Are Bilateral Conditions Covered by Pet Insurance?

Bilateral conditions in dogs and cats are medical issues that can affect both sides of their bodies.¹ However, symptoms may not always develop simultaneously, which can complicate things when it comes to figuring out what’s covered by pet insurance.

Pet insurance policies typically don’t cover bilateral conditions if they’re pre-existing, but MetLife Pet may still be able to provide coverage in certain instances. Let’s look at some more information about bilateral conditions and what to expect from your pet insurance plan. 

When MetLife Pet Could Offer Coverage for Bilateral Conditions

Diagnostics and treatment of your pet’s bilateral condition might be covered under a MetLife Pet policy if:

• The diagnosis was made after enrollment, and your plan’s waiting period is over.
• There’s no evidence that the bilateral condition manifested before coverage, even if it first appeared on the other side of your pet’s body.

MetLife Pet Insurance may not cover a bilateral condition that initially appeared on one side of the body — before coverage began — because these conditions can often progress to the other side over time.¹ And pet insurance policies typically don’t cover pre-existing conditions.

Take hip dysplasia, for example. Let’s say it starts on a pet’s right side. That can affect how the pet distributes their weight, increasing the likelihood of it occurring on the opposite side as well. In that case, MetLife Pet may classify the condition as pre-existing even if symptoms on the other side appear later, after coverage begins.

Curable conditions

Fortunately, MetLife Pet may cover certain bilateral conditions that are considered “curable” if the second incident is unrelated to the previous incident. If your pet develops a curable bilateral condition — such as glaucoma — years after it had previously affected one side of their body, then it might be covered as long as your vet is able to clarify that the incidents are unrelated.¹

Continuing coverage for pre-existing bilateral conditions

If your pet does have a pre-existing bilateral condition, all hope isn’t lost for future vet bills — especially if you want to switch up coverage. MetLife Pet can typically provide coverage for pre-existing conditions that are already covered by another pet insurance provider, if you switch to a MetLife Pet policy through your employer.²

Types of Bilateral Conditions That Could Be Covered

Bilateral conditions can impact either side (left or right) of the body, and they typically affect both sides eventually. Examples of bilateral conditions common to pets include:¹

• Elbow and hip dysplasia
• Cruciate ligament injuries
• Cataracts
• Luxating patella
• Glaucoma

As mentioned, as long as the first signs of the condition or the injury occur after your policy is active and applicable waiting periods are over, there’s a chance MetLife Pet could help you cover costs. There’s also a chance it could be covered if the condition is something curable, such as glaucoma or an ear infection, and the incidents are unrelated.¹

MetLife Pet members who saved on bilateral condition costs

Depending on the type of bilateral condition your pet develops, diagnosis and treatment can be costly. Here are some MetLife Pet policyholders who received reimbursements for their pet’s bilateral condition:³

• Wendy, a 7-year-old pup from Connecticut, was brought in by her pet parents for a bilateral cruciate rupture after developing arthritis. The vet bill came to almost $6,150, and her pet parents got over $5,500 back.
• Tess, a mixed-breed dog from Utah, developed bilateral hind limb lameness and ended up with a soft tissue injury. The vet prescribed medication that cost $175, and her parents got more than $150 back.
• Kai, a 9-year-old dog from Hawaii, developed joint disease, which became bilateral in his shoulders. The initial vet visit and treatment cost $400, but his pet parents got more than $350 back.

Costs can vary widely depending on the condition being treated, the severity of it, where you live, and the kind of vet you bring your pet to. Getting money back on related vet bills could make a MetLife Pet policy worth it.

Exclusions to Bilateral Conditions Coverage

There are two clear cases when bilateral conditions will likely not be covered by MetLife Pet:

• Pre-existing conditions: If your pet develops the condition before policy coverage begins, or applicable waiting periods are over, vet bills for the condition aren’t usually eligible for reimbursement.
• One side shows symptoms before coverage: Even when the condition doesn’t affect both sides to begin with, if symptoms on one side began before coverage started, and you’re looking for reimbursement on the other side after coverage begins, MetLife Pet typically won’t cover the second side because it’s related to the first.

If you have a MetLife Pet plan, review the details of your policy for more information, or contact our customer support line at (877) 804-7627 to learn more about pet insurance exclusions.

MetLife Pet Could Help You With Bilateral Condition Costs

We know your pet’s health is a high priority. Pet insurance can help you get them the care they need when they’re not feeling well. With coverage for a wide array of health conditions, reimbursements up to 90% on covered vet bills, and optional Preventive Care to help keep them healthy, don’t wait for unexpected vet bills to surprise you.⁴ Get started today with a free quote from MetLife Pet.