This type of policy covers a condition for up to twelve months from when the condition starts (providing the policy remains in force).
Many people buy this type of policy without realising how restrictive it is.
You can only claim for treatment of a condition until any of the following occur
- You reach the cover limit
- The policy expires as a result of either you or the insurer cancelling or failing to renew the policy.
- The twelve-month anniversary occurs
Once any these events occur you will have to pay for any further treatment your pet has for the condition for the rest of your pet’s life.
It will be treated as a pre-existing condition and therefore will not be covered by your current insurer or any other insurance company.
Policies differ as to how they define the start of the condition. Some define this as “the date you first notice the condition” whereas others define it as the “date of first treatment”.
This means that you will have to renew the policy when it is due in order to be able to claim for the full 12-month period. If you do not renew the policy you will only be able to claim costs that were incurred before the renewal date.