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What is the Orthopedic Waiting Period?

The orthopedic waiting period is a specified period of time after your policy begins that restricts coverage for orthopedic accidents or illnesses.
​Note: Orthopedic waiting periods vary by state. Look for your state's specified waiting period here.

What is the Orthopedic Exclusion Period?

(Dogs only) The following orthopedic conditions that occur or show symptoms before the end of the illness waiting period or during the first 180 days of the policy are excluded from coverage and are pre-existing for the life of the policy:

· Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)

· Cruciate Ligament Injury

· Patellar Luxation

· Canine Hip Dysplasia

*All other orthopedic conditions are subject to the 14-day illness waiting period.

*Orthopedic accidents may be subject to the full orthopedic waiting period.

(Cats only) For cats, there is also a 14-day waiting period for orthopedic conditions.

All other orthopedic conditions are subject to the Illness, 14 day, waiting period.

Examples of Orthopedic Accidents and Illnesses

• Arthritis

• Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injuries (CCL)

• Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

• Luxating Patella

• Bone Cancer

• Fractures

• Other Injuries or Illnesses Involving Bones, Ligaments, & Joints

Reducing the Orthopedic Waiting Period

Some states allow you have the option to reduce the waiting period for certain orthopedic conditions to as few as 14 days by following the Orthopedic Exam and Waiver Process.

Your pet would need to be examined by a veterinarian after the purchase of your policy and the vet must complete the Orthopedic Report Card.

• If the exam is completed within the first 14 days of the policy and the pet is marked as healthy or the report shows no issues, the waiting period can be reduced to the end of the 14-day illness waiting period