What is a Pet Insurance Waiting Period?
Waiting periods refer to the length of time before your pet’s conditions may be eligible for reimbursement from your pet insurance provider.
- How do pet insurance waiting periods work
- Why is having a pet insurance waiting period important
- How do Lemonade's waiting periods compare to other providers?
- Why is having a pet insurance waiting period important
- Are there any exclusions to pet insurance waiting periods
- What about pre-existing conditions
- Is a vet visit required when I buy a pet insurance policy
- Real-world waiting period scenarios
- Before you go...
- FAQs
- Other questions pet parents ask us
A waiting period is a term found in all pet insurance policies. It refers to the amount of time your pet insurer requires you to wait until your pet is eligible for reimbursement on specific conditions through your pet insurance coverage.
Let’s get into the nitty gritty of how pet insurance waiting periods work, and the typical dates you can expect from a Lemonade Pet policy.
How do pet insurance waiting periods work?
All Lemonade policies are subject to a couple of waiting periods:
- 14 days for illnesses
- 30 days for orthopedic conditions
These waiting periods begin on your policy’s start date. We can only offer reimbursement for your claim after the applicable waiting period ends. That’s why it’s so important that you buy insurance long before you need it.
Why is having a pet insurance waiting period important?
Waiting periods are designed to protect our Lemonade pet insurance community from someone who buys a policy just to cover one procedure-and then drops out.
Waiting periods help keep our policy prices fair for all of our pet parents, and not just for folks who might want to take advantage of coverage.
How do Lemonade’s waiting periods compare to other providers?
Waiting periods are standard across the pet insurance industry, but the specific timeframes can vary quite a bit from one provider to the next. Here’s how Lemonade stacks up against industry norms:
| Coverage Type | Lemonade | Industry Range |
|---|---|---|
| Accidents | 0 days | 0 to 2 days |
| Illnesses | 14 days | 14 to 30 days |
| Orthopedic conditions | 30 days | 6 months to 12 months |
| Pre-existing conditions | Never covered | Never covered (industry standard) |
Lemonade’s orthopedic waiting period of 30 days is notably shorter than much of the industry, where some providers require 6 to 12 months before joint and bone conditions are eligible. Accident coverage at Lemonade kicks in immediately, with no waiting period at all.
Want to see how Lemonade stacks up provider by provider? Check out our pet insurance compare pages to dig into the details.
Key terms to know
Pet insurance waiting period language can get confusing. Here’s a quick glossary to keep you grounded:
- Effective date: The date your policy becomes active and waiting periods begin.
- Waiting period: The window of time between your effective date and when coverage begins for a specific condition.
- Pre-existing condition: Any condition your pet showed signs of, was diagnosed with, or was treated for before your waiting period ended.
- Policy anniversary: Your annual renewal date, which is when certain policy terms may reset or update.
- Coverage gap: A period when switching providers where your pet may temporarily lack full coverage, since new waiting periods apply with each new policy.
Is there pet insurance with no waiting periods?
Nope. Pet insurance waiting periods are standard for most major providers-including Lemonade-but some policies have longer waiting periods than others.
Are there any exclusions to pet insurance waiting periods?
Yes, depending on the coverages you include on your policy.
When you include one of Lemonade’s preventative care options on your policy, for example, your coverage related to preventative care kicks in the date your policy becomes effective. These packages help with expenses like annual wellness exams, vaccinations, routine care, and spay/neutering.
What about pre-existing conditions?
A pre-existing condition is any condition your pet showed signs of, was diagnosed with, or was treated for before the waiting period of your pet health insurance policy ended. It’s actually one of the main reasons your insurance company has waiting periods on pet insurance plans.
It’s important to know that you won’t be covered for any pre-existing conditions. Pet insurance companies, including Lemonade, won’t cover anything diagnosed, or a condition that was symptomatic, before your policy’s effective date or during any waiting periods. Once the waiting periods expire, you’ll be covered for new symptoms or conditions unrelated to any pre-existing conditions your pet may experience.
This is one of the reasons it’s so worthwhile for pet owners to get insurance coverage early in their dog or cat’s life. At Lemonade, for example, you can buy a policy for your puppy or kitten from two months old. Some dogs are especially likely to require veterinary care for hereditary conditions, like hip dysplasia or a luxating patella. If these are noted or diagnosed before a waiting period is up, your pet insurance provider (including Lemonade pet insurance) won’t be able to reimburse you for treatments related to those conditions.
But if you get your pet covered when they’re a healthy kitten or puppy, any eligible conditions that arise later in life will be fully covered (factoring in co-insurance and deductibles, of course)!
Is a vet visit required when I buy a pet insurance policy?
Depends on when your pet’s last medical exam was. At Lemonade, we require that you send us your fur fam’s pet medical record that includes info that covers the last 12 and a half months of your pet’s life (this includes the 14-day illness waiting period on your policy). If your pet is less than a year old, the medical record should include info from the first puppy, kitty, or shelter exam your pet had through the illness waiting period.
So if you just bought a policy for your 3-year old Whippet, Beau, who hasn’t been to the vet since puppyhood, he’ll need a medical exam from a licensed veterinarian to be eligible for coverage (even if he’s a vision of health). Your fur fam might not be covered if you file a pet insurance claim without an up-to-date pet medical record.
And trust us, starting a medical record as early as possible in your pup or kitty’s life will pay off in the long run. The earlier you get pet insurance, the more likely your furry friend will be free of pre-existing conditions, which means more savings on treatments and illnesses throughout their life.
Real-world waiting period scenarios
Waiting periods are easy to understand in theory, but they play out in very specific ways depending on when you buy, what breed you have, and what your pet’s health history looks like. Here are some real-world examples to help you think it through.
The new puppy owner
Sarah adopts a healthy 8-week-old Golden Retriever and purchases a Lemonade policy the same day. Three weeks later, the puppy develops vomiting and diarrhea. Because the 14-day illness waiting period has already passed, the condition is eligible for coverage.
But here’s the catch: Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia. If signs of hip problems appear at 6 months old but Sarah had switched providers or let her policy lapse before the 30-day orthopedic waiting period on her new policy had passed, that condition would not be covered. Getting coverage early and keeping it continuous is the best way to protect against this.
Best practice: Purchase coverage immediately after adoption, before any conditions have a chance to develop.
Switching providers
Mike switches from his old provider to Lemonade after his 3-year-old cat had been healthy for two years. During Lemonade’s 14-day illness waiting period, his cat starts showing signs of urinary issues.
Even though this condition never came up under his previous policy, it’s now considered a pre-existing condition under his new Lemonade policy, because it emerged during the waiting period. The timing of a provider switch matters more than most pet parents realize.
Best practice: If your pet is currently healthy, switching providers can work in your favor. Just make sure there are no emerging symptoms during the new waiting period.
The large breed and orthopedic risk
James adopts a 1-year-old German Shepherd and purchases pet insurance. At month two, his dog starts limping. His vet suspects early signs of hip dysplasia.
Because this occurred within the 30-day orthopedic waiting period, the condition is flagged as pre-existing and won’t be covered. Had James purchased coverage before the limping started and cleared the waiting period, the treatment would have been eligible.
Large breeds like German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers are statistically more likely to develop orthopedic conditions. Getting coverage early is especially important for these dogs.
Best practice: For large or giant breeds, purchase insurance as early as possible, ideally when they’re still a puppy with no orthopedic history.
The rescue pet
Diana adopts a 4-year-old rescue dog with an unknown medical history. She purchases Lemonade pet insurance right away.
Because the dog’s history is unclear, Lemonade will review available medical records to determine what, if any, conditions existed prior to the policy. Conditions that were symptomatic or documented before coverage began won’t be eligible for reimbursement.
Best practice: Get a full veterinary exam as soon as possible after adopting a rescue pet. A clean bill of health from a licensed vet, captured before any new symptoms arise, creates the clearest possible baseline for your policy.
The senior pet adoption
Linda adopts a 9-year-old cat from a shelter. Older pets come with a higher likelihood of pre-existing conditions, which means more exclusions and a narrower scope of coverage.
That said, it’s still worth getting coverage. Any new, unrelated conditions that develop after the waiting periods are cleared will still be eligible for reimbursement. And given that older pets tend to need more veterinary care, even partial coverage can add up to meaningful savings.
Best practice: For senior pets, get a thorough vet exam right after adoption to document their current health status clearly. This gives you and your insurer a clean, agreed-upon baseline going forward.
Before you go…
Waiting periods are one of those things that seem minor until they’re not. The best way to make sure your pet is covered when it counts is simple: don’t wait.
The sooner you get a policy in place, the sooner your pet is protected. Get a free quote in just a few minutes: it’s quick, easy, and your future self will thank you.
FAQs
Can I get pet insurance if my pet is already sick?
Yes, you are able to purchase pet insurance if your pet is already sick. However, a pet insurance policy will not cover pre-existing conditions-meaning any illness your pet currently has, whether the illness has been diagnosed or your pet is showing signs or symptoms of the illness, will not be covered. You can purchase a pet insurance policy for new illnesses that may occur in the future, but a current illness that is pre-existing to the policy and waiting periods will not be covered. Keep in mind: At Lemonade Pet, there is a 14 day waiting period for illnesses from the date your policy goes into effect.
What happens if my pet gets sick or injured during the waiting period?
If your pet gets sick or injured during the waiting period, those specific conditions will not be covered by your insurance policy. You will need to cover the veterinary costs out of pocket, and only new conditions that occur after the waiting period ends will be eligible for coverage.
How can I find out the specific waiting periods for my policy?
You can find out the specific waiting periods for your policy by carefully reviewing your insurance documents or contacting your insurance provider directly. It is essential to understand these details so you can plan your pet’s care accordingly and avoid any surprises.
Does switching pet insurance providers reset the waiting periods?
Yes, switching pet insurance providers generally reset the waiting periods. When you start a new policy with a different provider, you’ll need to adhere to their specific waiting periods, even if your pet was previously covered under another policy.
When will my pet insurance go into effect?
Other questions pet parents ask us:
Why do pet insurance companies have waiting periods?
Waiting periods exist because insurance is designed to protect you from unexpected future problems, not to pay for issues that already exist. Without waiting periods, people could wait until their pet gets sick or injured, then quickly buy insurance to cover those costs, which would make premiums much higher for everyone else. Think of it like car insurance: you can’t get into an accident and then buy coverage to pay for the damage.
How long is the waiting period for illnesses versus accidents?
At Lemonade, we have no waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses.
Is there any pet insurance with no waiting period at all?
Some coverage types don’t have waiting periods, particularly accidents and preventative care which are availble to use the day your policy goes into effect. However, most pet insurance policies will have waiting periods for illnesses and certain conditions like orthopedic issues. Complete elimination of all waiting periods is rare in the industry.
Does Lemonade have a waiting period for accidents?
No, Lemonade does not have an accident waiting period. Accident coverage is available to use the day your policy goes into effect, at 12:01 AM the day after purchase.
What happens if I switch pet insurance companies? Do waiting periods reset?
Yes, if you switch to a different pet insurance company, you’ll typically have to start over with new waiting periods. This is why it’s important to carefully consider your choice of insurance provider from the start.
Do preventative care and vaccinations have a waiting period?
No, preventative care coverage starts as soon as your policy goes into effect, with no waiting period. This includes vaccinations, wellness exams, and other routine care covered under our Preventative Care packages. Since preventative care is planned and routine rather than for treating unexpected conditions, there’s no need for a waiting period.
Will my pet be covered if they get sick on day 10 of a 14-day waiting period?
No, if your pet shows symptoms or signs of illness during the 14-day waiting period, that condition won’t be covered. The waiting period needs to end completely before coverage begins, so illness coverage would start at 12:01 AM on day 15. Any symptoms that appear before then make the condition pre-existing, which means it’s excluded from coverage.
Does a condition discovered during the waiting period become a "pre-existing condition"?
Yes, any condition that’s discovered or shows symptoms during the waiting period is considered pre-existing and won’t be covered. This includes any health issues your vet diagnoses, provides advice about, or treats during those waiting period days.
What counts as "showing signs" of an illness during the waiting period?
Showing signs means your pet displays any symptoms or behaviors that indicate illness before the waiting period ends. This could be anything you notice: limping, vomiting, changes in appetite, lethargy, unusual behavior, or symptoms your vet observes during an exam. If these signs appear during the waiting period, the underlying condition is considered pre-existing and won’t be covered, even if it’s not officially diagnosed until later.
Can I buy pet insurance today and use it at the vet tomorrow?
It depends on what type of care your pet needs. If you have preventative care coverage, you can use that immediately for things like wellness exams and vaccinations. For illnesses, there’s a 14-day waiting period, so new illnesses that develop after that period would be covered. For accidents, while there’s no waiting period, the injury must happen after your policy is active to be covered. So if your pet gets hurt on the day you buy your policy but you wait until coverage starts to take them to the vet, that injury won’t be covered since it occurred before you had active coverage.
Does pet insurance cover a sick pet if I buy the policy right now?
No, pet insurance won’t cover illnesses that your pet already has or develops during the waiting period. If your pet is currently sick or shows symptoms during the waiting period after you buy coverage, those conditions are considered pre-existing and excluded.
Can I get reimbursement for a surgery that was scheduled before the waiting period ended?
No, surgeries or treatments that are scheduled before your waiting period ends won’t be covered. The health issue that requires the surgery must develop after your waiting period is complete for it to be eligible for coverage. This applies even if the actual surgery happens after the waiting period if it was scheduled beforehand, it indicates the condition was already present or suspected, making it pre-existing.
Do I need to take my pet for a vet exam before I can get insurance?
No, you don’t need a vet exam before buying your Lemonade pet insurance policy. We’ll ask for your pet’s medical records from the last 12 months if you have them, or from the first 14 days after you purchase your policy if you don’t have recent records.
What kind of medical records do I need to provide to start a policy?
We’ll ask for your pet’s medical records from the last 12 months if you have them, or from the first 14 days after you purchase your policy if you don’t have recent records. These records help us identify any pre-existing conditions so we can determine what’s covered under your policy.
If my puppy is only 2 months old, does the waiting period still apply?
Yes, waiting periods apply to all pets regardless of age, even very young puppies. You’ll still need to wait through the standard waiting periods: 14 days for illnesses and 30 days for orthopedic conditions. However, if you add preventative care coverage, that starts as soon as your policy goes into effect with no waiting period, which is perfect for covering your puppy’s vaccinations and wellness visits right away.
If I haven't been to the vet in over a year, is my insurance still valid?
Yes, your insurance stays valid as long as your policy is active and you’re paying your premiums.
What are "orthopedic conditions" and why do they have a 30-day waiting period?
Orthopedic conditions affect your pet’s bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Things like cruciate ligament injuries, hip dysplasia, and arthritis. These conditions often develop gradually or may have genetic components, so they have a longer 30-day waiting period to ensure we’re covering new issues that develop after your coverage begins, not existing problems.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.
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