A pre-existing condition means a condition that first existed or occurred:
A pre-existing condition also includes a related condition or bilateral condition of a pre-existing condition.
Pre-existing conditions are not covered under your policy.
Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for further information about pre-existing conditions.
A temporary condition means a condition that normally resolves with treatment, but does not include:
If, after any applicable waiting period, your pet has a pre-existing condition that is a temporary condition which hasn’t existed, occurred or shown noticeable signs, symptoms or an abnormality in the 18-month period immediately prior to your claim treatment date, it won’t be excluded from cover as a pre-existing condition.
You’ve noticed your pet Archie is limping a little on his rear leg. Your Vet diagnoses him with a Luxating Patella (a dislocating kneecap).
15 days ago, you took out pet insurance for Archie, meaning you’re currently mid-way through the policy’s waiting period for this condition. That means treatment for this condition is not covered by your policy given it arose during the applicable waiting period, as outlined in the policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
Two years later, Archie requires surgery for the Patella Luxation. Can you claim for this condition?
No. You and your Vet were both aware of this condition during the pet insurance policy’s waiting period, so it’s not eligible for cover (as outlined in the policy’s PDS).
Your puppy Max had Demodex Mites 18 months before having a pet insurance policy, which resolved with treatment from your Vet.
Two years later, Max is diagnosed with a new case of Demodex Mites. Can you claim for this condition?
Yes! The first episode of demodex mites was a temporary condition that resolved with treatment, and it’s not considered an excluded condition in the policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). Max also didn’t show signs, symptoms or abnormality in relation to the condition for more than 18 months.
You first got pet insurance for Daisy when she was just 10 weeks old. Now at age three, Daisy sustained a bone fracture and needs emergency treatment by your vet. Can you claim for this condition?
If you have selected a pet insurance policy which provides cover for specified accidental injuries, and you have renewed your policy each year without a break in cover, you can make a claim for Daisy’s broken leg.
If, after any applicable waiting period, you’d like Petinsurance.com.au to check whether a condition that has been excluded as a pre-existing condition in your policy should continue to be excluded, you can apply to check this using the Pre-existing Condition Review form.
Your vet will need to certify and provide veterinary records verifying that the condition remains a temporary condition and has not existed, occurred or shown noticeable signs, symptoms or an abnormality for a period of 18 months (‘temporary condition').
Petinsurance.com.au will let you know in writing whether or not the exclusion still applies.
If your pet has a chronic condition that existed or occurred before the commencement date of your first policy period or during any applicable waiting period, and otherwise falls within the definition of ‘pre-existing condition’, that condition will always be excluded from your policy and will not be lifted.
Once completed, you can email the form back to Petinsurance.com.au and you will be notified of the outcome in writing.
