Pet Insurance That Covers hereditary Conditions

Takeaways

  • Many pet insurance plans will cover hereditary conditions but coverage can vary by breed, age, and specific condition
  • Extended waiting periods may apply for certain conditions, especially orthopedic 
  • There are many common hereditary conditions in dogs; hip dysplasia is one of the most common and most insurance policies have specific requirements for covering it
  • Certain breeds more predisposed to hereditary conditions can be excluded or have a higher premium for coverage

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!

Unlimited claims, No credit checks, No upper age limit & Multiple pet discounts

Compare the best rates on pet insurance

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. 

InsuranceHereditary Conditions CoverageRestrictionsReimbursement
AKCOffered 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
ASPCACovered 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
EmbraceIncluded 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
FetchOne 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
FigoOne 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 PawsOne 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
LemonadeIncluded 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
MetlifeOne 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
NationwideTwo 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 BestCovered 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
PumpkinOne 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
SpotCovered 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
TrupanionIncluded 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. 

Unlimited claims, No credit checks, No upper age limit & Multiple pet discounts

Compare the best rates on pet insurance

Photo of author
Lauren Rey

Lauren is a copywriter and content writer with a background in veterinary marketing and communications. Throughout her career, she saw many animals come through veterinary hospitals with preventable illnesses or injuries and took a special interest in pet owner education. Now she loves researching and writing about all things pets! Lauren lives in Florida but is always plotting out a new road trip route with her partner-in-crime, Pickles. Pickles is a rescue dog that loves hiking, road trips, and Starbucks just as much as her mom does!