Dog Insurance Waiting Periods Explained (Accident vs Illness)

What Is a Dog Insurance Waiting Period?

A waiting period is the time between policy activation and when you can submit a claim for a new condition.

Even if your dog gets sick the day after you enroll, the insurer won’t cover it until the waiting period ends. This rule exists to stop “pre-existing” issues from being claimed immediately after signup.

Each provider sets their own terms. For example:

• Trupanion covers accidents and illnesses after 5 days and 30 days, respectively.
• Pets Plus Us applies 48 hours for accidents and 14 days for illness.
• Fetch by The Dodo uses a 15-day waiting period for both accident and illness.

Why Waiting Periods Exist

Waiting periods protect the insurance pool from adverse selection - people enrolling only after their dog gets injured or sick. Without them, costs would skyrocket for everyone.

Think of it like car insurance: you can’t buy a policy after an accident and expect coverage for that incident.

How Waiting Periods Differ: Accident vs Illness

Accident Coverage

Accident waiting periods are short - usually 48 hours to five days. These cover sudden injuries such as:

• Getting hit by a car
• Broken limbs
• Bite wounds or lacerations
• Foreign object ingestion

Because accidents are random and not predictable, insurers keep this waiting period brief.

Illness Coverage

Illness waiting periods are longer (two to four weeks). They cover non-emergency health issues like:

• Ear infections
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Skin allergies
• Urinary tract infections

These longer periods prevent people from enrolling after noticing early signs of sickness.

Special Cases: Orthopedic and Hereditary Conditions

Some breeds are prone to orthopedic or hereditary issues, such as hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament tears.
Providers often require:

• Extended waiting periods (up to 6 months) for orthopedic issues, or
• Optional waiver forms signed by your vet confirming your dog is healthy

If you have a large or active breed (Labrador, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever), review this section carefully before choosing a plan.

Can Waiting Periods Be Waived?

In most cases, no. However:

• Some providers will waive the orthopedic waiting period if your vet performs a healthy joint exam soon after enrollment.
• Accident waiting periods sometimes begin immediately for policy renewals.

Always check your policy documents for “waiver” language or “pre-enrollment exam requirements.”

What Happens If Your Dog Gets Sick During the Waiting Period

If your dog shows symptoms during the waiting period, that condition becomes pre-existing and is excluded from future coverage.

Example:

• You buy a plan on April 1.
• Illness waiting period = 14 days.
• Your dog develops vomiting on April 10.
  That condition and anything related to it will likely be considered pre-existing - even after the 14-day period ends.

Tips for New Policyholders

✅ Enroll early. The sooner you buy coverage, the sooner protection starts.
✅ Read the fine print. Each provider defines “waiting period” differently for accident, illness, and add-on coverage.
✅ Get a vet exam before enrolling. This can help confirm pre-existing status and sometimes shorten orthopedic waiting periods.
✅ Set expectations. Don’t plan to use the insurance during the first few weeks for new issues.

This table illustrates why comparing policies matters - shorter waiting periods mean faster access to protection.

The Bottom Line

Dog insurance waiting periods are short but critical to understand.

• Accidents are covered within days.
• Illnesses and orthopedic issues require patience before you’re protected.

The key is enrolling before anything happens - especially for puppies or newly adopted dogs - so no future health problems are considered pre-existing.

👉 Compare waiting periods across Canadian providers with our Dog Insurance Comparison Tool.

FAQs About Dog Insurance Waiting Periods

Why can’t coverage start immediately?

Insurers need time to verify that your dog isn’t already ill, preventing unfair claims and keeping costs lower for all members.

Does each provider have the same waiting period?

No — each sets its own timeline. Always confirm your provider’s policy for accident, illness, and orthopedic coverage.

Can I use insurance during the waiting period?

You can visit your vet, but any costs incurred won’t be eligible for reimbursement until the waiting period ends.

What happens if my dog has symptoms right after enrolling?

That issue becomes pre-existing and may be permanently excluded from coverage.

Sources

• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
• Trupanion Canada Policy Details
• Pets Plus Us Canada
• Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance