Questions & answers · Pet insurance
My pet insurer denied my dog's knee surgery as pre-existing because the vet notes mention limping before the policy started. Is that allowed?
Pet insuranceDeniedChecked Nov 6, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-06 · Source: California Department of Insurance · Questions to Consider When Purchasing Pet Insurance · preexisting conditions View original ↗
In short
- Pet plans often leave out problems seen before you joined.
- Ask for the denial in writing and the exact policy words.
- You can ask your state insurance office for help.
What this means
Yes, pet policies can exclude pre-existing conditions. California's insurance department says a policy with this exclusion will likely not pay. This covers any condition the owner got advice for, or the pet got treated for, before enrollment [1]. Washington's insurance office adds that a company may use a wait period before coverage starts [2].
A past limp may or may not count as the same knee problem. That depends on your policy words and your vet records. The sources here do not say how a limp is treated. They also do not say if a cleared condition can be covered later. Ask the insurer for the exact policy words and the records it used.
If you think the denial is unfair, you can complain to your state insurance office. Washington says to file one if you think an insurer treated you or your claim unfairly [3]. The office sends the complaint to the insurer and asks for a response [4].
Your next step
Ask the insurer in writing for the reason, the policy words, and the vet records it used. Then ask for a review, or file a complaint with your state insurance office. The sources give no deadline; check your denial letter.
Check it yourself
Read what your policy says about pre-existing conditions, and the date your coverage began. Compare it with the dates in your vet notes. The sources do not say how a limp is treated, or whether a cleared condition can be covered later — "Don't know yet".
Where this comes from (4)
[1] California Department of Insurance · Questions to Consider When Purchasing Pet Insurance · preexisting conditions · checked 2026-11-06
Does the coverage offered have exclusion for preexisting conditions? If so, the insurer will likely not pay for treatment for any condition for which the pet owner has received medical advice or the pet has received treatment prior to enrollment in a new pet insurance policy.
[2] Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner · Pet insurance · Check your policy's coverage for pre-existing conditions · checked 2026-11-06
For pre-existing conditions, the company may enforce a wait period before coverage kicks in.
[3] Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner · File a complaint · Quick tip · checked 2026-11-06
You should file a complaint if you think an insurer or agent has violated the law or treated you or your claim unfairly.
[4] Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner · File a complaint · File a complaint · checked 2026-11-06
We’ll send your complaint to the insurer or agent and ask for a response.
How we found this
We matched your question to 4 official sources, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-06.
What we don’t know yet
Your own plan or notice may say something different. If your letter cites another rule, send it and we will look again.
Every answer is checked against the official rule it quotes.
Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.
This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
Related answers
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- Will my pet insurance pay for a problem my pet already had, or for a hereditary condition?
Answer id CQ7202. Spotted an error? Tell us.