Choosing a dog
What does pet insurance typically not cover?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Most policies exclude pre-existing conditions your dog had before the policy started, routine or preventive care like vaccinations and annual check-ups, and often breeding related costs or elective procedures not medically necessary. Many also apply a waiting period of a week or two after purchase before illness cover begins, and some exclude specific hereditary conditions common in certain breeds unless you pay for additional cover.
Pre-existing and excluded conditions
Any condition diagnosed, or showing symptoms, before your policy's start date is generally excluded permanently, even if you switch providers later, since the new insurer will typically treat it as pre-existing based on your previous records. This is one of the strongest reasons to insure a dog while young and healthy, before any conditions have had a chance to develop.
Routine and preventive care exclusions
Standard policies rarely cover vaccinations, flea and worming prevention, routine dental cleaning, or annual wellness exams, since these are considered predictable, budgetable costs rather than the unpredictable events insurance is designed to protect against. Some providers offer a separate, optional wellness add-on specifically for these routine costs, at extra monthly cost.
Breed specific and behavioral exclusions
Some policies exclude or limit cover for hereditary conditions particularly common in certain breeds unless you specifically add extended cover, and most exclude costs related to breeding, elective cosmetic procedures, and sometimes behavioral therapy, though this varies by provider. Always read the policy document in full rather than relying on a brief summary.
Why reading the full policy matters
Exclusions and waiting periods vary meaningfully between providers, so comparing full policy documents, not just headline prices, is the only reliable way to know exactly what you are and are not covered for before you actually need to make a claim.
Calling the provider directly with specific questions about your own dog's breed and age often clarifies details that a generic summary page leaves out.
Key takeaways
- Pre-existing conditions are almost always permanently excluded from cover.
- Routine and preventive care like vaccinations is generally not included in standard policies.
- Some hereditary conditions common in certain breeds need additional, specific cover.
- Always read the full policy document to understand exact exclusions before relying on it.