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As pet parents, we want to know that our pet has access to the best veterinary care available. The easiest way to achieve this is through pet insurance… but is your pet eligible for this coverage? Let’s take a closer look.
If the pet insurance industry has done its job properly, then the reason you are here is that you’re curious about pet insurance. Congratulations! This is the first step in what will prove to be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.
So yes, knowing that you want to get pet insurance is the first step, but knowing whether your pet is eligible for this coverage is the next logical step.
Looking at pet insurance
It’s incredibly easy to see why you would want to know more about the kinds of pets that can be covered under a medical policy. No other product in the market can grant animals access to comprehensive care the way that pet insurance can.
With that being said, this kind of policy is also based on dual benefits, which means that the pets themselves are not the only ones to benefit.
As a pet owner, you no longer have to bear the financial brunt of medical bills, wellness care, and routine cover. All of those nightmare-inducing bills will no longer be your worry. For a small monthly premium, you are afforded medical and financial liberation!
The truth about eligibility
Now, the record shows that every insurer has its own personalised criteria involved when it comes to the pets that they are willing to cover. So, make sure that whichever pet insurer you decide to choose explicitly explains whether or not your pet is eligible and under what terms and conditions.
However, that being said, we thought we should share with you the most-asked questions regarding pet eligibility. Ask yourself these questions, pass them on to your vet, and definitely ask your potential pet insurer these questions. Using these pointers will help you find your answer quickly.
Common eligibility questions
Is my older pet still eligible for pet insurance?
The general rule of thumb for both puppies and kittens is that you can enrol them in pet insurance once they are 8 weeks old. Generally, most pets over the age of 14 years old can no longer be enrolled in comprehensive pet insurance. While your senior pet may not be eligible for full coverage, some insurers do offer emergency cover for older pets.
If you aren’t sure of your pet’s age, head over to your local vet, where they will be able to best pinpoint the age of your pet for you!
Is my pet still eligible with a pre-existing condition?
There are a lot of definitions for a pre-existing condition. However, most commonly, it is known as a medical condition that has shown clinical symptoms before your pet’s coverage has started. Now, pre-existing illnesses will not make your pet ineligible for pet insurance, but certain illnesses/symptoms may not be covered.
For example, if your pet was insured having pre-existing diabetes, then treatments, prescriptions, and any medications related to the illness will not be covered.
Do I need to have medical records?
It is incredibly common to wonder if your pet is still eligible for pet insurance if you do not have access to their medical records. For example, if you have adopted a pet, it’s highly unlikely that you will have access to your pet’s full medical history.
In this case, you don’t have to worry because your pet is still eligible for pet insurance. All you have to do is go to your vet, where they can do a comprehensive exam. From then on, it is vital that you are diligent with keeping a record of your pet’s overall health.
Is my pet still eligible if they have an immediate medical emergency?
The truth is that there is a waiting period involved with pet coverage. This is best described as a trial period from the time when you enrol your pet to when their coverage becomes fully active. If you intend to get your pet insurance so that immediate treatment can be covered, just know that this isn’t possible.
Essentially, this means that, should your pet get sick during their waiting period, then whatever illness is contracted will be considered a pre-existing condition. This means that they will be ineligible for full coverage moving forward.
The main takeaway
There are VERY few things that will make your pet ineligible for pet insurance – if any. The idea with these kinds of policies is to include pets from all walks of life.
Take a deep breath, and just know that the chances that your pet is ineligible for insurance are slim to none. That being said, have a chat with your desired pet insurer and let them put your mind at ease and help get you signing on the dotted line. You won’t regret it!
Until next time,
The petinsurance.co.za Team
