Pet insurance is a great way to protect your furry friends from unexpected accidents and illnesses. But what isn’t covered by comprehensive pet insurance policies? We’ll take a look at some of the common exclusions and discuss why it might be important to add coverage for these items.
Pre-existing Conditions
The majority of comprehensive pet insurance policies do not provide coverage for pre-existing conditions, meaning any condition or illness that your pet has had prior to enrolling in the policy.
This includes chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and cancer, as well as any issues that have been identified during an annual checkup. It also applies to treatments related to the pre-existing condition, even if they occurred after you enrolled in the policy.

Accident Coverage
Most comprehensive pet insurance policies cover accidents and injuries caused by external events like car accidents or falls. However, there may be some limitations on coverage depending on the policy. For example, some policies do not cover certain types of sport-related injuries or injuries due to fighting with other animals.
Illness Coverage
Comprehensive pet insurance policies usually include coverage for illnesses, such as infections, allergies, respiratory problems, and digestive issues. However, just like accident coverage, there can be limits on this type of coverage. Some policies may not cover chronic illnesses or certain types of cancer.
Routine Care
Most comprehensive pet insurance policies do not cover routine care, such as regular checkups, vaccinations, spay/neuter services, teeth cleanings, or nail trims. These are considered preventative measures, so they’re typically not covered under insurance.
It’s important to understand what is and isn’t included in a comprehensive pet insurance policy before signing up for coverage. Read through the policy documents carefully and ask questions if there is something you don’t understand.
- Make sure you understand what is excluded from coverage, such as pre-existing conditions, accidents, illnesses, and routine care.
- Know what limits may apply to certain types of coverage, such as accident coverage or illness coverage.
- Discuss any special needs your pet may have with your insurer before signing up for coverage.