Looking for pet insurance that offers “no waiting period?” It’s important to clarify from the start that there are very few if any pet insurance companies that have a zero waiting period, especially when it comes to medical issues. The major difference between insurers is the length of waiting periods, with some insurers offering an option of no waiting period for accidents on the day or within one day after enrollment, as well as waiving the orthopedic waiting period by undergoing a veterinary examination.
Quick Answer: Shortest Waiting Periods by Provider
| Company | Accident Waiting Period | Illness Waiting Period | Orthopedic Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Figo | 1 day | 14 days | 6 months (waivable with vet exam in some cases) |
| Pets Best | 3 days | 14 days | 14 days (same as illness) |
| Embrace | 2 days (varies by state) | 14 days | 6 months for cruciate ligament events |
| ASPCA / Spot | Varies (commonly a few days) | 14 days | 14 days |
| Lemonade | 2 days | 14 days | 6 months for cruciate/orthopedic conditions |
| Healthy Paws | 15 days | 15 days | 15 days (no separate orthopedic period) |
| Trupanion | 5 days | 30 days | 30 days (no separate orthopedic period) |
| Fetch | 15 days | 15 days | 15 days (no separate orthopedic period) |
Waiting periods can vary by state and are subject to change — always confirm the exact waiting periods in the policy documents before enrolling.
How We Evaluated These Plans
Our analysis focused on the waiting period statements provided by the companies in relation to the time gap between your policy start date and when coverage commences for accidents, illnesses, and orthopedic conditions. In particular, we scrutinized those companies that provide same day/next day accident insurance, which is as close as it gets to “no waiting period” coverage, as well as the ability to waive off any long orthopedic waiting period with a veterinarian’s examination.
Why Waiting Periods Exist
The purpose of the waiting period is to ensure that insurers (along with policyholders) are not exposed to the risk of insuring pets who become ill or injured before purchasing their policy. If no waiting period were established, one could purchase the insurance after the pet ingested a sock and needed an operation. Since accidents are unexpected, they usually have relatively short waiting periods (ranging from one to 15 days). Illnesses, on the other hand, may have a longer waiting period (up to 14 or 30 days) due to the time needed to notice any symptom. Orthopedic issues such as torn cruciate ligaments or hip dysplasia commonly have the longest waiting period (six months).
1. Figo — Shortest Accident Waiting Period
Figo’s one-day accident waiting period is among the shortest in the industry, meaning a covered accident the day after you enroll could potentially be eligible for reimbursement. Its 14-day illness waiting period is standard, and its six-month orthopedic waiting period for dogs can sometimes be waived with a veterinary exam confirming no pre-existing signs of the condition.
Pros:
- One-day accident waiting period
- Up to 100% reimbursement with no copay on select plans
- Possible orthopedic waiting period waiver with a vet exam
Cons:
- Six-month orthopedic waiting period if not waived
- Higher premiums than budget-focused competitors
2. Pets Best — Consistent Short Waiting Periods
Pets Best uses a relatively short three-day accident waiting period and a 14-day illness waiting period, with no separate (longer) orthopedic waiting period — orthopedic conditions are subject to the same 14-day illness window in most states.
Pros:
- No extended separate waiting period for orthopedic conditions
- Available in all 50 states, D.C., and Canada
- Predictable, consistent waiting periods across condition types
Cons:
- Three-day accident wait is short, but not as short as Figo’s one day
3. Embrace and Lemonade — Fast Accident Coverage with Orthopedic Caveats
Both Embrace and Lemonade offer accident waiting periods of around two days (subject to state variation) and standard 14-day illness waiting periods. Both apply a longer six-month waiting period specifically for cruciate ligament and other orthopedic events — a common industry pattern given how often these injuries are linked to gradual joint degeneration.
Pros:
- Fast (1–2 day) accident coverage in many states
- Standard 14-day illness waiting period
Cons:
- Six-month orthopedic waiting period for cruciate-related conditions
- Waiting periods can vary by state
What About Wellness Plans?
If what you’re really after is coverage that kicks in immediately, standalone wellness plans (offered by Pumpkin, Spot, Embrace, and others) commonly have no waiting period at all, since they reimburse for routine, scheduled care like vaccines and annual exams rather than unpredictable accidents or illnesses. These aren’t a substitute for accident-and-illness coverage, but they can provide immediate value while your main policy’s waiting periods run their course.
How to Minimize the Impact of Waiting Periods
- Enroll before you need it. The best way to “avoid” a waiting period is to have it already expire by the time your pet needs care — enroll healthy pets as early as possible.
- Ask about orthopedic waiver exams. Some insurers (like Figo) will waive the extended orthopedic waiting period if a vet exam during that window shows no signs of the condition.
- Don’t let coverage lapse. If you switch providers, you’ll likely have to satisfy new waiting periods all over again.
- Read the state-specific terms. Waiting periods are regulated differently by state, so the exact number of days can vary even for the same provider and plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any pet insurance with truly zero waiting period?
No major provider offers a true zero-day waiting period across all coverage types. The closest options are providers like Figo, with a one-day accident waiting period, though illness and orthopedic waiting periods still apply.
Why do orthopedic conditions have longer waiting periods?
Orthopedic conditions like cruciate ligament tears and hip dysplasia often develop gradually and can sometimes show early signs before a policy starts. A longer waiting period (commonly six months) helps insurers confirm the condition wasn’t already developing before coverage began.
Can a waiting period ever be waived?
Some insurers, like Figo, may waive the extended orthopedic waiting period if your pet has a veterinary exam during that period showing no signs of the condition. Standard accident and illness waiting periods are generally not waivable.
Do wellness plans have waiting periods?
Most standalone wellness plans have no waiting period, since they cover scheduled, routine care rather than unpredictable accidents or illnesses.
Our Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, veterinary, or insurance advice. We are not a licensed insurance agency, and nothing on this page should be taken as a guarantee of coverage, pricing, or claim outcomes. Pet insurance pricing, reimbursement rates, coverage limits, waiting periods, and exclusions vary by state, by pet, and change frequently — always review the official policy documents and get a personalized quote directly from the provider before purchasing a plan. We may earn a commission if you sign up for a plan through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This does not influence our rankings or opinions, which are based on our independent research of publicly available plan information.
Last updated: June 2026.