Pet insurance: what is excluded?
Before choosing pet insurance, check pre-existing conditions, waiting periods, age and breed. Also check preventive examinations and vaccinations. Terms vary by programme.
Why are pre-existing conditions not covered?
The terms define a pre-existing condition: symptoms before inception may count even without a diagnosis. Declare the history accurately and ask what will be covered.
Some plans distinguish “curable” pre-existing conditions (e.g. a fully healed ear infection) from chronic ones; the former may become coverable again after a symptom-free interval. Ask explicitly — the difference matters.
How do waiting periods work?
Some covers start later than the policy's inception date. The waiting period and treatment of events arising during it vary by programme. Check each cover separately.
What about breeds and age limits?
There may be age limits, exclusions for particular conditions or different terms by breed. Ask for the terms applicable to your animal rather than relying only on a general description.
Leishmaniasis (kala-azar), endemic in Greece, is treated differently across plans: some cover it conditional on preventive measures, others exclude it outright. For a dog in Greece, this clause deserves specific scrutiny before signing.
What else usually stays outside cover?
Prevention — vaccinations, antiparasitics, the annual check-up — is covered only by plans with an add-on wellness package. Also typically outside: pregnancy and birth, cosmetic procedures, special diets, and behavioral training.
- Check: leishmaniasis cover and its prevention conditions.
- Check: per-incident limits and the annual cap.
- Check: whether the policy requires microchipping — which Greek law mandates anyway.
Frequently asked questions
Is liability covered if my dog causes damage?
Check for liability cover in your pet or home policy. It concerns responsibility for damage to others and differs from veterinary expenses. Two similar covers do not automatically mean unnecessary cost.
Is insurance worth it for an indoor cat?
Staying indoors does not rule out illness or accidents. Compare the cost, exclusions and limits with the expenses you can afford yourself.
What if my breed is excluded?
Breed lists differ significantly by insurer — a breed excluded in one plan may be accepted elsewhere with a surcharge. Get quotes from multiple insurers before concluding it cannot be insured.