What's Not Covered
Like all pet health insurance plans, our plans have exclusions, which are treatments that
are not covered. Our exclusions help us offer affordable plans that are consistent with
the ASPCA's beliefs.
Inhumane Treatments
Some of our exclusions support the standards of the ASPCA (The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) for the humane treatment of animals. For instance,
we do not cover elective procedures the ASPCA opposes like tail docking, ear cropping,
and the removal of dewclaws.
Congenital and Hereditary Disorders
Our plans do not offer coverage for congenital or hereditary disorders. That's because
covering these disorders would require higher premiums for all of our insured pets.
Pre-existing Conditions
Pre-existing conditions are illnesses or injuries that show symptoms prior to a plan's
initial effective or renewal date. To keep our premiums affordable, pre-existing conditions
are excluded in all but one of our plans, which provides coverage for conditions that appear
in a previous plan year. Pre-existing conditions may be covered in the future under any of
our plans if they are cured and treatment free for 180 days.
Treatments Without Clear Standards
We also exclude treatments that do not have agreed-upon standards for practice or costs in
the veterinary community. For example, our plans do not cover acupuncture, chiropractic or
rehabilitative therapies, treatments for behavioral problems, experimental procedures, organ
transplants, or holistic, homeopathic, and herbal supplies and treatments.
Other Exclusions
Our plans do not cover the costs of breeding or pregnancy, boarding, time and travel to a
veterinary clinic, health certificates or vaccination tags, grooming or supplies, or multiple
incidents of foreign object ingestion in a 12-month period. Also, while we work hard to make
our wellness care payouts as generous as possible, we only offer coverage for certain types
of dental cleanings.
Waiting Periods
In addition to exclusions, there are waiting periods for certain treatments. For example, there
is a 30-day waiting period for illness coverage (this waiting period does not apply in all states).
There is also a 12-month waiting period before the diagnosis, treatment, or surgery related to
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) or Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) damage is covered.
See our plan descriptions or view our comparison chart.
Please note that this is not a complete description of all coverage terms, conditions, and exclusions. See the coverage terms in your policy for full details.