Policy Period

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Policy Period

What is a Policy Period?

A pet insurance policy period is the length of time that your pet insurance policy is active. Most pet insurance policies have a 12 month policy period, which begins on the effective date listed in your policy.

How Policy Periods Work

Your effective date does not determine when your coverage first begins. Your policy will list a waiting period that begins on your effective date. This waiting period may range from days to weeks to months and vary for different aspects of your coverage. For example, your waiting period for accidents could be 7 days, while your waiting period for illnesses could be 14 days, and orthopedic care could have a waiting period of 3 months.

Once the waiting period is over, your pet insurance plan will be effective for that kind of coverage. If you choose to renew your pet insurance policy, you will not need to go through another waiting period. Your policy period will remain active from the initial effective date.


Key Takeaways

  • A pet insurance policy defines the length of time that your pet insurance policy is active.
  • The majority of pet insurance policy periods are 12 months long.
  • Your effective date marks the beginning of your policy, but your coverage will not start until your waiting period is over.

Continue Reading

Policy Terms
Policy terms are the conditions of the contract between you and your pet insurance provider.
Read More.
Policy Year
A policy year is the 12-month period of time between your pet insurance policy’s anniversary of enrollment.
Read More.
Pre-Existing Condition
Pre-existing conditions are health conditions that have been diagnosed before you enrolled your pet in a health insurance plan, or before the required waiting period has passed.
Read More.

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