Ask the expert: can I get pet insurance for my puppy with a heart murmur?

Carole contacted me this week with regards to her new puppy. She took her to the vet for a routine check and a heart murmur was found. She didn’t have insurance yet and wanted to find out whether any company would insurance her Labradoodle.

“We have not insured a puppy we bought 2 days ago yet. we took it to the vets for a check up and have been told she has a heart murmur. She is a labradoodle. The children have become attached to her in this short space of time. Are there any insurance companies that would cover her? She is 11 weeks old and has not had her jags yet.

Hi Carole,

First of all, very sorry to hear about your puppy. Unfortunately, the heart murmur condition would not be covered by any insurance now that you have found out about it as it will be classed as pre existing.

Even if you had taken out insurance, a 14-day waiting period would apply from your cover start date. During that time, you could not claim for any illness.

I would advise that you go back to were you bought the puppy 2 days ago and ask for a refund and a good explanation! It’s very hard now that you and your kids got attached to it but it’s sometimes necessary.

Regarding getting pet insurance, you can take out a policy even if you don’t take it to the vet first. It may vary depending on the provider, so it’s always good to check the terms and conditions, but generally that’s not a requirement.

Now, when it comes to hereditary or congenital conditions that were present since birth but undiscovered, most companies would cover them. However have a quick check in the terms and conditions, just to make sure before you buy.

If you’re worried your pet may develop an ongoing condition that require regular treatment, then you may want to consider a lifetime policy as they provide continuous cover year after year, for as long as you stay with the same insurer. They will give you a vet fees allowance per year, as opposed to one per condition.

I hope this is helpful. Let me know if there’s anything else you need. Good luck. Let me know how it goes.

Thanks from Carole

Thanks for your help,

Both myself and my children have been really upset, the seller agreed to take her back and she is returning her to the breeder. They took her last night. Its all very distressing.

I didn’t think any insurance companies would insure a pet if you hadn’t had it checked out. That’s why I waited.

Thanks again for your help.