For a pet with prior injuries, which insurers have the most lenient definitions of “curable” pre-existing conditions?

If the pet has prior injuries, the key issue is whether the insurer will later treat that injury as a new, coverable occurrence after it has fully healed. Based on current policy language, there are a few standouts.

Most lenient options

For an injury specifically, I'd put AKC, ASPCA, and Pets Best at the top of the initial shopping list.

There is an important wrinkle, though: a prior orthopedic injury is much harder to insure than a healed soft-tissue injury. ASPCA explicitly excludes the benefit for prior knee and ligament conditions, and Rainwalk similarly excludes ligament and orthopedic conditions from its curable-condition provision.

If the prior injury was orthopedic

If you mean something like a cruciate/ACL tear, luxating patella, hip injury, IVDD, fracture involving a joint, or other orthopedic problem, I'd investigate AKC first because its policy is unusually broad about pre-existing conditions after 365 days. Its published materials specifically mention cruciate ligament disease and arthritis among conditions that can potentially receive pre-existing-condition coverage.

But California matters here: AKC's general marketing says its pre-existing-condition program isn't available in every state, while its California disclosure says pre-existing conditions may become eligible after 365 days but also contains specific orthopedic/knee/ligament exclusions.

If you're in California and tell me (1) dog or cat, (2) age/breed, and (3) exactly what the prior injuries were and when they last had symptoms/treatment, I can compare the actual California policy language of AKC, ASPCA, Pets Best, Fetch, Embrace, Figo, and others and rank them specifically for that medical history.

When it comes to pet insurance, the definition of a "curable" pre-existing condition usually determines whether a past injury will haunt your coverage forever or become eligible for care after a set symptom-free period. Most standard insurers define curable conditions as temporary issues (like a gastrointestinal upset, a cut, or a minor infection) that require 12 months of being symptom-free and treatment-free.

However, prior injuries (especially orthopedic, knee, or ligament issues) are heavily scrutinized, and only a handful of providers stand out with more lenient timeframes or specific inclusions.

Insurers with the Most Lenient Curable Definitions

- **The Lenient Window:** Requires just **180 days** (6 months) of being free of symptoms and treatments.
- **The Catch on Injuries:** Remarkably, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Plans explicitly state that their 180-day curable exception **can apply to knee and ligament conditions** —something almost universally excluded as "incurable" by competitors.[](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESmQEB6zswFdJGHS6D8scrlDMzZ_-59txOHc_fh-po5eZg6Q9myIu1W1bdNQUEbr9eBhrgTRkMLZQ3pkFIfItQUzZflkNlew_8P_eifO6sqGf5yS4DCdzLt47uJfwsEkYtXytkw1cNZ0_qSfWZ2x0QX1eH_4PiVVwRJoU8pq7VItHEKvswaQpTOPaCymm_9qR143qio00FqhAWezw) [[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESmQEB6zswFdJGHS6D8scrlDMzZ_-59txOHc_fh-po5eZg6Q9myIu1W1bdNQUEbr9eBhrgTRkMLZQ3pkFIfItQUzZflkNlew_8P_eifO6sqGf5yS4DCdzLt47uJfwsEkYtXytkw1cNZ0_qSfWZ2x0QX1eH_4PiVVwRJoU8pq7VItHEKvswaQpTOPaCymm_9qR143qio00FqhAWezw)[[2]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESkAEB6zswFbGu0e4fvo0ATXmWOdSTEVTXSHuuHpJVNDtc7Yph2Kmswzqi39FJc9ewcjJp0ZRUnjm-Zr-YqLFJMosMWpt1V-vDPziIEQZ6P44XjCv0bSNy4OGFUNRh-owBbQTKMVoPAPRjWSUsi-NPMeJpJ35rwgIOyXThi6eS-4GuO8Hpr71HTGJEaFb9zrOZn9E)[[3]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESewHrOzAV8oMQMLkGO64n5modkwviEANJ_lBAOpQtVHiJ9xDebY4aeZKXnVgAU1mfYH-WZIxKptoZJ5F-8Cryc3U7i5k5BNi8nPuCaneN3Jq6jpzAD1HgJ5GtHDBzaw-0V4p4LWyyVRNMzyPUzmpjFIspcPDu4QuWvjt_lA)

- **The Lenient Window:** Offers coverage for both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after **365 days** of continuous coverage.
- **The Catch on Injuries:** Historically, AKC was the only major brand to cover *both* types of pre-existing conditions after a year. Note: Policy updates (such as in California) have rolled back some of these broad inclusions for chronic/orthopedic conditions on newer policy forms , so you must check the specific state contract via [AKC Pet Insurance Plans](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESYAHrOzAVcanpZdbC4MyYTXaKsGkbboPoJ2PVCw408Hz87X_4zIuZvwtcdw3YbB3bkY2exGJL8vPe-M7Qe5D-CTBuZ2evt_FlmCPxMSNJOD7BkLbVZpB9H60jupbOPAqApg).[[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESYAHrOzAVcanpZdbC4MyYTXaKsGkbboPoJ2PVCw408Hz87X_4zIuZvwtcdw3YbB3bkY2exGJL8vPe-M7Qe5D-CTBuZ2evt_FlmCPxMSNJOD7BkLbVZpB9H60jupbOPAqApg)[[2]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESkAEB6zswFbGu0e4fvo0ATXmWOdSTEVTXSHuuHpJVNDtc7Yph2Kmswzqi39FJc9ewcjJp0ZRUnjm-Zr-YqLFJMosMWpt1V-vDPziIEQZ6P44XjCv0bSNy4OGFUNRh-owBbQTKMVoPAPRjWSUsi-NPMeJpJ35rwgIOyXThi6eS-4GuO8Hpr71HTGJEaFb9zrOZn9E)

- **The Lenient Window:** Requires **12 months** (365 days) symptom-free and treatment-free.
- **The Catch on Injuries:** [Figo Pet Insurance](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESQAHrOzAVq0agcxmocBnF2Sa41YiFINX5hhr4WA49cc7Om3cu81orQ9cgI6ObCLfp99M7YmRYaXEjxGObOxjhODQ) looks back at medical records (typically 12 to 24 months prior to enrollment) to evaluate if a temporary injury has fully resolved, but standard orthopedic/knee injuries may still face strict definitions depending on whether a vet classifies them as degenerative or chronic.[[1]](https://www.google.com/searchviewer/10?svid=CAwSHRIbCgNwdnESFENnMHZaeTh4TVdOc1puWnpjbWRyGAo)

- **The Lenient Window:** Requires **12 consecutive months** of being symptom-free and treatment-free.
- **The Catch on Injuries:** [Embrace Pet Insurance](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESiAEB6zswFWlEDgXrMAaNY4lqOdfh4v7C8i81DzVo87rdeWSjMBe-kdUw1cprPQVC23jvgdOcGAQbn0cbPGOPwpzKJ_cYronMthbjbInOPilX43Im7yk9nlwo0CPvuynmplkEdMKLOifK2xOm9Vl0LiXesW776IhKIMv3z_TiQJMXx8NdB18ikNp6) distinguishes between curable and incurable conditions, but they explicitly **exclude bone and joint issues** , chronic conditions, or allergies from ever being classified as curable. A minor soft-tissue injury that heals completely can qualify, but fractures involving joints or ligaments usually will not.[](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESYQHrOzAVUdFkS2f_XR9YR7nYOKmlhBTQv9utCv8GDwvvgsxI_AiyJ7f5ikqNZPRh4ICU-fp81w7UpJcqhmH73KnCKSZzxMR5_D8TWsZIwNY0ZVV_RcbyjoHEEDloXZcQRT8) [[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESYQHrOzAVUdFkS2f_XR9YR7nYOKmlhBTQv9utCv8GDwvvgsxI_AiyJ7f5ikqNZPRh4ICU-fp81w7UpJcqhmH73KnCKSZzxMR5_D8TWsZIwNY0ZVV_RcbyjoHEEDloXZcQRT8)

- **The Lenient Window:** Requires **12 months** of no recurring symptoms or treatments.
- **The Catch on Injuries:** In most states, Lemonade Pet Insurance allows temporary injuries to be "cured", but they explicitly state that **knee and ligament conditions** (like a torn CCL/ACL) as well as chronic illnesses cannot be cured and remain permanently excluded.[](https://google.com/goto?url=CAEScAHrOzAVK9jp2hTxQjqbFmlJZjl5jqFGVmu3Omjl-pwyGiZ3eKK-_QXYP2QFHfksGfcHvsj2c06OfwGDNFuLa101MvJA1wC9keq7rTusbXknTwWCAnK6H3LH1G_CEMXfnZslQL6AQPw9AdBOJLnNacU) [[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAEScAHrOzAVK9jp2hTxQjqbFmlJZjl5jqFGVmu3Omjl-pwyGiZ3eKK-_QXYP2QFHfksGfcHvsj2c06OfwGDNFuLa101MvJA1wC9keq7rTusbXknTwWCAnK6H3LH1G_CEMXfnZslQL6AQPw9AdBOJLnNacU)[[2]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESZQHrOzAVWU7I_kD1GLz08aks_ljYvod-j9w-99SedOYtRCeEeR6dwRXA4IVwCUKk-gKwa8x0_xe9ND47EiQWpr4ZgFRInbIyFzQi5J9jgQWPWXjGbH0tWf-XVAR_MK-ryzxxO-YT)

Summary Checklist for Prior Injuries

• If it was a knee/ligament injury: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is uniquely lenient by allowing these to potentially qualify after 180 days.
• If it was a minor soft-tissue or acute injury (cuts, non-chronic limping that fully resolved): Providers like Figo Pet Insurance, Embrace Pet Insurance , and Lemonade Pet Insurance will clear them after 12 months, provided there is zero record of treatment or symptoms.

Could you share what specific prior injury your pet has (e.g., a torn ACL, a minor fracture, soft tissue strain) and how long ago it happened? That will help me pinpoint which of these insurers will actually cover it.

When evaluating pet insurance for a pet with prior injuries (such as broken bones, minor sprains, or upper respiratory/digestive infections), "lenient" usually means the shortest required symptom-free/treatment-free waiting period before a temporary issue is reclassified as cured and eligible for future coverage.

Most traditional pet insurance providers flat-out exclude all pre-existing conditions permanently. However, a select group of standard insurers do recognize curable (temporary) pre-existing conditions if your pet remains symptom-free for a specified timeframe.

Insurers with the Most Lenient "Curable" Policies

1. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
   • Symptom-free requirement: 180 days (6 months)
   • The Definition: ASPCA has one of the shortest clean-bill timelines in the industry. If your pet has a temporary, curable injury or illness (like a minor cut, wound, or non-chronic GI bug) and goes 180 consecutive days without symptoms or treatment, it is considered cured and eligible for coverage moving forward.
   • The Catch: Like almost all standard insurers, knee and ligament (cruciate) conditions are explicitly excluded from the curable policy and remain permanently pre-existing if they happened before coverage or during the waiting period.
   • You can check out customization and policy specifics directly on ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.
2. Nationwide Pet Insurance
   • Symptom-free requirement: 6 months
   • The Definition: Nationwide allows pet parents to formally request a pre-existing condition review. If you can provide medical records proving a temporary injury or illness has been fully resolved and treated without recurrence for 6 months, they may lift the exclusion and add an exception to cover it.
   • The Catch: It requires active appeal and submission of vet records, and approval isn't automatically guaranteed across all diagnostic categories.
   • Learn more about their structure via Nationwide Pet Insurance.
3. Lemonade Pet Insurance
   • Symptom-free requirement: 12 months (1 year)
   • The Definition: Lemonade considers temporary/curable accidents and illnesses resolved if your pet goes 12 consecutive months without showing symptoms or needing treatment. While 12 months is longer than ASPCA's timeline, Lemonade's digital-first claims processing makes tracking and submitting historical updates relatively streamlined.
   • The Catch: Chronic issues and any knee/ligament (cruciate) problems are strictly deemed incurable and will never qualify.
   • Explore options on Lemonade Pet Insurance.
4. AKC Pet Insurance (The Unique Outlier)
   • Symptom-free requirement: 365 days (1 year) of continuous coverage
   • The Definition: AKC is unique because they are one of the only providers that can cover both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions—but only after you have had 365 days of continuous, uninterrupted enrollment with them.
   • The Catch: You have to carry the policy for a full year with the condition uninsured before they will start picking up the tab for it (and it is unavailable in a couple of states like FL and WA).
   • Read more about this rare provision at AKC Pet Insurance.

If you'd like to narrow this down, please share:

• What specific prior injury your pet had (e.g., fracture, soft-tissue/joint strain, wound)
• Whether your pet has had any symptoms or vet visits for it recently

I can give you a better idea of which waiting period or exclusion rule applies to your exact situation.

Yes. I checked current 2026 policy information, and the most lenient insurers depend heavily on what the prior injury was—especially whether it involved a knee/ligament or another orthopedic problem.

My ranking for a pet with prior injuries

The big distinction for a prior injury

If by "prior injuries" you mean something like a fractured leg, wound, or other one-off injury that fully healed, I'd put ASPCA / Pets Best / Spot near the top because 180 days is relatively lenient.

But if the prior injury was a torn ACL/cruciate ligament, knee injury, IVDD, arthritis, or another orthopedic issue, AKC Pet Insurance is dramatically more interesting. Its current policy information says pre-existing conditions can become eligible after 365 days of continuous coverage, and specifically lists cruciate-ligament illness among conditions it can cover.

That makes AKC unusual: it's not merely redefining a condition as "curable"; it advertises a pathway for both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after the 365-day period.

One caveat: "covered after 180/365 days" doesn't necessarily mean the insurer will cover everything related to the old injury. The exact policy's definitions of condition, related condition, bilateral condition, and recurrence matter enormously. For example, if a dog injured one knee before enrollment, an insurer may treat a later problem in the other knee as related/bilateral rather than a new injury.

If you tell me what the prior injury was (e.g., ACL tear, broken bone, surgery, bite wound), when it happened, and whether the pet has been symptom-free since, I can narrow this to the 3 policies whose current wording is most favorable for that specific history.

I researched current pet insurance policies and comparisons. For a pet with prior injuries, the insurers with the most lenient approaches to “curable” pre-existing conditions are generally the ones that (1) recognize a condition can “heal” and (2) have shorter symptom-free periods or broader definitions.

Most lenient for curable pre-existing conditions (ranked)

For a pet with a past injury, the biggest factors are:

• Was it fully resolved? A healed fracture or repaired laceration is much easier to insure than a history of ligament tears, arthritis, or chronic pain.
• Was there any symptom after treatment? Many insurers look at symptoms—not just diagnoses—when deciding whether something is pre-existing.
• Orthopedic injuries are tricky. Prior cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, hip issues, and degenerative joint problems are commonly treated as permanent exclusions because they may recur or affect the other limb.

My shortlist for a previously injured pet

1. ASPCA — best if the injury was truly resolved and you want a shorter “clean period.”
2. Pets Best — strong candidate for one-time injuries that healed completely.
3. Embrace — good transparency, but stricter 12-month requirement.
4. AKC Pet Insurance — worth investigating if the history includes conditions other companies would permanently exclude, subject to state/policy terms.

If you tell me the pet’s species, age, injury type (e.g., broken bone, ACL/CCL tear, surgery, bite wound), when it happened, and whether there have been symptoms since, I can narrow this down to the insurers most likely to accept it.

Here are top web results for exploring this topic:

NerdWallet·https://www.nerdwallet.com 6 Best Pet Insurance Companies for Pre-Existing Conditions Covers chronic pre-existing conditions in some states. Get your quotes. AKC pet insurance stands out in the pet insurance industry. It covers both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions once yo CNBC·https://www.cnbc.com Best Pet Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions in 2026 - CNBC Products are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company (NAIC #12190), or Independence American Insurance Company (NAIC #26581), or MS Transverse Insurance Company (NAIC #21075) and administered b Reddit·https://www.reddit.com is there ANY pet insurance that might cover pre existing problems Wow, thank you for posting this valuable information. Many people adopt senior dogs and want to give them the best life possible and that includes insuring them. Can anyone recommend an insurance comp Forbes·https://www.forbes.com**Pet Insurance** That Covers Pre-Existing Conditions - Forbes Pet insurance may cover “curable” pre-existing conditions like kennel cough, but generally doesn't cover other preexisting conditions. Pet insurance companies for preexisting conditions may want a med MarketWatch·https://www.marketwatch.com Best Pet Insurance Covering Pre-Existing Conditions - MarketWatch AKC Pet Insurance covers both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions. Most other providers only cover curable pre-existing conditions. State Farm·https://www.statefarm.com Does Pet Insurance Help Cover Pre-existing Conditions ? - State Farm Some providers may say they cover pre-existing conditions that are curable after the condition has been cured. Some providers list a certain amount of time that must pass between symptoms (without the U.S. News & World Report·https://www.usnews.com Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2026 - U.S. News & World Report The wellness add-ons are only available in 46 states and Washington, D.C.. Pumpkin has the most expensive sample monthly premiums of the companies in our rating, but it's rated No. 3 in our rating of The Zebra·https://www.thezebra.com**Pet insurance** and pre-existing conditions : What you need to know Bilateral conditions. Another important thing to be aware of about pre-existing conditions is that many companies have what are called bilateral exclusions. This means that companies won't cover a con Facebook·https://www.facebook.com What pet insurance plans cover preexisting conditions for cats?It is for the unexpected situations—accident and illnesses—that cat health insurance can have the biggest benefit. Ideally, your cat's veterinary care should not be based on what financial resources y www.petsbest.com·https://www.petsbest.com/coverage/pre-existing-coverage**Pet Insurance** for Pets with Pre-Existing Conditions | Pets Best What is Considered a Pre-Existing Condition for a Pet? A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury that begins before your pet insurance policy's effective date or during your waiting period. So

When looking for pet insurance with lenient definitions of "curable" pre-existing conditions , the most important detail to know upfront is that almost all mainstream providers treat orthopedic and joint/ligament injuries (like ACL/CCL tears or broken bones involving joints) as permanently incurable. Furthermore, a previous injury on one side of the body often triggers a "bilateral exclusion" for the other side.

However, a select few providers do offer a path forward for temporary injuries (like minor sprains, cuts, or stomach bugs) once a symptom-free period passes, and one unique outlier even covers chronic issues.

Short Symptom-Free Window (180 Days)

• Spot Pet Insurance: One of the most lenient standard providers for temporary conditions, Spot considers a temporary injury or illness cured if your pet remains free of symptoms and treatment for 180 days. Catch: Knee and ligament conditions are explicitly excluded from this rule and remain permanently uncovered if they happened before the policy or during the waiting period.
• ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Shares a nearly identical policy to Spot, removing the pre-existing label for temporary issues after 180 days of being symptom- and treatment-free. Catch: Like Spot, knee/ligament exceptions apply depending on the exact medical history.
• Pumpkin: Also utilizes a short 180-day waiting window for temporary, curable conditions to become eligible for coverage again.

Standard Symptom-Free Window (12 Months)

• Lemonade & Fetch: Both define curable conditions reasonably well, but require your pet to stay completely symptom-free, treatment-free, and sign-free for a full 12 consecutive months before they will reconsider the condition. Catch: They strictly rule out orthopedic, knee, or chronic conditions from ever qualifying.
• Embrace: Offers a 12-month curable condition review process, but enforces strict bilateral exclusions on joint and skeletal issues.

The Ultimate Outlier (Covers Incurable Too)

• AKC Pet Insurance: This is the distinct exception in the entire pet insurance industry. AKC Pet Insurance is the only major brand that provides a pathway to coverage for both curable and traditionally incurable or chronic pre-existing conditions. Catch: You must maintain 365 days of continuous coverage without claiming for that condition before pre-existing coverage kicks in, and specific waiting periods apply to major issues like cruciate ligament events.

If you can share what specific prior injury your pet has (e.g., a broken leg vs. a knee/ligament sprain) and how long ago it occurred , I can help you evaluate which provider's waiting window fits your situation best.

If your pet has old injuries that fully healed, the insurers with the most favorable “curable pre-existing condition” rules are currently:

For a pet with prior injuries, I'd narrow it down further

1. AKC is the standout if the old injury is significant.
Its unusual advantage is that it advertises coverage for both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous coverage. That is substantially more permissive than conventional policies.

2. For a genuinely healed, non-orthopedic injury, ASPCA/Spot/Rainwalk are attractive.
Their 180-day threshold is much shorter than Embrace/Figo's 12 months. However, ASPCA and Spot specifically carve out knee and ligament problems, which is a huge issue if the prior injury involved an ACL/CCL, knee, or similar orthopedic structure.

3. Embrace is particularly interesting if you want an insurer to tell you what it will exclude before you rely on the policy.
It offers a medical-history review and can remove an exclusion after 12 symptom- and treatment-free months for qualifying temporary conditions.

One big warning about “prior injuries”

If the injury was orthopedic—especially a cruciate/ACL/CCL, hip, elbow, or ligament problem—I would not choose based solely on the 180-day/12-month language. Bilateral-condition rules can mean that an injury to one knee before enrollment can affect coverage for the other knee later.

For example, ASPCA and Spot's otherwise attractive 180-day rules don't rescue a prior knee/ligament condition.

Bottom line:

• Most lenient overall: AKC
• Best short cure period: ASPCA / Spot / Rainwalk — 180 days
• Best transparency around determining exclusions: Embrace
• Worth considering: Figo, but its 12-month requirement is less generous.

If you tell me what the prior injury was (e.g., broken bone, ACL/CCL tear, back injury, surgery), when it happened, and whether there have been any symptoms/treatment since, I can compare the policies specifically for that injury and identify which insurers are most likely to cover a recurrence or related future problem.

When looking for pet insurance for an animal with prior injuries, finding a provider with a lenient stance on curable pre-existing conditions is essential. Most standard insurers separate conditions into incurable (chronic or genetic issues like diabetes or hip dysplasia) and curable (temporary issues like ear infections, UTI, or broken bones).

For a condition to be considered "curable" and eligible for future coverage, most lenient providers require your pet to be completely symptom-free and treatment-free for 180 days (6 months) . However, orthopedic and ligament issues (like cruciate/ACL tears) almost always carry stricter exclusions or permanent bans.

Insurers with the Most Lenient "Curable" Policies

• Pets Best Pet Insurance : Widely considered one of the best for prior injuries (such as broken bones, sprains, or minor lacerations). They explicitly cover temporary injuries/illnesses if your pet is symptom- and treatment-free for 180 days.
• ASPCA Pet Health Insurance : Offers a standard 180-day symptom- and treatment-free rule for a wide range of temporary curable conditions.
• Spot Pet Insurance : Similar to ASPCA, Spot defines temporary or acute prior injuries as curable if a full 180 days pass without symptoms or medical management.
• Pumpkin Pet Insurance : Covers curable pre-existing conditions after the standard temporary symptom-free period, and features shorter initial waiting periods for certain orthopedic items depending on the policy.
• AKC Pet Insurance : The ultimate outlier for true leniency—they are the only major provider offering a path to cover both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions (including chronic issues), but it requires a full 365 days of continuous, uninterrupted coverage first.

Crucial Fine Print Warnings Regarding Injuries

• The Knee/Ligament Exception: Even lenient providers like ASPCA, Spot, and Pets Best explicitly exclude knee or ligament conditions (like patellar luxation or CCL tears) from the "curable" category if they happened before enrollment or during the waiting period.
• Bilateral Exclusions: If your pet injured one leg or side of their body prior to the policy, many insurers will permanently exclude the opposite side (e.g., a past left knee injury means a future right knee injury won't be covered).

Could you share the specific type of prior injury your pet has (e.g., a broken bone, a sprain, or a knee/ligament issue) so I can tell you how specific insurers will treat it?

If the pet has a history of injuries, the definition of “curable” matters a lot, especially for orthopedic injuries. Based on current 2026 policy language, I’d rank the major options roughly like this:

My take for a pet with prior injuries

For ordinary, fully resolved injuries: I'd look hardest at Spot and ASPCA. Their 180-day rule is considerably more favorable than the 12-month rules used by Embrace and Fetch. A healed minor injury, infection, or similar issue can potentially stop being pre-existing after six months without symptoms or treatment.

For a history involving knees, cruciate ligaments, hips, or other orthopedic problems: the answer changes dramatically. Spot and ASPCA specifically carve knee and ligament conditions out of their 180-day “curable” provision. www.aspcapetinsurance.com In that situation, AKC is potentially the most lenient, because its advertised program can eventually cover even pre-existing incurable conditions after 365 days of continuous coverage.

Embrace is interesting if the old injury isn't orthopedic: it explicitly recognizes temporary/curable conditions and can remove the exclusion after 12 consecutive symptom- and treatment-free months.

One important distinction: “curable” doesn't necessarily mean “the same injury will be covered if it comes back.” The insurer may decide that a later problem is related to the old injury, particularly with bilateral orthopedic conditions. That's where the actual policy wording—and your pet's medical records—becomes more important than the marketing summary.

If you tell me what the prior injuries were (e.g., broken bone, ACL/CCL tear, luxating patella, back injury, bite wound), your pet's age/breed, and how long ago they occurred, I can compare the policies specifically for that medical history and identify which insurers are most likely to give you useful coverage.