Pet Insurance Waiting Periods: What They Are and How to Navigate Them

Waiting periods are the gap between when you enroll in pet insurance and when coverage actually begins. They exist to prevent people from enrolling only when their pet is already sick, filing a claim, then canceling. Every insurer has them, but the lengths vary significantly.

Typical Waiting Periods

Accidents: 0-14 days. Some insurers (Embrace, Healthy Paws) start accident coverage within 2 days. Others require up to 14 days. Illness: 14-30 days. Most insurers require a 14-day waiting period for illness coverage. During this time, any illness that develops is considered pre-existing and won't be covered. Orthopedic conditions: 14 days to 6 months. This is where companies differ most. Some treat orthopedic conditions (ACL tears, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation) the same as other illnesses with a 14-day wait. Others impose a 6-month waiting period, and some require a vet exam during this period to confirm no pre-existing orthopedic issues. Cancer: 14-30 days at most companies. Trupanion has a 30-day waiting period for illness including cancer.

How to Navigate Waiting Periods

Enroll before you need it. The biggest mistake is waiting until your pet shows symptoms to enroll. By then, the condition is pre-existing. Enroll when your pet is healthy, sit through the waiting period, and have coverage in place when something unexpected happens. Compare waiting periods between companies. If your pet is young and healthy, a company with a 6-month orthopedic waiting period is fine. If you have a large breed puppy showing early signs of joint issues, choose a company with a shorter orthopedic wait.

Get a clean vet exam during the waiting period. Some companies (Trupanion) will waive or reduce the orthopedic waiting period if your pet has a clean orthopedic exam from a vet during the waiting period. Ask about this option. Don't file claims during the waiting period. Any condition that develops during the waiting period becomes pre-existing. If possible, wait until the waiting period expires before seeking non-emergency care for minor symptoms.

Waiting Period Comparison by Company

Embrace: 2 days accidents, 14 days illness, 6 months orthopedic. Healthy Paws: 15 days accidents and illness, 12 months hip dysplasia. Lemonade: 2 days accidents, 14 days illness, 6 months cruciate ligament. Trupanion: 5 days accidents, 30 days illness (waivable orthopedic with exam). Spot: 14 days accidents and illness, 14 days orthopedic. Pets Best: 3 days accidents, 14 days illness, 14 days cruciate ligament.

Spot and Pets Best have the shortest orthopedic waiting periods (14 days), which is a significant advantage for large breed puppies at high risk for joint conditions.