Why are Congenital Conditions Excluded from Policies, and What Exceptions Exist for Hereditary Illnesses? (With Examples)

Understanding Congenital and Hereditary Conditions
We often confuse congenital and hereditary conditions with each other. How can we correctly classify them? We break down the differences between these medical jargon and how to tell them apart:

• Congenital conditions are health issues that occur from birth and may manifest at any stage of a pet's life.
• Hereditary conditions are disorders with the potential to be inherited from one generation to the next. It could be passed down from the pet's parents or caused by developmental issues before birth.
  
  

Common examples of congenital conditions in common breeds

Certain breeds have a higher susceptibility to particular congenital conditions based on their genetic composition (this is a non-exclusive, non-exhaustive list):

Dogs:

• Pomeranians: Prone to patella luxation, Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA) and tracheal collapse
• Golden Retrievers: Susceptible to hip dysplasia
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Commonly have mitral valve disease, elongated soft palate, Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and syringomyelia
• Dachshunds: prone to Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
• Pugs: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

Cats:

• Persians: Often suffer from polycystic kidney disease
• Maine Coons: Prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and hip dysplasia.
• British Short Hair: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
  
  

Can all of these be covered? 

While standard pet insurance globally typically excludes coverage for congenital conditions due to their predictable nature, we're thrilled to announce a substantial enhancement in our coverage. Effective January 3, 2024, specific hereditary conditions are now covered for policies where:

• Pets initiated their Oyen policy before turning 6 years old
• Policies have surpassed the 12-month mark from the commencement date
• The diagnosed condition is not pre-existing
• Only the following illnesses will be covered:
  • (a) Hip and elbow dysplasia;
  • (b) Luxating patella; 
  • (c) Glaucoma;
  • (d) Cherry eye;
  • (e) Inverterbral disk disease (IVDD); and
  • (f) Conditions that require femoral head and neck excision.

⚠️ Other hereditary conditions not stated above are not covered.

Why These Changes?

These changes are introduced by our insurance partner to ensure the long-term sustainability of our pet insurance portfolio. From your feedback, we are also glad to be able to share the good news on the expanded hereditary condition coverage with you. With this said, it’s important to note that Oyen still covers hundreds of other illnesses.The updated exclusions represent only a minor portion of the vast array of pet health issues we continue to support

Here is a list of our top covered illnesses in 2023, that are still covered*:

• Flu/Fever
• Diarrhea/Intestinal Upset
• Skin Infection: Fungal, Allergies
• Ear Infection
• Vomiting/Upset Stomach
• Accidents: Bruises, Contusion
• Urinary Issues
• Pancreatitis
• Urinary Tract Infections / Bladder Infections

Our Commitment to Pet Owners

At Oyen, our commitment to pet owners extends to providing clarity on pet health complexities. While our policies, like many globally, have certain exclusions, we go beyond by offering resources, guidance, and alternative solutions. This commitment is particularly crucial for pets with congenital conditions. We're dedicated to supporting the well-being of all pets, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. Additionally, we're thrilled to announce an expanded coverage for specific hereditary conditions, marking a positive step in our ongoing commitment to comprehensive pet care.