Here’s what we mean by pre-existing conditions in dogs at Petgevity:
- Anything your dog’s had in the two years before your cover starts, or in the waiting period
- A condition diagnosed over two years ago which requires ongoing treatment, monitoring or check-ups
By ‘anything’, we mean:
- Symptoms or signs of changes in your dog’s health or behaviour
- Investigation, monitoring, check-up or other veterinary advice
- Having or needing treatment, medication, surgery or a prescription diet
- An existing illness, injury or deformity
Other insurers might define an existing condition differently.
When you take out a Lifetime Plus policy with us, your Confirmation of Cover will list the conditions we’ve agreed to cover, or not cover. We’ll only pay claims for pre-existing conditions we’ve agreed to cover. On the other hand, we won’t pay claims for anything you haven’t told us about or not covered.
While it is possible to get insurance for a dog with a pre-existing condition, it may not be easy. You need to find a pet insurance provider which offers this type of cover.
By and large, pet insurers usually only cover new injuries or illnesses which develop after the start of the policy. Alternatively they might:
- Offer cover for certain conditions provided they’ve been symptomless for a specified amount of time – usually two years.
- Only offer limited cover for existing conditions, potentially with numerous exclusions for what you can claim for.
Be sure to read any policy wording thoroughly before you commit. It’s important to understand how and to what extent pre-existing conditions are covered, assuming they are at all.
Petgevity Lifetime Plus is one of only a few pet insurance policies which offers dogs pre-existing conditions cover.
Our Lifetime Plus dog insurance gives you the option of up to £15k vet fee cover. There’s also no compulsory bill share or excess, even as your dog gets older.
All our policies include 24/7 access to vet video calls with expert UK veterinarians FirstVet. This allows you to get advice from a professional from the comfort of your own home at any time. If ever you’re worried about your dog’s symptoms, they’re just a video call away.
What pre-existing conditions could be covered by dog insurance?
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Growths
Tumours, fatty lumps and cancer
Lumps are common in dogs, especially as they get older. Many are fatty or benign, but some may need a closer look from your vet.
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Scavenging and gastric issues
Poisoning
Dogs often scavenge or chew unfamiliar items. Toxins like chocolate, grapes, xylitol and some painkillers can be dangerous even in small amounts.
Sudden vomiting or diarrhoea is a frequent reason for vet visits in dogs. It’s often caused by dietary changes, infections or scavenging.
Ingested foreign bodies
Dogs, especially puppies, sometimes swallow socks, toys or bones. This can cause blockages or discomfort depending on what and how much is ingested.
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Ears and eyes
Ear infections
Floppy-eared breeds and dogs that swim often are more prone to ear infections. Look out for head shaking, redness or a yeasty smell.
Grass seeds in ears
Dogs that enjoy fields or long grass may get seeds in their ears, causing head shaking, pawing or sudden yelping.
Eye infections
Eye infections in dogs may cause squinting, redness or discharge. Breeds with prominent eyes or skin folds can be more at risk.
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Wounds
RTAs (road traffic accidents)
Dogs involved in traffic incidents can have visible wounds or less obvious issues like bruising or internal trauma.
Cuts
Dogs often pick up cuts from sharp objects, thorns or rough play. Cuts on paws or limbs can bleed or become infected if left untreated.
Bites
Bite wounds can happen during play, fights or in unfamiliar dog interactions. They often need cleaning, even if they look small.
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Joints and bones
More common in larger breeds, hip dysplasia affects how the joint fits. It can cause a bunny-hop walk or stiffness after rest.
Cruciate ligament issues
A torn cruciate ligament is one of the most common orthopaedic injuries in dogs, especially active or overweight ones. Sudden limping is often the first sign.
Arthritis
Dogs with arthritis may slow down on walks, avoid stairs or become stiff after rest. It’s especially common in older or larger dogs.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation is often seen in smaller breeds and may cause occasional skipping or lameness in a back leg. Some dogs show signs early in life.
Elbow dysplasia affects growing dogs, especially larger breeds. It can lead to front leg lameness or reluctance to exercise.
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Neurological issues
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the most common causes of seizures in dogs. Episodes can vary in frequency and may involve collapsing or twitching.
Brain conditions
Tumours, infections or trauma can affect how dogs walk, behave or respond to their surroundings.
IVDD (intervertebral disc disease)
More common in Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels and similar breeds, IVDD can cause sudden pain, reluctance to jump or weakness in the back legs.
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Urinary conditions
Bladder stones
Bladder stones can make it painful for dogs to wee or lead to repeated accidents in the house. Some breeds are more prone to forming stones.
UTIs
Urinary tract infections in dogs often cause frequent urination, straining or licking. They’re more common in female dogs and older males.
Cystitis
Cystitis is often bacterial in dogs and can lead to discomfort, urgency or toileting in unusual places.
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Metabolic disorders
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the most common hormone condition in dogs. It can lead to weight gain, lethargy, hair thinning and cold sensitivity, especially in middle-aged breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers.
Diabetes
Diabetes in dogs is often lifelong and may affect middle-aged females more often. Signs include increased thirst, weight loss and more frequent urination.
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Dental issues
Gingivitis
Dogs with gingivitis may have red gums, bad breath or pain when eating. Smaller breeds are especially prone to dental disease.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay and tartar build-up are common in dogs, especially as they age. You might notice drooling, chewing on one side or changes in appetite.
When applying for a dog insurance quote, it’s crucial to tell us about any pre-existing conditions your dog has, including any symptoms they’ve shown in the previous two years. If you don’t declare their conditions, your dog may not be covered for any future claims.
When it comes to any new conditions which develop, your dog will automatically be covered for these once you’ve passed the cooling-off period for your policy.
“If you’re not sure if your dog has a pre-existing condition, get in touch with your vet. They’re not always easy to spot, and unfortunately our dogs can’t tell us.
“Your vet can then check your dog’s medical records. This will highlight any illnesses or symptoms that you should declare when taking out insurance.”
Kerry Willecome, Pet insurance specialist
On declaring any pre-existing conditions your dog has, we’ll make an assessment and let you know if we’re able to offer cover. Once confirmed, you’ll know exactly what you’re covered for and you can take out the policy. If there are any changes in your dog’s health before the policy starts, be sure to let us know.
Once the policy is in place, any agreed pre-existing conditions – or any new conditions which crop up – will be covered by your insurance. And they’ll continue to be covered as long as you keep up the payments and renew each year.
If your dog has any symptoms which haven’t been diagnosed, these will not be covered. If your dog is displaying any symptoms, you must speak to your vet. Then they can make any investigations required before making a diagnosis.
Pre-existing conditions insurance†
With our Lifetime Plus policy, we’ll consider all pre-existing conditions*. Just tell us about any conditions when getting a quote directly.
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Put an end to stressful battles when trying to give your dog their medicine with these handy tips from expert vet Dr Corrine Wigfall.
†Lifetime Plus policies only
*Cover for pre-existing medical conditions is subject to acceptance. They will not be covered unless you have declared them and they are shown on your Confirmation of Cover.
**Illnesses and symptoms won’t be covered in the first 14 days and accidents won’t be covered in the first 2 days of the policy. This is unless you are switching from another lifetime pet insurance product with no break in cover and the claim you want to make would have been covered by your previous policy. Other exclusions may apply to other sections.