Pet Insurance That Covers hereditary Conditions

Does Pet Insurance Cover Hereditary Conditions?

Most pet insurance companies offer some form of coverage for hereditary conditions. The part that gets tricky with pet insurance hereditary conditions coverage is that a wide range of restrictions may apply. 

Some pet insurance policies have specific clauses on hereditary and genetic conditions. While it may not exclude them from coverage, you may be paying higher premiums. There may also be exclusions and extended waiting periods for certain conditions. 

Certain breeds can also be excluded from coverage for hereditary conditions most common in their breed. Examples might include a French bulldog with brachycephalic syndrome or a labrador with hip dysplasia. 

All insurance has exclusions on pre-existing conditions that can also complicate your pet’s hereditary condition coverage. Even if your pet was not formally diagnosed with a hereditary condition but they have a history of symptoms consistent with one, it could exclude them from coverage. 

A common example of a hereditary condition being recognized as pre-existing would be a dog with a history of lameness (limping or abnormal stance) later diagnosed as hip dysplasia. If the insurance policy was acquired before the lameness started (including the waiting period) it would most likely be covered. However, if the policy was acquired after the dog was showing signs of lameness even if the hip dysplasia hadn’t been diagnosed yet, it could be excluded. 

Finding the right policy for your furry friend, especially if they are prone to hereditary conditions can be a daunting task. Every plan is different so it’s important to get quotes tailored to your pet’s breed, age, and medical history–and always read the fine print!

Pet Insurance That Covers Hereditary Conditions

The following are pet insurance companies that currently offer hereditary condition coverage. 

As with all insurance, changes in coverage or eligibility can occur, additional exclusions may apply, and reimbursement rates, copays, and deductibles vary by individual policy. It’s always a good idea to carefully review your plan and contact your insurance provider with any questions or concerns. 

Insurance	Hereditary Conditions Coverage	Restrictions	Reimbursement
AKC	Offered only as an add-on  Includes hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, luxating patella, spondylosis, and eye disorders	No pre-existing conditions 30-day waiting period	70% to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
ASPCA	Covered under the Complete Coverage Plan Includes hip dysplasia, heart disease, intervertebral disk disease, eye disorders, and more	No pre-existing conditions 14-day waiting period	70% to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
Embrace	Included in Full Coverage Plan Coverage includes hip and elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, allergies, cancer, intervertebral disk disease, and others	No pre-existing conditions 14-day waiting period Orthopedic conditions may have a 6-month waiting period	70% to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
Fetch	One plan, includes hereditary conditions coverage Covers most hereditary conditions including hip dysplasia, breathing problems, and more	No pre-existing conditions 15-day waiting period 6-month waiting period for hip and knee injuries	70% to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
Figo	One plan, includes hereditary conditions coverage Covers most hereditary conditions including hip dysplasia, heart disease, eye disorders, luxating patella, and more	No pre-existing conditions 14-day waiting period	Up to 100% depending on plan and deductible
Healthy Paws	One plan, includes hereditary conditions coverage Covers some hereditary conditions like elbow dysplasia, cherry eye, and intervertebral disk disease	No pre-existing conditions 15-day waiting period Hip dysplasia is only covered if pet was insured before 6 years of age, plus a 12-month waiting period Cruciate ligament-related issues are excluded if a previous issue occurred in other leg	70% to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
Lemonade	Included in the Base Plan Coverage includes hip and elbow dysplasia, hernias, eye disorders, and more	No pre-existing conditions 14-day waiting period 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament problems	70% to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
Metlife	One plan, includes hereditary conditions coverage Covers most hereditary conditions including hip dysplasia, invertebral disk disease, and others	No pre-existing conditions 14-day waiting period Additional waiting periods for certain conditions may apply	Up to 100% depending on plan and deductible
Nationwide	Two plans offer different levels of hereditary condition coverage, Whole Pet Plan or Major Medical Plan Whole Pet Plan covers most hereditary conditions while Major Medical Plan only covers some Conditions covered may include hip dysplasia, luxating patella, heart disease, cherry eye, and more	No pre-existing conditions 14-day waiting period Additional waiting periods for certain conditions may apply Breed exclusions for certain hereditary conditions apply	50% to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
Pets Best	Covered under the Accident and Illness Plan Coverage includes hip and elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, intervertebral disk disease, eye disorders, and more	No pre-existing conditions 14-day waiting period 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament problems	70% to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
Pumpkin	One plan, includes hereditary conditions coverage Coverage includes hip dysplasia, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and more	No pre-existing conditions 14-day waiting period	Up to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
Spot	Covered under the Accident and Illness Plan Coverage includes hip dysplasia, heart disease, eye disorders, and more	No pre-existing conditions 14-day waiting period	Up to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met
Trupanion	Included in Base Plan Coverage includes many common hereditary conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, diabetes, respiratory problems, and more	No pre-existing conditions 30-day waiting period	Up to 90% depending on plan, once deductible is met

What is a Hereditary Condition?

Hereditary conditions, also commonly known as genetic conditions are caused by DNA mutations, passed from parent to offspring. Hereditary conditions are especially common in purebred dogs since their original gene pools were much smaller. These conditions can be made worse by irresponsible breeding, especially in dogs bred for rare looks. While some breeds have higher rates of hereditary conditions than others, any breed, including mixed, can have a hereditary condition.

Common Hereditary Conditions in Dogs

Some of the most common hereditary conditions in dogs include:

• Allergies
• Cancer
• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (abnormal development of the joint)
• Luxating Patella (kneecap dislocation)
• Heart Disease 
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Umbilical Hernias (protruding intestines) 
• Brachycephalic Syndrome (respiratory issues in short-nosed dogs)
• Neurological Disorders (such as epilepsy)
• Diabetes

Dog Breeds Prone to Hereditary Conditions

The dog breeds most prone to hereditary conditions include:

• Labrador Retrievers 
• German Shepherds
• French Bulldogs
• English Bulldogs
• Dachshunds
• Beagles
• Boxers
• Poodles
• Cocker Spaniels
• King Charles Cavalier Spaniels
• Yorkshire Terriers 

FAQs 

Does Pet Insurance Cover Genetic Conditions?

When it comes to pet insurance terminology, hereditary and genetic may be used interchangeably. Whether your policy states it covers hereditary or genetic conditions, they likely mean the same thing. They may also use the term “breed-specific” when referring to a hereditary or genetic condition. Always feel free to reach out to your insurance company for clarification. 

What are the Costs of Treatment for Hereditary Conditions in Dogs?

Veterinary costs for treating a hereditary condition will vary widely by condition, breed, and how advanced the issue is. Some conditions may simply be treated with medication or prescription food, like allergies. While more serious hereditary conditions like orthopedic conditions and hernias may require surgery and a hospital stay. 

The typical costs for the initial diagnosis of a hereditary condition will likely include a veterinary consultation, some form of diagnostics such as x-rays, and/or lab tests like blood work. Certain conditions like those that affect the heart, may involve a veterinary cardiologist and an echocardiogram or ultrasound of the heart. This can add up to several hundred dollars or more without pet insurance. 

What is the Best Pet Insurance for Dogs with Hereditary Conditions?

When it comes to searching for pet insurance that covers hereditary conditions, there’s no one-size-fits-all plan. Every pet has different needs and every plan offers different coverage. Some plans may have better coverage but exclude your breed while others may include your breed but have much higher premiums. The best plan will be the one you have carefully researched that offers the most coverage for your pet at a price that fits your budget.