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The Truth About Exclusions: What Your Policy Won’t Cover

February 16, 2026

8:13 PM

The Truth About Exclusions: What Your Policy Won’t Cover

Transparency is the Best Policy

At CoverB, we believe in being your “helpful peer,” not a rigid lecturer. That means being honest about what pet insurance in uae doesn’t cover. Every insurance policy in the world has “exclusions”—things that the company simply cannot take the risk on.

By understanding these exclusions before you apply for pet insurance, you can plan your finances better and avoid any “unpleasant surprises” at the vet counter.

1. The Pre-existing Condition (The Big One)

This is the most misunderstood part of insurance. If your pet was treated for a skin allergy six months ago, and you buy insurance today, that skin allergy is “pre-existing.”

  • The Rule: Any illness or injury that showed symptoms before your policy started (or during the waiting period) is not covered.
  • The Exception: Some “curable” conditions (like a one-off ear infection) might be reconsidered if your pet remains symptom-free for 12–24 months.

2. Cosmetic and Elective Procedures

In 2026, the UAE has strict animal welfare laws. Procedures that are purely for “looks” or convenience are not covered:

  • Tail docking or ear cropping.
  • Declawing (which is illegal in many Dubai jurisdictions).
  • Grooming, nail clipping, or anal gland expression (unless medically necessary due to an infection).

3. Breeding and Pregnancy

If you are planning on having a litter of puppies or kittens, standard pet insurance in dubai will not cover the costs of the ultrasound, the birth, or any complications (like a C-section). Breeding is considered a “commercial choice,” not an accidental illness.

4. Preventable Illnesses (Vaccination Rule)

If you choose not to vaccinate your dog against Parvovirus or your cat against Cat Flu, and they catch those diseases, your insurance will likely reject the claim. Insurance is a safety net for the unavoidable, not for things we can easily prevent with a AED 300 vaccine.

5. Working Dogs and Racing

Are you using your German Shepherd for professional security work? Or is your Saluki entered into professional racing? These activities carry much higher risks. Most retail pet insurance in uae plans are for “domestic pets” only. If your pet has a job, you need a specialized commercial policy.

6. Behavioral Issues (Check Your Tier)

While we mentioned in Blog 19 that CoverB can cover behavioral therapy, it is often excluded on “Basic” or “Accident-Only” plans. Always check your specific tier to see if mental health is included.

Why Do Exclusions Exist?

It might seem frustrating, but exclusions are what keep pet insurance in dubai affordable for everyone. Without them, premiums would double or triple to cover the high-risk “certainties” like breeding or pre-existing chronic care.

The CoverB Advice

Read your “Table of Benefits” carefully! If you have any questions about a specific exclusion for your pet’s breed, our team is here to help. Get a transparent quote today at https://coverb.ae/.

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