Can I Get Pet Insurance Even If My Dog Had Heartworms?

Even four-legged family members can get health insurance.

After paying for treatment of your dog's heartworms, you may have decided that pet insurance would be a good investment to cover future veterinary expenses. Most likely, your dog can get insured, but it may be with limitations on that coverage. You'll need to understand the pre-existing conditions clause of the insurance company and speak with a representative to find out if your dog can be fully insured.

Pet Insurance Companies

Many insurance companies offer health insurance for pets. Each one has its own range of policies it offers and terms and conditions that can vary greatly. The costs also vary greatly depending on the type of coverage you select.

Pre-existing Conditions

All pet insurance companies have a pre-existing conditions clause. With this, VPI Pet Insurance states, "No pet insurance provider covers pre-existing conditions. However with VPI, temporary conditions that are proven to have been cured and treatment-free for at least six months may be reconsidered for future coverage." If your dog is now in recovery, with some insurance companies the past heartworm condition should not limit your coverage options.

Heartworms

Mosquitoes transmit heartworms to dogs through a bite. Once in the bloodstream, the larvae travel to the heart where they grow into worms. Without treatment, heartworms can cause death to the animal. However, if caught early and treated, many dogs recover fully without any long term effects.

To Get Coverage

If you find a company willing to cover your dog despite the previous heartworm infection, you may have to prove that your dog qualifies. To do this, you may need to take your dog for a veterinary exam and heartworm test six months after the treatment. If the test is negative and your veterinarian agrees that your dog is now disease free and suffers no long term consequences, the pet insurance company may accept the test and veterinarian statement and cover your dog.

Read the Fine Print

Before committing to buying health insurance for your dog, read the fine print of your policy. It is possible that the insurance company would not cover future heartworm infections or any health issues related to the past infection. The pet insurance company may cover heartworm prevention medication, however.

References

• "The Merck Veterinary Manual;" Susan E. Aiello, ed.; 1997
• VPI Pet Insurance: Pet Insurance Buyer's Guide
• Pets Best Insurance: What's Not Covered