What Is the Waiting Period for Orthopedic Conditions?

Learn more about what it is and how you can have it reduced.

What is the Orthopedic Waiting Period?

The orthopedic waiting period is a specified period of time after your policy begins that restricts coverage for orthopedic accidents or illnesses. ​Note: Orthopedic waiting periods vary by state. Look for your state's specified waiting period here.

Examples of Orthopedic Accidents and Illnesses

• Arthritis

• Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injuries (CCL)

• Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

• Luxating Patella

• Bone Cancer

• Fractures

• Other Injuries or Illnesses Involving Bones, Ligaments, & Joints

Reducing the Orthopedic Waiting Period

You have the option to reduce the waiting period for certain orthopedic conditions to as few as 14 days by following the Orthopedic Exam and Waiver Process.

Your pet would need to be examined by a veterinarian after the purchase of your policy and the vet must complete the Orthopedic Report Card.

• If the exam is completed within the first 14 days of the policy, the waiting period will be reduced to the end of the 14-day illness waiting period

• If the exam is completed outside of the first 14 days, the waiting period will be reduced to the date the exam took place

Note: Your Orthopedic Report Card can be found in your MyEmbrace customer account under Claim Forms & Documents.

How to Submit the Orthopedic Report Card Via MyEmbrace

1. Log in to your MyEmbrace customer account and select Send Documents from the Quick Links menu

2. Choose Select Files to Upload

• Select your Orthopedic Report Card from your files

• Accepted file types are: PDF, PNG, or JPEG.

• Size limit for each document submitted is 50MB

3. Select Submit

Your Orthopedic Report Card has been submitted and a claims adjuster will send you a confirmation email within 1-3 business days to let you know what the new waiting period end date is and if there were any abnormalities noted on the form.

Other Ways to Submit

Email: claims@embracepetinsurance.com

• The Orthopedic Report Card must be sent as an attachment, not pasted in the body of the email

Fax: (800) 238-1042

Orthopedic Pre-Existing Conditions

If your vet notices an abnormality during the orthopedic exam and notes it on the orthopedic report card, that specific condition and anything related to it are considered pre-existing.

Appealing the Orthopedic Report Card Results

If you feel that the orthopedic exam evaluation was incorrect, you can appeal the pre-existing condition that was noted. To appeal, respond to the email results and the claims adjuster can provide additional information.

Note: The results of the Orthopedic Report Card are based solely on what is noted on the form. However, if other orthopedic conditions are noted in your pet’s medical records, they may also be considered pre-existing.