You just adopted.
Here's what to do in the next 7 days.
Rescue pet insurance is more complicated than standard coverage — pre-existing conditions, unknown history, and waiting periods all matter. We'll guide you through it.
Rescue Protection Finder
The 3 most important facts about rescue pet insurance
The clock starts at adoption
The moment you sign the papers, your pet's history clock begins. Conditions revealed at your first vet visit could be classified as pre-existing.
'Unknown history' isn't uninsurable
Most insurers will cover conditions that weren't diagnosed before the policy start — even if you don't know the full history of the pet.
Curable conditions can be coverable
Some insurers (Embrace, ASPCA) will cover previously-treated conditions if the pet is symptom-free for 6-12 months after adoption.
Rescue waiting periods decoded
| Insurer | Pre-existing Approach | Lookback Period | Accident Wait | Ortho Wait |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embrace | Covers curable conditions | 12 months | 2 days | 180 days |
| Fetch | Covers curable conditions | 12 months | 15 days | 15 days |
| Figo | Strictly no coverage | 12 months | 5 days | 180 days |
| Nationwide | Strictly no coverage | N/A | 14 days | 14 days |
| ASPCA Pet Insurance | Covers curable conditions | 6 months | 5 days | 14 days |
Your first 7 days checklist
Vet visit within 48 hours (documents health at time of adoption)
Get the vet's written notes — these form your 'baseline' health record
Enroll in insurance within 1 week (before any new conditions are diagnosed)
Photograph any visible conditions — skin issues, limps, anything visible
Ask the shelter for any available medical records or shelter intake notes
