What is a Congenital Condition?
A congenital condition is any bodily abnormality present upon birth. Though they exist at birth, congenital conditions are not always apparent at birth and may take years to discover. A congenital condition could be an abnormal individual organ, such as a dog or cat born with cataracts, or a specific part of the body that developed abnormally, such as a leg that is shorter or longer than the other legs. Some congenital conditions will resolve as your pet grows, but other congenital conditions may worsen with time or lead to premature death if left untreated.
It’s unknown why many congenital conditions occur, but many are theorized to happen due to genetics, environmental factors, or a combination of the two.
How Congenital Conditions Work
Diagnosed congenital conditions are considered pre-existing conditions and will not be covered by any pet insurance plan. However, if you enroll your pet in protection before the condition is diagnosed it can be covered - so it’s important to enroll sooner rather than later. Also, some pet insurance plans will cover pre-existing conditions that are “curable.” If your pet has a congenital condition, consult with your veterinarian about possible cures and treatment options.
Key Takeaways
- A congenital condition is any abnormal condition present upon birth.
- Congenital conditions may not be detected until years after birth.
- Congenital conditions are considered pre-existing conditions.
