covered under a separate wellness plan. Some insurers may offer add-ons for routine care, but they are not typically part of the basic lifetime policy.
Dental Procedures
While dental accidents and injuries may be covered, most policies exclude routine dental care and treatment for dental diseases. This exclusion means that regular teeth cleaning and preventive dental work are not covered. Dental illnesses, like gum disease or tooth decay, might also be excluded unless explicitly stated in your policy.
Pregnancy and Breeding
If you plan to breed your pet or if your pet becomes pregnant, most lifetime pet insurance policies do not cover costs associated with pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Any complications arising from breeding activities or pregnancy are generally excluded unless your insurer offers specific coverage for breeding animals.
Behavioral Treatment
Insurance providers often exclude coverage for behavioral issues. For example, if your pet develops anxiety, aggression, or any other behavioral condition that requires professional treatment or training, these expenses are typically not covered under a standard lifetime plan. However, some insurers may offer optional coverage for behavioral therapy.
Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
While lifetime pet insurance often provides coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions, some policies may still have exclusions or limitations. It’s crucial to read the fine print and understand whether your specific policy has any restrictions on coverage for breed-specific genetic disorders.
Alternative and Holistic Treatments
Many policies exclude alternative treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and homeopathic remedies. If you prefer holistic care for your pet, look for a policy that offers this as an add-on or specifically covers alternative therapies.
Age-Related Exclusions
For older pets, some insurance companies might limit the coverage or exclude certain conditions related to aging, like arthritis or cataracts. Additionally, the maximum payout or the scope of coverage may decrease as your pet gets older, even with a lifetime plan.
Intentional Injuries or Neglect
Any injuries or illnesses that result from abuse, neglect, or intentional harm inflicted by the owner are excluded. This also extends to injuries caused by illegal activities or activities that the policyholder should have reasonably prevented.
