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Hereditary and
Congenital Conditions


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Hereditary and Congenital Conditions

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Pet Hereditary and Congenital Conditions


Pet Hereditary and Congenital Conditions



Hereditary and congenital conditions in dogs and cats can appear as early as birth, but problems often develop later in life. Your once frisky and carefree dog or cat may develop a hereditary or congenital condition that's very expensive to treat.

Fortunately, the Healthy Paws pet insurance plan has got your pet's back, along with all their other important parts! The Healthy Paws plan doesn't place coverage restrictions on hereditary or congenital conditions1. Pets are eligible for coverage so long as the signs and symptoms first manifest after enrolling, including any applicable waiting periods. So, while you focus on caring for your pet, pet insurance can help take care of the costs, potentially saving you many thousands of dollars.


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What is a hereditary condition?

A hereditary condition is passed down to your pet from their parents. Pure breeds, especially purebred dogs, are particularly susceptible.


Hereditary Condition

Average Cost

The
Healthy
Paws
Plan
Pays2

Elbow Dysplasia
Initial diagnostics, surgery (arthroscopy), pain medications, follow-up x-rays, and rehabilitation

$4,000

$3,500

Cherry Eye (Entropion)
Corneal stains, medications, surgical correction

$1,500

$1,250

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Initial x-rays and blood work, surgery, rehab and medications

$8,500

$7,550

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What is a congenital condition?

Rather than inherit a health condition, your pet can develop one in utero, before the pet is born, called a "congenital condition." These conditions can often lead to other complications and diseases.


Congenital Condition

Average Cost

The Healthy Paws
Plan Pays2

Congenital Heart Disease
Conditions like Aortic Stenosis or Heart Valve Dysplasia. Treatment costs vary based on severity.

$7,000

$6,200

Nervous System
Impacting the brain and spinal cord, treatments costs can vary greatly depending on the severity. MRI and CT scans will be the biggest expense.

$5,000

$4,400

Liver Disease
Lifelong liver supplements and regular blood work. Some cases may require surgery.

$6,200

$5,405



Pre-existing condition exclusion

If symptoms of a hereditary or congenital condition were present before you enroll (it doesn't have to be diagnosed) or during any waiting periods, the hereditary or congenital condition is then excluded from coverage.



Hip Dysplasia and Cruciate Ligament tears

Hip dysplasia can be a hereditary or congenital condition where there is a misalignment in your pet's hip. It's painful for the animal, and while very common in gentle giant dogs, vets also see it in small pups and even cats.

Coverage for hip dysplasia is included at no additional cost to you when you enroll your pet before the age of 6.1


Cruciate Ligament issues (ACL, CCL ruptures and disease) have a specific exclusion in the policy: Pre-existing conditions of the cruciate ligament on one leg means the other leg will be excluded from future treatment as well.


For additional information please click here to see the Healthy Paws Pet Health Insurance policy.

"If we had not had Healthy Paws, we would have had to take a serious look at Haley's options. Having this insurance allowed us to seek out and do what was the absolute best for her."


Kathy from New York
customer testimonial kathy

"If we had not had Healthy Paws, we would have had to take a serious look at Haley's options. Having this insurance allowed us to seek out and do what was the absolute best for her."


Kathy from New York

Get an instant quote now and take the first step to protect your furry best friend.

See My Rates »

Get an instant quote now and take the first step to protect your furry best friend.

1Hip dysplasia coverage is included at no extra cost when you enroll your pet before the age of 6.

2This is an approximate reimbursement based on covered treatment costs using a 90% reimbursement level and a $100 annual deductible.

3Waiting periods may apply and vary by state. For state-specific information regarding waiting periods, please review a sample policy.


The claim scenarios described here are intended to show the types of situations that may result in claims. These scenarios should not be compared to any other claim. Whether or to what extent a particular loss is covered depends on the facts and circumstances of the loss, the terms and conditions of the policy as issued and applicable law. Facts may have been changed to protect privacy of the parties involved.