If you’re considering a pet insurance policy, you might be wondering if there is pet insurance with no waiting period. While some providers do offer shorter waiting periods, there is no pet insurance with no waiting period. There are providers that also have separate waiting periods for accidents, illnesses and other conditions.
Since pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, it makes sense there is a waiting period when the policy begins. That’s among the many reasons it’s so important for pet owners to purchase a pet insurance policy as soon as possible.
After you’ve purchased your pet insurance plan policy, your waiting period will begin and claims will not be accepted during this time. Any accident or illness that occurs during the waiting period will be considered a pre-existing condition.
Learn more about pet insurance now, and take a look at Benzinga’s recommended pet insurance providers.
Quick Answer: Is There Pet Insurance without a Waiting Period?
No. Currently, there are no pet insurance policies without a waiting period.
However, in some cases, a provider may waive the period before coverage begins if you can provide proof that your pet was covered by another valid pet insurance policy leading up to the policy's effective date. Some pet insurance companies also offer wellness coverage that begins immediately, waiving the normal period of inactive coverage after signing on to a policy.
Key Points
- There is no pet insurance with no waiting period currently available on the market.
- Pet insurance providers have waiting periods to reduce the risk of fraudulent pet insurance claims.
- Each pet insurance company sets 1 or more waiting periods. Some providers have separate waiting periods for accidents, illnesses and specific conditions such as orthopedic conditions.
- Some pet insurance providers offer wellness coverage in addition to traditional pet insurance policies. Most of the time, wellness coverage could be considered pet insurance with no waiting period. However, it’s important to remember that wellness coverage is separate from your pet insurance policy and cannot be used for accidents and illnesses.
- Waiting periods begin when you purchase your pet insurance policy and claims cannot be made until the waiting period is over.
- Pet insurance also does not cover pre-existing conditions, which are defined as an accident or illness that occurred prior to your coverage beginning. If your pet had an illness before your coverage began and the same illness occurred again after your coverage started, treatment for the illness would not be covered. Any accident or illness that occurs during your waiting period will be considered a pre-existing condition.
What is a Waiting Period in Pet Insurance?
A waiting period is a specified period of time (usually a few days or weeks) at the start of the pet insurance policy when coverage is restricted.
Why Do Pet Insurance Providers Have a Waiting Period?
To understand pet insurance waiting periods, it’s important to acknowledge other aspects of pet insurance policies. The most important element to accept is that pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions.
Pet Insurance and Preexisting Conditions
Pre-existing conditions are any injury, illness or other irregularity that is noticed by you or your veterinarian prior to your pet insurance policy’s coverage effective date. Symptoms of illnesses or injuries that began prior to the coverage effective date also count as pre-existing conditions, even if your pet didn’t see the veterinarian for it at the time.
Some pet insurance providers claim a policy will cover pre-existing conditions after a period of time, such as 12 or 16 months, as long as the pet did not show any symptoms or receive treatment for the condition during that time. However, the pet insurer also has the option to accept or deny any claim you make. It is not a guarantee that a curable pre-existing condition will be covered in the future.
Mitigating Risk
If pet insurance coverage started immediately after being approved, people could apply for a pet insurance policy as they head out the door to bring their dog to the vet with a broken leg. The accident would be a pre-existing condition, but without a waiting period, people could essentially commit insurance fraud by claiming that it happened after purchasing the policy.
The same goes for illnesses. A pet owner could purchase pet insurance plan because they notice that their dog is coughing as a way to get coverage before bringing them to the vet. By waiting to begin coverage, pet insurance providers can reduce the risk of instances of fraud occurring. It doesn’t completely eliminate the risk, but it does add an extra layer of protection for the pet insurance provider.
The waiting period also gives the pet insurance company time to review your pet’s medical records to determine coverage for your pet. Any accidents or illnesses that occur during the period before coverage begins will be considered a pre-existing condition and won’t be covered.
Waiting Periods by Provider
Each pet insurance provider sets 1 or more waiting periods before coverage can begin. There is often a separate waiting period for accidents and illnesses. Some providers might have additional waiting periods for specific types of conditions.
| Provider Name | Waiting Period |
| Lemonade Pet | 2 days for accidents 14 days for illnesses 6 months for cruciate ligament events |
| SPOT Pet Insurance | 14 days |
| Chewy Pet Insurance (Complete) | 5 days for accidents 14 days for illnesses 14 days for cruciate knee surgery |
| Pumpkin Pet Insurance | 14 days |
| Prudent Pet Insurance | 5 days for accidents 14 days for illnesses |
| Progressive Pet Insurance | 3 days for accidents 14 days for illnesses |
| Allstate Pet Insurance | 2 days for accidents 14 days for illnesses 6 months for orthopedic conditions (or 14 days if you complete the orthopedic exam and waiver process) |
| ManyPets Pet Insurance | 15 days or waived if you can provide proof the pet was covered by another valid pet insurance policy leading up to the policy effective date |
| Healthy Paws Pet Insurance | 15 days for accidents and illnesses 12 months for illness related to hip dysplasia |
| Nationwide Pet Insurance | 14 days |
Benzinga's Best Pet Insurance Providers
If you'd like to get pet insurance despite the waiting period, these are our favorite providers of pet insurance.
- Best For:Families with multiple petsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Pumpkin Pet Insurance's website
- Best For:Prescription food and supplementsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Spot Pet Insurance's website
How Do I Choose a Pet Insurance Policy?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a pet insurance policy, including its covered conditions and insurance rates. You may also want to consider choosing a pet insurance with short waiting period so your coverage can begin sooner. To compare pet insurance companies, you can start by getting a free pet insurance quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pet insurance has no waiting period?
Every pet insurance company requires a waiting period before your claims can be covered. However, some pet insurers may waive your policy’s waiting period if you can provide proof that your pet was covered by another valid pet insurance policy leading up to your policy’s effective date. If your pet insurance provider offers wellness coverage, that may come with no waiting period as well.
Can I get coverage and make an immediate claim with pet insurance?
For accidents, illnesses and other conditions, no, you will not be able to make an immediate claim. Any accident or illness that happens during the waiting period will be considered a pre-existing condition and will not be covered.
Pet insurance companies will not accept claims until after your policy’s coverage effective date. The coverage effective date begins when the waiting period is over.
Is pet insurance a good idea?
Pet insurance is a good idea if you want to save on future vet bills, or if you don’t want to be out out pocket in the event that your pet needs major surgery or recovery from an accident.
How do pet insurance companies know of pre-existing issues?
Pet insurance companies typically ask for the pet’s medical history during the application process, which includes information about any pre-existing conditions. Additionally, the pet insurer may request medical records from the pet’s veterinarian or conduct a thorough examination of the pet before approving coverage. This helps them identify and understand any pre-existing issues that may affect their coverage or premiums.
About Ashley Hart
Ashley Hart is a personal finance writer passionate about helping people feel empowered to take control of their finances. She has more than eight years of writing experience, focused on insurance.