What is a waiting period in pet insurance?

The waiting period is the time between when you take out your insurance policy and when it comes into effect. If you take out pet insurance the day before a vet visit to investigate an illness, you won't be able to claim a benefit for that visit.

Why do pet insurance policies have waiting periods?

Pet insurers impose waiting periods to prevent fraudulent claims and minimise risk to the insurer. Having waiting periods for illnesses and conditions also helps to manage costs and keep premiums fair for policy holders.

How long will I have to wait until my pet is insured?

Conditions covered under illness and tick paralysis and routine treatments usually come with a 30-day waiting period. For cruciate ligament conditions, you usually have to wait 6 months, although some providers will offer a form for waiving or shortening this. For accidents, there's often no waiting period but you'll need to check with your insurance provider.

What happens if my pet gets sick during the waiting period?

You can seek treatment for any illness outlined in your insurance policy, but it won't be covered until after the waiting period has been served.

Can I get pet insurance for a pre-existing condition?

Generally, no. Pet insurance doesn't usually cover pre-existing conditions. In some cases, however, your pet can get covered for an ailment if your vet can advise that your pet is now fully cured. For ongoing pre-existing conditions though, you'll struggle to find cover.