Switching pet insurance providers can help you save money, improve your pet’s coverage, or work with a company that offers better claims processing and customer service. But if you don’t switch correctly, you could lose important protections—especially for ongoing conditions or illnesses.
Pet insurance works differently from auto or home insurance because of pre-existing condition rules, waiting periods, and breed-specific coverage limitations. That means switching must be done carefully and strategically.
This guide walks you through how to switch pet insurance providers the right way—without losing coverage your pet depends on.
Why Pet Owners Switch Insurance Providers
Pet owners commonly switch insurers because:
- Premiums increased dramatically
- Their pet developed health issues needing better coverage
- Deductibles or reimbursement levels became too expensive
- Their current insurer denied a claim
- They found better coverage for hereditary or chronic conditions
- Another company offers faster claims processing
- Customer service declined
Switching can be beneficial, but only if you understand how to avoid coverage gaps.
Step 1: Review Your Current Pet Insurance Policy
Before comparing other providers, understand what you already have.
Review:
- Annual or per-condition deductible
- Reimbursement level (70%, 80%, 90%+)
- Annual coverage limit or unlimited coverage
- Accident and illness coverage details
- Coverage for hereditary or congenital conditions
- Behavioral therapy coverage (if needed)
- Dental illness exclusions
- Waiting periods
- Pre-existing condition rules
- Renewal date
This helps you determine whether your current plan still fits your pet’s needs.
Step 2: Understand Pre-Existing Condition Rules
This is the most important factor when switching.
All pet insurers consider pre-existing conditions as excluded, which means:
- Any illness or injury documented before switching will not be covered
- Even minor past symptoms may count as exclusions
- Some insurers have “curable condition” exceptions, others don’t
If your pet already has chronic or recurring issues, switching may reduce coverage.
Always check:
- Whether the new company covers curable pre-existing conditions
- How long your pet must be symptom-free
- Whether bilateral conditions (like hip dysplasia) are excluded
Switch carefully if your pet has health history.
Step 3: Compare Quotes from Multiple Pet Insurance Providers
Get quotes from:
- Major pet insurers
- Comparison platforms
- Independent brokers
Compare:
- Illness coverage
- Accident coverage
- Chronic condition support
- Hereditary and breed-specific condition coverage
- Optional add-ons (wellness, dental, behavioral, therapy)
- Waiting periods
- Claims processing speed
- Customer reviews
Not all insurers offer the same protections—details matter.
Step 4: Match Coverage or Improve It
When switching, ensure your new policy:
- Offers equivalent or better reimbursement
- Includes chronic condition coverage
- Allows unlimited annual benefits if desired
- Covers hereditary or breed-specific risks
- Includes dental or wellness care if needed
- Has waiting periods you can manage
Don’t choose a cheaper plan that sacrifices essential coverage.
Step 5: Purchase the New Policy Before Canceling the Old One
Never cancel your current policy before your new one is active.
Why?
- Your pet may show symptoms during the transition
- A new insurer may classify conditions as pre-existing
- Waiting periods apply to every new policy
- You could temporarily lose accident or illness coverage
Overlap both policies to avoid coverage gaps.
Step 6: Wait Until the New Policy’s Waiting Periods Are Over
Most pet insurance waiting periods include:
- Accidents: 1–3 days
- Illnesses: 14–30 days
- Orthopedic issues: 6 months (varies by insurer)
If you cancel too early, your pet may be unprotected during this time.
Cancel your old policy only after the new waiting periods end.
Step 7: Cancel Your Old Policy Safely
When you’re ready:
- Request written cancellation
- Ask about refunds for prepaid premiums
- Confirm autopay has been turned off
- Keep cancellation confirmation for your records
Pet insurers typically prorate unused premium amounts.
Step 8: Update Your Pet’s Medical Records
After switching:
- Notify your vet of your new insurer
- Ensure records are complete and up-to-date
- Save vaccination history, lab results, and diagnoses
- Keep receipts for medications or treatments
Accurate documentation makes claims smoother.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Switching Pet Insurance Providers
Avoid these costly errors:
- Canceling too early and losing coverage during waiting periods
- Switching after a new diagnosis (likely becomes a pre-existing condition)
- Choosing the cheapest plan with weak coverage
- Forgetting to document ongoing treatments
- Assuming all insurers treat hereditary conditions the same
- Not checking bilateral condition exclusions (one knee affects both knees, etc.)
Pet insurance switching is most risky when a pet already has health conditions.
Final Thoughts
Switching pet insurance providers can save you money and improve your pet’s protection—but only if you do it strategically. Because of pre-existing condition rules, waiting periods, and breed-based exclusions, timing is critical.
By reviewing your current plan, comparing new options carefully, activating your new policy early, and avoiding gaps in coverage, you can switch confidently while ensuring your pet stays protected.