Companies are getting pickier and pickier on what is considered a preexisting condition. If any condition is not disclosed, they can deny any and all claims.
Take Sally’s example. On her application she marked NO to the question of has your horse been seen for anything besides routine care. Her horse has allergies and asthma which Sally considered to be an ongoing condition, so she considered it routine care. When her horse went to the vet for ulcers and asthma due to allergies, testing was recommended. The testing was not approved! The carrier saw treatment for items not included in her application, so no coverage was provided.
Or Joe’s example. For three years, the vet saw a small bump on his horse. It was noted but no treatment was recommended by the vet. This last year, the bump had grown and testing was recommended. The carrier is now denying coverage as the bump was not disclosed on his renewal application. This claim is still active, so the final coverage question has not been resolved.
Both examples show the need to disclose anything and everything on your application! A false statement can negate having any coverage.
While carriers are trying to prevent fraudulent claims so they can keep the cost of insurance from skyrocketing (even more), you can protect yourself best by making full disclosure of all preexisting conditions. Each carrier has their own “rules” or underwriting guidelines. We will do our best to find coverage for your horse based on the disclosures on your application.
Have questions or need coverage, give our Equine Producers or Account Managers a call.
