Pet Insurance 102: Answering Your Top Questions About Pet Insurance

Bringing home a new pet is an exciting time. But it can also be overwhelming. You want to be sure that you’re prepared for the unexpected. Pet insurance is the smart way to make sure your dog or cat is covered with the best veterinary care without worrying about the cost.

We asked Lemonade your top questions about pet insurance — from what it covers to how it works — so that you can feel confident about living a long and healthy life with your pet.

Why do I need insurance for my pet?

Pet insurance helps you manage the cost of unexpected veterinary bills, so you can get your pet the care they need without worrying about financial stress. By reimbursing you for covered medical expenses, pet insurance lets you focus on your pet’s health and happiness.

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Lemonade offers a number of preventative care options, including a package designed especially for puppies and kittens. Save on vaccines, wellness visits, and so much more.

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What does a pet insurance plan cover?

• Accidents, such as swallowed objects, bite wounds, burns, and car accidents

• Illnesses, including urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, digestive issues, and diabetes

• Preventive care (available through add-ons), such as annual wellness exams, vaccines, routine bloodwork, and dental cleanings

Note: Lemonade’s base plan covers accidents and illnesses, while preventive care requires purchasing an add-on. Always check your specific policy for exclusions and details.

What are pre-existing conditions?

A pre-existing condition is any condition that began or was contracted, manifested, or incurred before the effective date of your policy or during any waiting period, whether or not the condition was discovered, diagnosed, or treated. A chronic condition is a pre-existing condition unless it begins after the effective date of your policy.

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Lemonade Pet Insurance, like most providers, does not cover pre-existing conditions. However, Lemonade does recognize the difference between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions. If your pet had a curable illness (such as a urinary tract infection or ear infection) and has been symptom- and treatment-free for at least 12 months, you can file a request with Lemonade to have that condition reviewed for future coverage. Incurable or chronic conditions, like diabetes or allergies, remain excluded from coverage regardless of the time passed. For specifics, always check Lemonade’s latest policy details or contact their support team.

What does pet insurance not cover?

Lemonade Pet Insurance keeps exclusions to a minimum and their policies are simple and straightforward. In general, Lemonade plans do not cover:

• Pre-existing conditions

• Grooming

• Prescription food

• Alternative therapies

Does Lemonade cover hereditary conditions?

Yes, Lemonade pet insurance covers hereditary conditions as long as your pet didn’t show symptoms or get diagnosed before your policy started or during the waiting period. If the condition appears after your coverage begins, Lemonade can help cover it. If it showed up before, it’s considered pre-existing and isn’t covered.

Are there any caps on payouts with Lemonade?

Yes, Lemonade pet insurance policies have annual payout limits, which are the maximum amounts they will reimburse in a year. The specific limit depends on the coverage level you choose when you sign up. You can typically select an annual cap ranging from $5,000 up to $100,000.

Is there a waiting period after I sign up with Lemonade?

Yes, Lemonade pet insurance usually has a waiting period after you sign up, which means certain types of coverage begin a set number of days after your policy starts. For most states, there is typically a 14-day waiting period. However, in some states, waiting periods may be waived or have different rules.

What is the annual deductible for medical insurance with Lemonade?

Lemonade offers several annual deductible options for pet insurance, usually starting as low as $100. You can choose the deductible amount that works best for you, with many pet parents selecting a $250 annual deductible. Your deductible will affect your monthly premium and how much you pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in each year.

Does insurance cover prescription dog food with Lemonade?

No, Lemonade pet insurance does not cover prescription dog food. This is listed as one of the general exclusions in their pet insurance policies.

Can I cancel my policy before the term is up with Lemonade?

Yes, you can cancel your Lemonade pet insurance policy at any time. In many states, there’s also a Free Look Period (also known as a Right to Examine period), which gives you a limited time after you sign up to cancel and receive a full refund, as long as no claims have been filed. Policies and cancellation terms may vary by state, so check your policy documents for specific details.

Will you drop my pet from coverage because of age with Lemonade?

No, Lemonade will not drop your pet from coverage just because of their age, as long as you keep your policy active and continue paying your premiums. However, you must enroll your pet before they reach the maximum age limit for new policies, which varies by breed but is usually around 14 years old. Once enrolled, your pet can stay covered for life as long as you keep your policy in force.

Can a senior pet still get pet insurance with Lemonade?

Yes, senior pets can get Lemonade pet insurance as long as they’re within the eligible enrollment age (usually up to 14 years old for new policies, depending on breed). Just keep in mind that any conditions your pet already has would be considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage. Preventive care packages are also available and are a great way to support your older pet’s ongoing health needs.

How do reimbursements work with Lemonade?

After you’ve met your annual deductible, Lemonade will reimburse you for covered veterinary expenses according to the reimbursement percentage you selected for your plan, up to your annual coverage limit. For example, if you have a $250 annual deductible, a $5,000 annual limit, and choose a 90 percent reimbursement rate, and your dog’s covered vet bill is $2,500, Lemonade would subtract your deductible, apply the 90 percent rate, and reimburse you for the covered amount. The rest of your annual coverage limit remains available for future claims during that policy year.

How do I file a claim with Lemonade?

Filing a claim with Lemonade is easy and can be done in just a few steps:

• Visit any licensed veterinarian: You can use any licensed vet in the U.S.

• Submit your claim: Use the Lemonade app or website to quickly upload your vet invoice and relevant details.

• Get reimbursed: If your claim is approved, you’ll receive reimbursement for eligible expenses according to your policy terms, often via direct deposit for fast payment.

When is the best time to buy pet insurance with Lemonade?

The best time to sign up for Lemonade pet insurance is as soon as possible, before any conditions develop that could be considered pre-existing. Enrolling early means more health issues can be covered down the line, and you’ll just need to wait for the short waiting period before coverage starts.