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Pet Insurance Waiting Periods: 9 US Insurers Compared

Comparisons, Pet Health Published:

Checked on 2 November 2026: compiled with AI from the official sites listed in the sources, each figure confirmed by two separate searches of the official site or on the page itself, and read by our editor before publication; every month the figures are checked again, automatically. Rules and prices change; the official site always has the last word.

How soon does a new pet insurance policy start paying? Below are the waiting periods for accidents, illnesses and orthopedic conditions at 9 US insurers, each read on the insurer’s own site on 2 November 2026. Anything that happens or shows signs during a waiting period is usually not covered.

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Written with AI from the sources listed at the end.

Compare them

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A dash means the figure was not confirmed on the official site on the date checked.
Pet Insurance Waiting Periods (checked 2 November 2026)
InsurerAccidents (days)Illnesses (days)Orthopedic / cruciate (days)
Trupanion53030
Nationwide1414–
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance–1414
Pumpkin141414
Figo114180
Spot141414
MetLife Pet Insurance01414
Fetch015180
Prudent Pet514180

How to use this table

  • Insure a young, healthy pet before any problem shows: conditions noticed before cover starts count as pre-existing.
  • If your pet already has a vet record, ask the insurer how it treats past symptoms before you buy.
  • Some insurers shorten the orthopedic waiting period after a vet exam: the policy terms say how.

Before you rely on it

  • Waiting periods can differ by state and change for new policies: your policy documents are what counts.
  • The date each row was checked is in the sources.

Sources