We know getting a new puppy or kitten insured early matters — the sooner you're covered, the sooner you're protected. Here's how it works.
Can I skip the waiting period if I insure my puppy or kitten early?
Yes. Normally there's a 10-day waiting period for illness cover on any new policy. But if you insure your puppy or kitten before they turn 120 days old, we can waive that waiting period entirely, so your cover for illness starts from day one.
To qualify, all of the following need to be true:
Your pet is insured with Lassie before they reach 120 days old
Your pet is registered with a UK vet and has had a full health check with no issues noted
Your pet stays continuously insured with us, with no gaps in cover
When does the health check need to happen?
The vet health check needs to take place either:
within the 5 days before your policy start date, or
within the 2 days after your policy start date
If the check falls outside this window, or raises any issues, the standard 10-day illness waiting period will apply instead.
Does this apply to accident cover too?
No — the 48-hour waiting period for accidents applies to every policy regardless of your pet's age. The early-cover exception only applies to illness.
What about baby teeth?
Dental treatment to baby teeth is only covered if your pet has been continuously insured with us since before they were 120 days old. If cover started later, any baby teeth treatment won't be covered.
What about joint and skeletal conditions?
For dogs, conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia (OCD, FCP, UAP, UME), shoulder osteochondrosis, and patellar luxation usually carry a 12-month waiting period. This is waived under the same conditions as above — insured before 120 days old, UK vet certificate with no remarks, and continuously insured since.
What if I miss the 120-day window?
Your puppy or kitten can still be insured — you'll just be subject to the standard 10-day illness waiting period (and the usual 48-hour accident waiting period), the same as any other new policy.