Pet Insurance And Pre-existing Conditions In India: What You Need To Know

Imagine this: It's a peaceful evening at home. You’re curled up on the couch, reading an article on “Pet Insurance Pre Existing Diseases” in your morning newspaper. On the other side of the room, Max, your playful golden retriever, happily chomps on his squeaky toy as his wagging tail fills the room with joy. But then, out of nowhere, he lets out a sharp yelp and starts limping.

Panic sets in. You drop your cup, rush to his side, and notice he's in visible pain. With no delay, you bundle him up and head straight for the vet. The diagnosis? A ligament injury, something Max had already gone through before. Relief flooded in when you heard it was treatable, but then came the part that every pet parent hates: the bill.

X-rays, medications, and follow-up care—the cost spirals before you know it. You end up with a hard decision: stretch your budget to the breaking point or compromise with Max's care. Heartbreaking, isn't it?

Now, ask yourself: What would you do in this kind of situation?

If you are a pet parent, this scenario might ring a bell. After all, our pets aren't just animals, but family! Their wagging tails, goofy grins, and unconditional love brighten even our dullest days, and when they get hurt or sick, we too feel their pain.

Good news: financial pressure during emergencies of this kind does not have to be the norm. There's a way for your furry companion to get care without turning your budget upside down. Enter pet insurance, which is like an umbrella in your pocket—a safety net for all those unexpected moments that lets you focus on their health, not the cost.

In this article, we'll venture into the realm of pet insurance in India, specifically highlighting a vital subject: pet insurance pre-existing conditions. Can one insure a pet that has a pre-existing condition? What's covered and what's excluded  under the plan?

What Is Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance is a specific type of insurance policy uniquely designed to protect the health and well-being of different animals. Just like we purchase health insurance plans for ourselves and our loved ones, a pet insurance policy takes care of our furry friends by securing the medical attention they require free from financial distress.

This type of insurance plan helps cover medical expenses for the pet, be it emergency treatments or even routine check-ups. It financially protects the owners, making it possible for them to manage veterinary bills and focus more on their pets' health rather than the costs involved.

Pet insurance comes in various forms, but the most commonly chosen options are dog insurance and cat insurance. But understanding the policy will be key to knowing exactly what is covered since coverage varies. Some may cover routine care, accidents, and illnesses, but others may be less comprehensive.

Ultimately, pet insurance reduces the enormous financial burden of sudden health conditions or accidents on your bank account and allows your dear pet to be better cared for at such times.

Why Do You Need Pet Insurance?

Recall Max's scenario for a while—the unexpected visits to the vet, X-ray procedures, treatments, and follow-up care. These expenses may just tally up to thousands of rupees or even more. And this is exactly where pet insurance comes to the rescue in the following ways:

Financial Security For Pet Owners

Pet insurance is a safety cushion that protects an owner from unexpected veterinarian expenses due to an illness or injury and avoids financial pressure at difficult times.

Managing Rising Pet Care Costs

Being a pet parent incurs high costs and expenses. The estimated annual expenditure for regular check-ups like vaccinations, tick treatment, grooming, and overall maintenance of the pet will cost between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 54,000. Not to mention veterinary fees and expenses related to medical or surgical procedures for different issues, which can escalate if the pet requires special care.

With a good pet insurance policy, you can be assured that your pet will receive the best medical attention and even legal assistance in the event of unexpected situations without any worry about the cost.

Access To Advanced Care

Some pets require advanced treatments, surgeries, or therapies to maintain their health. With pet insurance, these specialised care options become more accessible, ensuring your furry companion gets the best possible treatment without financial barriers.

Assistance For Senior Pets

As pets get older, they become more susceptible to health problems, which makes having a pet insurance plan increasingly important. 

Less Stressful Pet Parenting

With pet insurance, you can sit back, knowing that your furry friend will have proper treatment when they need it. Knowing that your pet will receive the necessary treatment when needed makes pet parenting a smoother and more reassuring experience.

Different Types of Pet Insurance Plans

For the protection of your pets, insurance companies have specially crafted plans according to their requirements. Now, let's explore some of the common types of pet insurance available in India, which include:

1. Dog Insurance
Dog insurance is perhaps one of the most widely sold types of pet insurance in India. Private insurers as well as public sector firms provide dog insurance. The policy includes coverage for treatments and surgeries, drugs, and even emergency treatments. There are even more comprehensive plans, which will also include accidental damage, theft, third-party liabilities, and international travel expenses.

A few of the insurers offering dog insurance plans include:

• HDFC Ergo
• Bajaj Allianz
• Future Generali
• New India Insurance

2. Cat Insurance
Cat insurance caters to feline owners only; it insures against accidents, diseases, surgical operations, and even a veterinary visit. Some pet insurance plans go beyond medical care, offering protection against theft, loss, and third-party liabilities. This added coverage ensures your cat is safeguarded in various situations, giving you extra peace of mind.

Some of the providers of cat insurance:

• Bajaj Allianz
• HDFC Ergo

By understanding the available tailored insurance plan options, you will be in a position to select the right insurance cover for your pet to guarantee proper care despite any life circumstance that may befall them. 

Pet Insurance Providers In India

When searching for the best pet insurance, getting to know some of your options will come into play. Here are some of the options available in India currently:

Source: All information was obtained from policy wordings and brochures of the relevant insurers.

Disclaimer:

• The following is just a general overview and not a comprehensive list. A number of different insurers in the market offer pet insurance with varying features and coverage options.
• The information available here is as of 13/01/2025, and it only lists a few examples of coverage and benefits offered by the insurers. For comprehensive and specific policy details, refer to the policy documents or get in touch with SMC Expert.

Are Pre-Existing Conditions Covered Under Pet Insurance?

Here’s where many pet owners start to wonder: just like humans, pets can face exclusions or limitations in their coverage, especially if they have a pre-existing disease. Generally, pet insurance policies in India exclude any coverage of pre-existing conditions, but let's break it down for you.

A pre-existing disease under pet insurance is described as any condition, ailment, injury, or related issue for which there were signs or symptoms, a diagnosis, or medical treatment/advice that meets one or more of the following criteria:

• Clinical signs or symptoms were present before the policy was issued.
• It was diagnosed prior to the start of the policy.
• Medical treatment or advice was received before the policy began and continued in subsequent renewals.

A pet’s condition may be regarded as pre-existing disease (PED) if:

• There are changes in the insured pet’s health or behaviour indicative of diagnosed or undiagnosed injuries or illnesses occurring prior to the policy's start date.
• There is an existing incident or physical abnormality.
• Other existing incidents or abnormalities lead to other health issues or injuries.
• Incidents are medically associated with previous conditions or physical anomalies.

Unlike human health insurance plans, pet insurance generally does not cover PEDs. Most insurance companies, including HDFC Ergo, Universal Sompo, etc., often exclude the costs of treatment or hospitalisation from PEDs and their complications.

However, some insurance companies, such as Go Digit, provide a temporary exclusion for PEDs. That is, there may be a waiting period applied, which may range from a few months to a couple of years (for example, 12–24 months), and after that period, the insurer will begin covering costs pertaining to the pre-existing condition.

Additional exclusions exist under specific coverage types in some policies from insurance companies. For instance, HDFC Ergo does not pay the costs for treating existing injuries, like animal bites or fractures of the bones, and the diseases that result from them under the injury coverage.

Be sure to read the pet insurance policy document very carefully to understand their approach to pet insurance pre-existing conditions and be aware of the exclusions and waiting periods involved.

Let’s have a quick look at some of the exclusions and inclusions:

Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list and is subject to change. It was made on 13/01/2025.

Source: The contents of this table are taken from policy wordings.

Is Pet Insurance Available After A Diagnosis?

Indeed, you can still get pet insurance after the diagnosis of your pet with a condition. But there’s a catch: depending on the type of insurance plan you select, it would cover future injuries or illnesses, but the policy might not cover pre-existing conditions or has a waiting period before coverage kicks in.

How Do Pet Insurers Identify Pre-Existing Conditions?

When you lodge a claim with your pet insurance company, they may request to see your pet's medical history to determine whether the condition was pre-existing and within the waiting period. It’s crucial to always be honest when applying for a pet insurance policy or filing a claim. Transparency is key for smooth claims and reliable protection. Concealing a known pre-existing condition may be regarded as insurance fraud, and it may lead to your claim being rejected or even cancellation of your policy.

Summing It Up,

Max is merrily running around the park after his favourite ball, and his injury has been left in the past. And so, you smile knowing your pet's health and happiness are well and secure because of the right pet insurance policy. For sure, despite pre-existing conditions, the correct plan ensures your furry friend is protected for the long haul. Being careful will help you give them the care they deserve without financial worry.

Start making their future secure today- take the first step toward it, buy pet insurance, and let every wag, purr, or leap for playtime be joyful and carefree.

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