Waiting periods are a standard practice in the pet insurance industry, but every provider has different terms and conditions. When enrolling in pet insurance, it’s essential to carefully read your policy's waiting periods to avoid paying higher out-of-pocket costs for your pet’s healthcare. Let’s explore what pet insurance waiting periods are and how they work.
What are pet insurance waiting periods?
A pet insurance waiting period is when you will have to wait between enrolling your pet in a new insurance policy and when your pet’s coverage actually begins. Any accidents or illnesses during the waiting period will not be covered. The length of the waiting period can vary depending on several factors, including individual provider, type of coverage, and medical condition.
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How long are pet insurance waiting periods?
Pet insurance waiting periods can vary based on the provider — regarding how long they are and what they apply to. The most common pet insurance waiting periods are typically divided into the following categories:
Accident waiting periods
The accident waiting period refers to the duration it will take for your new pet insurance to cover injuries categorized as accidents. This includes things like broken bones, wounds, foreign body ingestions, and other accidental injuries. Accident waiting periods typically range from 2 to 15 days.
Illness waiting periods
The illness waiting period refers to the duration it will take for your new pet insurance to cover any type of disease or non-injury-related medical condition. This can include cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, urinary tract infections, respiratory viruses, and other medical conditions. Illness waiting periods typically range from 14 to 30 days.
Orthopedic waiting periods
The orthopedic waiting period refers to the duration it will take for your new pet insurance to cover any specific orthopedic conditions outlined in your policy. These may include injury-related, hereditary, or degenerative conditions such as:
- Cruciate ligament tears
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
Orthopedic waiting periods typically range from 6 to 12 months, but some providers offer waivers if a veterinary orthopedic exam clears your pet.
Wellness waiting periods
The wellness waiting period, sometimes called the preventative waiting period, refers to the duration it will take for your new pet insurance to cover your pet’s routine veterinary care (if it’s included in your plan). This may include coverage for:
- Annual visits
- Health screenings
- Dental cleanings and more
Wellness waiting periods are typically the shortest among all pet insurance waiting periods, ranging from 0 to 3 days.
Pet insurance waiting periods among top providers
Below are the waiting periods for some of the top pet insurance providers in the country. Like all insurance, this information can be subject to change at any time, and certain states may have different plans with additional waiting periods.
| Pet Insurance Provider | Accident Coverage Waiting Period | Illness Coverage Waiting Period | Wellness Coverage Waiting Period | Orthopedic Coverage Waiting Period |
| Lemonade | 2 Days | 14 Days | No Waiting Period | 6 Months for Cruciate Ligament Conditions |
| AKC | 2 Days | 14 Days | No Waiting Period | 6 Months for Cruciate Ligament Conditions |
| ASPCA | 14 Days | 14 Days | No Waiting Period | None |
| Embrace | 2 Days | 14 Days | No Waiting Period | 6 Months for Orthopedic Conditions (eligible for waiver with orthopedic exam) |
| Fetch | 5 Days | 15 Days | Coverage Not Available | 6 Months for Hip Dysplasia or Cruciate Ligament Conditions |
| Figo | 1 Day | 14 Days | No Waiting Period | 6 Months for Orthopedic Conditions (eligible for waiver with orthopedic exam) |
| Nationwide | 14 Days | 14 Days | 1 Day | 12 Months for Cruciate Ligament Conditions |
| Pets Best | 3 Days | 14 Days | No Waiting Period | 6 Months for Cruciate Ligament Conditions |
| Spot | 14 Days | 14 Days | No Waiting Period | None |
| Trupanion | 5 Days | 30 Days | Coverage Not Available | None |
Is there any pet insurance with no waiting period?
The short answer is no — all pet insurance imposes some sort of waiting period on new enrollees. However, certain circumstances with a few providers offer no waiting periods but involve specific requirements or stipulations.
Companion Protect offers pet insurance with no waiting period for newly adopted pets through its network of affiliated shelters and rescues. Pets adopted elsewhere will not qualify. Eligible pets can receive immediate pet insurance coverage once enrollment is complete.
Trupanion offers same-day pet insurance coverage through its “Exam Day Offer” promotion. The promotion is only valid when enrolled through participating veterinary clinics. Eligible pets must be under the age of three and enrolled within 24 hours of their veterinary exam.
Wading through waiting periods when picking your plan
When deciding between insurers with different waiting periods, it’s important to consider your pet’s breed and lifestyle. Have a pet with a penchant for eating things they shouldn't? A plan with a shorter accident waiting period may be better. Have a breed that’s prone to hip dysplasia? You may want to consider a plan without any extended orthopedic waiting periods.
While waiting periods are important when picking your pet insurance plan, they’re not the only factor. It’s best to research and compare all aspects of coverage among multiple plans to see what best fits your pet’s needs. Once you’ve chosen a plan and are ready to begin the enrollment process, be sure to familiarize yourself with the waiting periods to avoid any denied claims later.
FAQ
Why does pet insurance have waiting periods?
Pet insurance waiting periods exist to prevent fraudulent claims for pre-existing conditions. Enrolling your pet in an insurance plan will cover future injuries and illnesses. Just as a new car insurance policy would not cover an accident before enrollment, pet insurance will not cover any injuries or illnesses your pet had before coverage began.
Can you get a pet insurance waiting period waived?
Outside of a promotional offer (available through some veterinary clinics and shelters), you typically cannot get a pet insurance waiting period waived. Some providers offer a waiver for an extended period for orthopedic conditions. While not wholly waived, the waiting period may be shortened if the pet undergoes an orthopedic exam.
Is there still a waiting period when switching plans?
It depends on the provider. Each pet insurance provider has different rules for changing plans. Some offer immediate coverage when switching from one plan to another, while others do not. You’re less likely to incur new waiting periods if you change plans with the same provider, but it’s important to carefully read the terms and conditions outlined in your new plan.
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Almost all pet insurance policies have waiting periods for new enrollments.
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Pet insurance waiting periods vary widely among providers, with some having multiple waiting periods categorized by condition.
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Your pet's accidents or illnesses during the indicated waiting period will not be eligible for coverage.
5 resources
- American Animal Hospital Association. How Do I Choose The Right Pet Insurance.
- Pet Insurance Info, Inc. How It Works.
- Pawlicy Advisor. Compare Top Pet Insurance Providers.
- Trupanion. Understanding Your Exam Day Offer.
- Companion Protect. Frequently Asked Questions.
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