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Pet Insurance With No Waiting Period: How Soon Can Coverage Start?

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  • All pet insurers have waiting periods before your coverage takes effect, and unfortunately, there are no companies that offer pet insurance with no waiting periods, but MetLife coverage takes effect within 24-hours of signing up.
  • Several providers offer shorter than average waiting periods such as MetLife, Figo, Lemonade, Embrace, & Paw Protect. (skip ahead to see waiting periods by provider)
  • Shortest waiting periods for accidents:
    Metlife is the pet insurer with the shortest waiting period for accidents. Coverage starts after midnight on the same day of purchase.
  • Shortest waiting period for illnesses:
    Animalia pet insurance offers the shortest waiting period for illnesses with coverage starting just 5 days after purchasing your plan.
  • Waiting periods vary depending on the type of coverage you need. Each pet insurer categorizes 3 different types of waiting periods: accidents, illnesses, and orthopedic treatments.
  • Waiting periods for accidents are always the shortest, followed by illnesses, then orthopedic issues.

A pet insurance waiting period refers to the stretch of time between when a policy is issued and its effective date.

A pet health insurance policy can help you cover the cost of care if your dog or cat has an accident or falls ill. However, in most cases, your pet insurance coverage won’t kick in the day you buy it.

How long pet insurance takes to kick in varies by provider and coverage type with wait times ranging from 24 hours for accident coverage to several months for more complex issues like orthopedic coverage. Wait times for illness coverage are typically around 14 days.

If your pet is injured or falls ill during the initial waiting period, their medical expenses won’t be covered. The insurer determines the length of your wait, and the time may vary depending on your state and whether the claim is for an illness or accident.

Some pet insurance companies let you reduce wait times by undergoing a vet exam when you buy your pet insurance or through waivers for things like orthopedic conditions.

The best pet insurance policies have waiting periods as short as 1 day for accidents and wait times ranging up to several months for some orthopedic conditions.

What pet insurance has the shortest wait time?

MetLife Pet Insurance has the shortest waiting period for accidents, with coverage going into effect after midnight on the day you purchase the plan.

Other providers with short waiting periods for accidents include Figo Pet Insurance, which takes effect after only 1 day, followed by Embrace, Lemonade, and Paw Protect which have 2-day wait times for accident coverage.

Animalia has the shortest waiting period for illnesses, at just 5 days. You’ll have to wait 5 days for accidents as well which is under the industry average but slightly longer than some other providers.

Pet insurance waiting periods by company

Accidents have the shortest waiting periods followed illnesses. Here is a list of companies ranked by the shortest waiting periods for accidents.

Company Name Waiting Period for Accident Coverage Waiting Period for Illness Coverage
MetLife After midnight on same-day of purchase 14 days
Figo 1 day 14 days
Lemonade 2 days 14 days
Embrace 2 days 14 days
Paw Protect 2 days 14 days
Odie 3 days 14 days
Pets Best 3 days 14 days
CarePlus by Chewy 2-5 days 14 days
Animalia 5 days 5 days
Trupanion 5 days 30 days
Spot 14 days 14 days
Fetch 15 days 15 days
Pumpkin 14 days 14 days
Healthy Paws 15 days 15 days

It’s important to note that orthopedic conditions relating to ligaments, tendons and certain bones (like the hips) have longer waiting periods.

Since certain breeds are prone to these conditions, and treatments like surgery and physical therapy are expensive, insurers have longer waiting periods to avoid insuring animals with pre-existing conditions. This is especially important to consider when looking for pet insurance for older dogs as they are prone to joint issues.

Here is a table showing the wait times for other conditions with an explanation of each.

Name of Company Waiting Period for Certain Orthopedic Conditions
Pumpkin 14 days for ligament & knee conditions
Spot 14 days for ligament & knee conditions
Embrace 14 days with an orthopedic exam - (otherwise 6 months for Orthopedic conditions)
Paw Protect 14 days with an orthopedic exam - (otherwise 6 months for Orthopedic conditions)
CarePlus by Chewy 14 days, 30 days, or 6 months for Orthopedic injuries - depending on the animal’s medical history
Trupanion 30 days for Cranial Cruciate Ligament injuries
Figo 30 days with an waiver - (otherwise 6 months for Orthopedic conditions)
Fetch 6 months for knee & hip injuries
Lemonade 6 months for Cranial Cruciate Ligament injuries
MetLife 6 months for Cranial Cruciate Ligament injuries
Pets Best 6 months for Cranial Cruciate Ligament tears and related conditions
Healthy Paws 12 months for hip dysplasia - (for dogs younger than 5 years old at the time of purchase)
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Is there any pet insurance with no waiting period?

Unfortunately, all pet insurance has waiting periods. Wellness plans are the only type of pet insurance with no waiting period before coverage starts. If you purchase a pet wellness plan, which covers routine care like annual veterinary visits and vaccines, you probably won’t have to wait before you can file a claim. However, wellness plans are typically sold as an add-on to an accident and illness plan.

The shortest option is MetLife which offers accident coverage starting the same day you purchase your plan (coverage starts after midnight).

For illness coverage, the shortest option is Animalia, which requires only a 5-day wait for coverage to begin.

For more complex conditions like hip dysplasia, knee, joint, and cruciate ligament issues, there are some providers that can offer coverage as soon as 14-days after buying your plan. However terms regarding pre-existing conditions usually apply.

For example, Embrace Pet Insurance reduces its orthopedic care wait time from 6 months to 14 days if your vet performs a simple orthopedic exam. Other pet insurance providers, such as Trupanion, offer special exam-day waivers, which may shorten or eliminate wait times for pets that just had a thorough veterinary exam.

That said, makes sure you choose a plan the meets all your coverage needs and not just a short waiting period.

Pet insurance plans with the shortest waiting periods

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Winner: Same-day Coverage for Accidents

MetLife Pet Insurance

 4.7
GET A QUOTE on MetLife's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$1,000-$10,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $250, $500
Why We Like It

Editor's take

MetLife has the shortest waiting period for accidents. Coverage takes effect starting after midnight on the day you buy your policy. This is a far shorter than the average waiting period for the industry.

Illness coverage also has a short wait time at just 14-days before coverage takes effect. Additionally, many orthopedic conditions are also covered at the time that illness coverage kicks in.

Other things we like about MetLife:

With MetLife, you don’t need an initial exam to enroll your pet, there is no upper age limit for older pets. A wide variety of accidents and illnesses are covered as part of your insurance plan. Although traditional MetLife accident and illness policies don’t include wellness exams and dental cleanings, you can opt into their preventative care add-on to get coverage for these things and more.

We like that MetLife offers a variety of discounts for pet parents, like multi-pet discounts, employer benefit discounts, first-responder discounts, health care worker discounts, and more. On top of that, your deductible has the potential to decrease each year you don’t file a claim! Their family plan for people with several pets is also a huge draw.

MetLife is available in all 50 states for cat and dog insurance and offers coverage for exotic pets in select states. These plans can be customized based on what coverage limits, deductibles, and reimbursement levels you’d like.

Read our full MetLife review

PROS

  • Deductible as low as $50
  • Coverage for exotic animals
  • No initial exam required for enrollment
  • Super short waiting period of accident coverage

CONS

  • No unlimited coverage option
  • No vet-direct pay
  • Max 3 pets for multipet/family policy

Runner Up: 1-day Waiting Period

Figo Pet Insurance

 4.6
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Deductible choices
$100, $200, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Figo has the shortest waiting period for accidents and injuries of any pet insurer, with only a 1-day wait. For illnesses, they require a 14-day wait.

For dogs, there is also a 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions. However, this can be waived if you get an orthopedic exam within the first 30 days of your policy and your pet is deemed healthy.

Figo is known for its fast claim processing which is a huge benefit to its customers. Figo is also one of the few providers that offer 100% reimbursement (on plans with deductibles of $500+).

It’s great for elderly dogs as it has no age limit for enrollment.

Figo has lots of plan options to suit all types of budgets. It offers several pre-set accident & illness plans but also allows you to customize your plan based on your desired coverage limits, deductible, and reimbursement level.

You can also opt for add-ons that offer continued wellness coverage and reimbursement for vet exam fees. All plans come with 24/7 vet assistance text-chat, however, video/phone telehealth consultations are also available as part of the wellness add-on.

Read our full Figo review

PROS

  • Fast claim processing
  • No max age limit for enrollment
  • Short waiting period for accidents and injuries
  • 100% reimbursement option

CONS

  • Doesn’t pay vet directly
  • No accident-only plan option
  • More expensive than some insurers

2-day Waiting Period

Lemonade Pet Insurance

 4.8
GET A QUOTE on Lemonade's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - $100,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Lemonade pet insurance has one of the shortest wait times for accident coverage, with only a 2-day waiting period. For illnesses, they have a 14-day waiting period.

There is a six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament events.

Lemonade is renowned for its affordable accident & illness coverage and its plethora of customizable plans. They are one of the few dog insurance providers that offer dental coverage and have a convenient phone app that allows you to manage your policy online.

Add-ons from Lemonade include coverage for preventative care, vet visit fees, dental illness, physical therapy, behavioral conditions, and end-of-life care and remembrance.

Coverage limits can be customized, but for the most comprehensive coverage for your pup we recommend opting for the $100,000 limit with a 90% reimbursement and a dental & vet fee add-on.

Read our full Lemonade review

PROS

  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Discount for bundling with other policies from Lemonade
  • Various add-ons available

CONS

  • Age restrictions
  • Not available in certain states
  • No unlimited coverage option

2-day Waiting Period

Embrace Pet Insurance

 4.8
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Embrace has only a 2-day waiting period for accident and injury coverage and a 14-day waiting period for illness coverage. There is a six-month waiting period for canine orthopedic conditions, which can be reduced to 14 days if you complete an orthopedic exam and waiver process.

Embrace offers highly customizable plans for dogs and ample discounts to customers with multiple pets (10% off) or who are military members (5% off). Embrace offers an accident & illness plan with optional wellness coverage as an add-on. This also includes optional coverage for exam fees and prescription drugs.

Their plans can be tailored for up to unlimited coverage. With the unlimited option combined with 90% reimbursement, you could save thousands of dollars over your dog’s lifetime or if your dog ever develops a serious illness.

In case of an emergency, you’ll also get access to 24/7 virtual assistance via telemedicine calls which can help you diagnose if it’s necessary to rush to an in-person emergency vet. This feature alone could save you hundreds on vet bills, which is another reason we love Embrace.

Read our full review

PROS

  • Affordable plans
  • Many options to customize plans
  • Various discounts available

CONS

  • Doesn’t pay vet directly
  • No exotic pet coverage

2-day Waiting Period

Paw Protect

 5.0
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Paw Protect has a short 2-day waiting period for accidents and injuries and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. There is a six-month waiting period for canine orthopedic conditions, which can be reduced to 14 days if you complete an orthopedic exam and waiver process.

Paw Protect offers customers a $2,000 interest-free charge card that can be used to pay the vet directly, so you have no out-of-pocket expenses when your dog sees the vet for a covered reason. Most other providers require you to pay upfront and be reimbursed later.

Paw Protect offers an accident & illness plan for dogs, as well as an optional Wellness plan available as an add-on. Like some other providers, it comes with 24/7 telemedicine coverage which allows you to speak to a vet in case your pup has an emergency and you aren’t sure whether to take him in for a visit. It also offers discounts if you have multiple pets (10% off) or are a military member (5% off).

Read our full Paw Protect review

PROS

  • Unlimited coverage option
  • Wellness plan add-on available
  • Pays vet directly

CONS

  • Max age for full coverage
  • Doesn’t cover boarding

Shortest Waiting Period for Illnesses (5-days)

Animalia Pet Insurance

4.4
GET A QUOTE via Animalia's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - $25,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$200, $350, $500
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Animalia is a smaller provider but offers the shortest waiting period we have found for illnesses at just 5-days.

This is way shorter than the industry average of 14-days. Additionally, the waiting period for accidents is also 5-days which is also shorter than many providers in the industry.

Although small, Animalia offers solid coverage and includes things like behavioral therapy, chiropractic care, and virtual vet visits all as part of their standard plan. They are also one of the few providers on the market to reimburse your for prescription food and dietary supplements that are prescribed by your vet.

One minor downside is that they don’t sell wellness plans, so reimbursements for routine care like vaccines won’t be covered.

PROS

  • Covers prescription foods
  • Shorter waiting period for illnesses than many insurers
  • Virtual vet visits covered

CONS

  • No wellness add-on available
  • No unlimited coverage option

How does a pet insurance waiting period work?

Pet insurance waiting periods set a coverage effective date that’s days, weeks or months after the policy purchase.

This means your pet’s illnesses or injuries aren’t covered right away.

Essentially, you won’t be reimbursed for veterinary costs incurred during this period. Once the waiting time ends, you’ll be covered at your agreed-on reimbursement rate up to your per-incident and yearly coverage limits.

The moment you purchase pet insurance, the clock begins ticking, but how long the clock runs depends on the type of claim.

Pet insurance providers separate these initial wait times into three categories:

Types of pet insurance waiting periods

Let’s take a closer look at how the wait times for these types of claims differ.

Waiting periods for accidents

Accident insurance usually has the shortest waiting time. The diagnosis and treatment of injuries such as broken bones, bite wounds, and toxicities may begin as soon as 24 hours after you buy a policy.

Waiting periods for illnesses

Illnesses may include chronic diseases, congenital conditions or common ailments, such as kennel cough or diarrhea. You’ll typically have to wait about 14 days for illness coverage to begin.

Waiting periods for other issues

Insurers often categorize orthopedic and cruciate ligament problems separately, and you may have to wait 6 months or more for coverage. However, your pet insurance company may shorten the wait time if your pet has a professional orthopedic exam.

What happens if a condition develops during a waiting period?

If your pet falls ill or becomes injured before your pet insurance is effective, it’s considered a pre-existing condition. As such, it won’t be covered by your policy. Pet insurance pre-existing condition rules vary by provider, and while some conditions may be eligible for coverage after a certain amount of time with no symptoms, no provider will offer immediate coverage for a condition that started during a waiting period.

For most pet insurers, this is a way to discourage fraud. Essentially, wait times discourage pet owners from buying a plan when they suspect their pet may be developing an illness and needs to see a vet right away.

For example, if your cat seems lethargic, you may think about purchasing a policy before consulting your vet. However, you won’t get reimbursed for the exam because coverage doesn’t start right away. You also won’t be paid back for treatments, even if they occur after coverage starts, because the illness is considered a pre-existing condition.

Do wellness plans have waiting periods?

Unlike accident-and-illness plans, wellness policies and preventive care plans are often effective at the time of issue and don’t have any waiting periods.

That means you can see your vet right away for routine care, such as yearly check-ups, preventive health screenings and parasite prevention medications. However, these pet health insurance plans don’t cover diagnostic exams, such as X-rays or non-routine bloodwork.

Compare pet insurance waiting periods and coverage

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Spot Pet Insurance Paw Protect
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Compare Coverage
Accident & Illness Plan
Available
Available
Accident-Only Plan
Available
Not Available
Surgery
Covered
Covered
Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
Covered
Covered
Chronic Conditions
Covered
Covered
Dental Disease
Covered
Covered
Allergies
Covered
Covered
Cancer Treatment
Covered
Covered
Physical Therapy
Covered
Covered
Alternative Therapies
Covered
Covered
Behavioral issues
Covered
Covered
Breed Specific Issues
Covered
Covered
Emergency Vet Visits
Covered
Covered
Telehealth Visits
Covered
Covered
24/7 Vet Chat
Covered
Covered
Specialist Visits
Covered
Covered
Exam Fees
Covered
Covered
Blood Tests
Covered
Covered
Laboratory Testing
Covered
Covered
X-Rays & CT Scans
Covered
Covered
Wellness Coverage
Add On
Add On
Prescription Medication
Covered
Covered
Prescription Food
Covered
Add On
Microchipping
Covered
Add On
Boarding
Not covered
Not covered
Euthanasia
Covered
Covered
Max Enrollment Age
No Max
14 years
Accident Waiting Period
14 days
2 days
Illness Waiting Period
14 days
14 days
Orthopedic Waiting Period
14 days
6 months
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Pet insurance waiting period FAQs

Why do pet insurance companies have waiting periods?

Pet insurance companies use waiting periods as a way to reduce fraud.

The coverage delay prevents pet parents from getting reimbursed if they purchase pet insurance after an accident or illness occurs.

For example, say your outdoor cat got into a fight with another animal and came home with wounds that need stitches. You can’t buy a cat insurance plan the next morning to cover the care.

Can I get pet insurance with immediate coverage?

Pet insurance coverage doesn’t begin right away. However, some insurers, such as Trupanion, may offer exam-day waivers that reduce or eliminate the wait before coverage kicks in.

What is the average waiting period for pet insurance?

Depending on the pet insurance provider and claim type, your average wait time can range from 48 hours to several months. Reimbursement for accidental injuries often begins after 48 hours. Illnesses are usually covered in about 14 days. Some conditions, such as meniscus tears, may have longer wait times.

What pet insurance has the shortest wait time?

MetLife Pet Insurance has the shortest waiting period for accidents, with coverage going into effect at midnight on the day you purchase the plan (read more in our MetLife pet insurance review).

Figo Pet Insurance also has a very short wait time for accident coverage. It takes effect after only 1 day (read more in our Figo pet insurance review).

However many pet insurance providers, including Embrace and Lemonade, have 2-day wait times for accident coverage. The shortest wait time for coverage of illnesses is about 14 days, which is pet insurance industry standard.

When is the best time to get pet insurance?

It’s a good idea to get a pet insurance policy before an illness or injury occurs. That way, your pet is protected when the need arises. However, many insurers don’t put an age limit on coverage, so it’s never too late to buy a pet insurance plan. although premiums typically rise as your dog ages or cat ages due to increased health risks. Buying a cheap pet insurance policy when your pet is young will ensure they have coverage in case of emergencies, and you can always increase benefits later on in their life if you need to.

Can I get retroactive pet insurance?

You cannot purchase pet insurance retroactively. In other words, you can’t buy a policy to cover a date that’s already passed.

For example, if your dog swallowed a toy on March 1st, you can’t purchase dog insurance on March 2nd to cover surgical removal.

Can I get pet insurance if my dog is already sick?

Although you can get pet insurance for a dog that’s already sick, the illness is considered a pre-existing condition and won’t be covered unless your pet can be cured of the illness or injury. Essentially, you can only file claims for conditions that first occur at or after 12:01 of the coverage start date.

We recommend having a look at our article on pet insurance for pre-existing conditions.

Does all pet insurance have a waiting period?

Whether you choose an accident-only option or a nose-to-tail policy, all pet insurance plans require you to wait before coverage starts. However, some providers let pet parents reduce wait times through orthopedic exams or by using exam-day offers.

Is there a waiting period for dental issues?

If you have pet dental insurance as part of your policy, waiting periods will still apply. For things such as extractions due to dental disease, you would need to wait for your illness waiting period to be over before coverage would start. If your dog needs dental work done to an accident, such as being hit by a car, the accident waiting period would apply.

About the Author

Lisa Koosis
Lisa Koosis Insurance Specialist

With specialized expertise in medical insurance, Lisa Koosis served as a Senior Claims Specialist focusing on radiology services for a premier managed care organization. Due to her experience and knowledge, she has served as a subject matter expert for multiple insurance-focused articles. She has also written hundreds of articles covering a variety of insurance topics for multiple online publications.

Although now a traditionally published author, Lisa continues to keep abreast of developments and news in the insurance industry.

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