Good for waiving waiting periods with a vet exam
Pets Best
- Exam window
- 3 days before to 7 days after the start date
See plans on Pets BestOpens Pets Best's site. Not a referral link.
Also on Pets Best's site
Pet insurance waiting periods
Updated October 27, 2026
The gap between buying a policy and being covered is where most claim surprises start. Here is what the model law allows and how insurers let you shorten it.
- 30 days
- Longest illness wait the model law allows
- 0 days
- Wait allowed for accidents
NAIC Pet Insurance Model Act, read Oct 2, 2026. See source
On this page
What the NAIC model law says
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners adopted a Pet Insurance Model Act in 2022. It is a model for states: it applies in your state only if your state has adopted it, so check with your state insurance department1.
Under the model act, a waiting period is the time a policy says must pass before some or all coverage begins. Insurers may use waiting periods of no more than 30 days for illnesses or orthopedic conditions not caused by an accident, and may not use waiting periods for accidents at all. Waiting periods may not be applied to renewals, and must be clearly disclosed before you buy1.
Waiving them. An insurer that uses waiting periods must let you waive them by completing a medical exam; the insurer may require a licensed vet to do it after purchase, and you pay for it unless the policy says otherwise1.
Pre-existing conditions. The model act defines a pre-existing condition as one where, before the policy's effective date or during a waiting period, a vet gave medical advice, the pet was treated, or verifiable sources show signs or symptoms. The insurer has the burden of proving the exclusion applies1.
Free look. The model act's notice gives you 15 days from receiving the policy to return it for a full refund, as long as you have not filed a claim1.
How two insurers describe their waiting periods
| Insurer | What the company says | Where to find yours |
|---|---|---|
| Pets Best2 | Vary by state and type of coverage; start on the effective date; waived on continuous renewals; can be waived with a vet exam 3 days before to 7 days after the effective date, form returned within 30 days | Policy Declarations Page in your account |
| Embrace3 | Orthopedic coverage starts after a waiting period that varies by state | Your state policy terms |
Your policy's declarations page shows the waiting periods that apply to you.
Before you buy
Step 1
Find the waiting periods
For accidents, illnesses and orthopedic conditions, in your state's policy.
Step 2
Ask about the exam waiver
And whether its findings could create a pre-existing exclusion.
Check the waiting periods on the insurers' sites
About this page
CoverPlainly is also not an insurance agent, does not sell insurance or collect your details, and does not cover Medicare. Nothing here is insurance advice.
Prices, coverage and terms belong to each company and can change. The company's own page and your policy are the final word; the insurer decides every application.
