Most pet insurance policies begin around 14 days after you buy the policy. These waiting periods exist so people don't buy insurance after their pet shows signs of illness or injury.
But is there a way of getting a policy without the wait? There are some scenarios where a waiting period might be shorter or waived entirely.
In this guide, we'll get into the detail of pet insurance without waiting periods, and how to best protect your pet.
Is it possible to get pet insurance without a waiting period?
Waiting periods exist to prevent insurance fraud. It stops pet owners from getting a policy immediately after a pet has suffered an injury or illness, and trying to claim.
Though rare, it's possible to get pet insurance without a waiting period. This can happen when switching between insurers with no gap in coverage. Or if you purchase a specific type of accident-only pet insurance policy, which only covers against sudden, unforeseen accidents.
How long are typical waiting periods for pet insurance?
Different policy types can have different waiting periods. Accident-only for example, might only have a waiting period of a few days. Your cat might fracture a leg, or your dog might cut their paw whilst out on a walk. An accident-only policy can cover vet bills for things like this, but it won't cover illnesses. These accidents are less frequent and have a lower risk of fraudulent claims. That's why they have a much shorter waiting period.
An accident and illness policy, for example lifetime pet insurance or maximum benefit pet insurance, might have a waiting period of 14 days.
Each policy is different, so it's always best to carefully read through any policy documents before you buy. You'll want to be completely sure of the waiting period for the policy you've chosen, so you know exactly when the cover will begin.
How to get pet insurance with immediate coverage
There are some rare cases where pet insurance policies might have no waiting period. You might get instant pet insurance because you're switching providers without a gap in cover.
Accident-only policies usually have a shorter waiting period than more comprehensive policies.
It's also worth buying insurance early. Some new pets (particularly rescue animals) will come with short-term insurance. This can bridge the gap until you find the perfect policy for your pet.
It's always a good idea to keep renewing your policy so you're continuously covered. You'll avoid waiting periods if you do this too.
If I switch pet insurance providers, will there still be a waiting period?
If you're switching from one insurer to another, the new insurer might waive the waiting period. This is as long as you can provide proof of continuous coverage.
This isn't always the case though, and you might find that your new provider will still put a waiting period in place. It's always worth checking your policy details to know whether there's a waiting period before your cover begins.
Understanding the limitations of immediate coverage
Immediate coverage often has limitations, and it might not always be smooth sailing.
No-wait policies can be less comprehensive, so be mindful that you might not be covered for everything. Whilst an immediate policy may seem convenient, it might not be broad enough for you and your pets needs.
Always read the policy details carefully so you know exactly where you stand. Knowing the conditions of your policy back to front is the best way to avoid getting caught out.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
A pre-existing condition is an illness, injury, or symptom that your pet had before or during the initial waiting period of the policy.
Standard pet insurance usually won't cover pre-existing conditions, so it's important to read your policy documents carefully and consider your options before you commit.
There are some specialist providers that cover pre-existing conditions, though the level of cover may vary.
Some might cover a condition after a period of being symptom-free, while others offer specific pre-existing cover. These policies are usually more expensive but can provide cover for ongoing issues.
To find cover that includes your pet's pre-existing conditions, it's always best to compare policies.
How to compare pet insurance policies
Comparing insurance policies is the best way to get the best price, and see what different options are available to you.
When comparing policies you'll want to look carefully at the level of cover available, and how long the waiting periods are.
It's also worth taking a peek at ratings and customer reviews to see what people think of different providers. Being as thorough as possible is the best way to find a policy that suits your individual circumstances.
Using Confused.com is a great way to quickly compare prices for pet insurance, and find the best cover for you and your furry companion.
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