My Pet Has A Disability, Will Insurance Cover It?

Does insurance cover a pet with a disability? Technically, disability insurance for pets varies and may not even exist for some companies.

The most common disabilities are blindness, amputation, and paralysis. Yet the cause of each disability varies. Some are due to accidents, illness, and even old age.

Disability Caused By Accidents

If accidents happen, it can result in disability. Thus, such cases need medical procedures. It can include surgery, medications, and lab tests. Owners need to be financially ready for these kinds of situations.

Accident-only pet insurance policies cover these types of injuries. But will it cover long-term medical care like therapy? For some yes, but most do not cover it.

Though comprehensive policies cover both illnesses and accidents, it is good to check if they cover disability as well.

Obviously, this coverage applies to pets insured before the accident or illness. So far, all pre-existing conditions are excluded from all policies. Meaning, if you buy new insurance and your pet is already disabled, it will not be part of the coverage.

Impairment Caused by Hereditary Diseases

Due to some hereditary illnesses, some animals become disabled as they get older. Common disabilities that arise from these conditions are blindness and deafness.

This is the main reason why you cannot insure young pets earlier than the standard 8 weeks. Though some insurers accept 6-week old dogs or cats, this all depends on your pet’s breed. That’s why insurance requires a full medical checkup by a licensed vet before approving the insurance coverage.

A waiting period also takes place from the day you sign the contract. Some insurance companies only wait for 30 days. Others depend on your pet’s age and vet’s notes.

Any defects, whatever the origins are, can cause discomfort to both the owner and his/her pet. So, many encourage pet owners to insure their pet while he/she is young.

In case your pet’s breed has high chances of hereditary diseases, these are all laid out in the insurance plan. It may cost a higher premium, but it will be worth all the savings from regular vet visits.

A pet with a disability is high maintenance. Aside from the regular vet visits, time, and patience, understanding is another investment. Being educated about your pet’s situation will help you prepare in advance for what they may need.

Some hereditary diseases are identified based on your pet’s breed. Hence, you’ll have an idea of what your pet can acquire in the future.

Though disability insurance for pets may not exist as coverage, it still may be optional. Choose policies that can include disability-related features that are ideal for your needs.

Equal Coverage with Fully Abled Pets

Vets and clinics openly welcome all kinds of pets. There is no bias or discrimination when the vet checks them.

In fact, pets with disabilities are no different in the eyes of a vet. When charging for regular checkups or lab and imaging tests, the fees would be the same.

Of course, pets with disabilities would tend to have more procedures done. But this all depends on your vet’s diagnosis.

So, it is best to discuss with your vet what type of pet insurance you have. It’s so he/she can better understand your budget, and what procedures/tests can be done for your fur baby.

If you haven’t gotten any insurance yet, sit down with your vet to discuss options. Most of them will know if some kind of procedure and medication may or may not be covered.

Pet Insurance Is Flexible

Most of the time, only pre-existing conditions are the only ones that can’t be claimed. Whether your pet is fully-abled or disabled, insurance covers general procedures and medications. Some even cover the purchase of selective carts like wheelchairs.

The advantage of getting insurance for your pet with a disability is it allows you to select treatments for your pet. As your pet gets older, the more ailments and health issues they may face.

Although it can get pricey due to the extra medications and treatments they may need, limits will also get adjusted. It’ll be more advantageous for you since it’s likely that your older pets will have more tests and added medications.

To put it simply, there is no specific disability insurance for pets because most pet insurances are flexible. Despite all the limitations, you’ll still be able to find one that will perfectly suit your pets’ needs.

Some pet insurance can customize plans based on your budget and your fur babies’ requirements. So, you shouldn’t get discouraged in finding the best insurance for your disabled pet.