Does Pet Insurance Cover Hereditary Conditions Like Hip Dysplasia?
Learning goal: Know the difference between hereditary and congenital conditions, why policies treat them differently, and what to check for a breed prone to problems like hip dysplasia.
Short answer
It depends on the policy. Many pet insurance plans cover hereditary and congenital conditions for pets already insured, but some limit benefits or exclude them, and some insurers won't cover certain breeds prone to them. Hip dysplasia is a common example. Check the policy's exclusions, and buy before any signs appear.
Read to the end to complete this lesson.
On this page
The Fuller Picture
A hereditary disorder is passed from parents to offspring; a congenital one is present from birth, inherited or not. The California Department of Insurance warns that a policy excluding them won't pay for related treatment. Washington's regulator lists them among conditions where limited benefits may apply. Some policies cover them fully if they first appear after coverage starts.
Key Takeaways
- Triple-I: "Many insurance plans include hereditary and congenital condition coverage for policies in force."
- California's regulator: if a policy excludes hereditary disorders and your pet has one, "such as a hip dysplasia, the insurer will not pay for treatment related to that disorder."
- Washington's regulator lists breed-specific hereditary and congenital conditions as areas where limited benefits may apply.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia count as orthopedic conditions, which may have their own waiting period.
- Signs noticed before coverage starts can make the condition pre-existing.
Real-World Example
Alex and Duke
Alex insures Duke, a German shepherd puppy, at 10 weeks. Policy A excludes hereditary conditions; Policy B covers them if they first show up after coverage starts. At age 3, Duke is diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Under Policy A, the insurer wouldn't pay for related treatment. Under Policy B, it can be considered, minus the deductible and up to the limits, because there were no signs before the policy began.
Common Mistakes
- Not checking hereditary and congenital exclusions for a breed prone to them.
- Waiting until a puppy shows signs, which can make the condition pre-existing.
- Assuming orthopedic problems have the same waiting period as other illnesses.
- Missing a lower limit for hereditary conditions in the benefit schedule.
Interactive Exercise
Check a Policy Against Your Breed
Use your pet's breed to see what to look for in the policy.
Tick each step as you do it. Your checklist is saved in this browser.
Knowledge Check
Question: What's the difference between a hereditary and a congenital condition?
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Questions to explore next
Questions readers often ask next about this topic:
- Does my policy cover hip dysplasia?
- Which conditions is my pet's breed prone to?
- Is there a separate limit for hereditary conditions?
- Is there a longer waiting period for orthopedic problems?
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The factual claims on this page were checked against these sources. Rules and figures change, so check the source itself if you need to confirm the current version.
- insurance.ca.govPet Insurance · California Department of Insurance
- iii.orgPet Insurance: A Growing, Diversifying Line · Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I)
- insurance.wa.govPet insurance · Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Educational information, not advice: This lesson is for general education only, not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Actual coverage, discounts, and requirements depend on your policy’s wording, your insurer, and the laws of your state. Confirm specifics with your own insurer or a licensed agent before making a decision. Insurpedia does not sell insurance and does not recommend specific insurers. Definitions are from the California Department of Insurance's pet insurance guide; the list of limited-benefit conditions from the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner; coverage practice from the Insurance Information Institute. Coverage depends on each policy. Educational information, not advice on a specific policy.