Our best pet insurance companies may also help keep your pet healthy through routine services like wellness exams and vaccines.
So, when is the best time to secure pet insurance coverage? The answer depends on your unique situation and factors like your finances, your pet’s age and health status, and your goals. Let’s take a closer look at when to get pet insurance for your furry friend.
When to Buy Pet Insurance
There are a number of scenarios in which pet insurance is a good choice, including:
Your Pet is Young
“Pet owners with young pets, puppies or kittens, should consider buying pet insurance as they are often more prone to accidents and illnesses as they explore their environment,” says Dr. Bethany Hsia, veterinarian and co-founder at CodaPet.
By prioritizing pet insurance when your pet is young, you can also save a great deal of money on premiums, as pet insurers tend to reserve the lowest rates for puppies and kittens who are less likely to develop chronic illnesses or pre-existing conditions.
Your Pet’s Breed is Prone to Chronic Health Conditions
“Pet parents with a history of chronic health issues in their breed should consider insurance early on, as certain conditions may require expensive treatments over time,” explains Dr. Hsia.
For example, if you have a German Shepard who is susceptible to hip dysplasia, pet insurance coverage might be worthwhile. It can help you pay for vet bills in the event they do get diagnosed with this condition and any other accidents or illnesses they may face.
You Have a Tight Budget
“If a pet owner has limited financial resources, purchasing insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected medical expenses,” says Dr. Hsia.
Without coverage, you could face hefty veterinary bills if your pet becomes ill or injured. Pet insurance protects against these surprise costs and also makes routine care more affordable, encouraging you to stay on top of your pet's preventive health needs.
You Lead an Active Lifestyle
“Finally, if a pet owner plans to travel frequently or engage in activities that may pose risks to their pet’s health, such as hiking, having insurance can be beneficial,” explains Dr. Hsia.
Think about your lifestyle and how it may impact your pet’s health and risk of illness or injury. If you find that it places your pet in risky situations, pet insurance should be on your radar.
You Have Multiple Pets
The more pets you own, the greater the risk of vet bills. Fortunately, most pet insurance companies offer discounts for multiple pets. Some of them even have family plans that allow you to insure several pets under one policy. If you’d like to protect your finances and ensure all your pets receive the care they need for accidents, illnesses, and routine services.
Why This Is the Best Time to Buy
While you can buy pet insurance at any time, certain factors make it more beneficial to start coverage when your pet is younger and healthier.
- Pre-existing conditions aren't covered: "Many pet insurance companies have restrictions on coverage for pre-existing conditions; therefore, if a pet has already been diagnosed with an illness before purchasing insurance, those specific conditions will likely not be covered," explains Dr. Hsia.
- Older pets face higher premiums: Senior pets typically pay more due to increased risk factors associated with age-related health problems, such as arthritis or heart disease.
- Earlier coverage provides better value: While it's possible to get insurance later in life, it may not offer the same financial protection or comprehensive benefits. Starting coverage while your pet is young typically provides the best return on investment.
Pet Insurance Age Limits Among Top Pet Insurers
Each pet insurance company has its minimum and maximum age requirements. However, as you shop around for coverage, you’ll notice that most insurers accept pets once they turn eight weeks old.
While a few providers impose maximum age requirements, many don’t have upper age limits. This means you can insure senior pets without any issues.
Here’s a look at pet insurance age limits from the leading pet insurance companies:
| Insurer | Minimum Age Requirement | Maximum Age Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| ASPCA Pet Health | 8 weeks old | No upper age limits |
| CarePlus by Chewy | 8 weeks old | No upper age limits |
| Embrace | 6 weeks old | 15 years old for accident and illness coverage; no upper age limits for accident-only coverage |
| Fetch | 6 weeks old | No upper age limits |
| Figo | 8 weeks old | No upper age limits |
| Lemonade | 8 weeks old | 10 to 14 years old, depending on breed |
| MetLife | 8 weeks old | No upper age limits |
| Pets Best | 7 weeks old | No upper age limits |
| Pumpkin | 8 weeks old | No upper age limits |
| Spot | 8 weeks old | No upper age limits |
Bottomline: When Is the Best Time to Get Pet Insurance?
The best time to invest in pet insurance is when your pet is young, ideally when they’re a few months old. The earlier you lock in coverage, the more likely you are to land a great deal. Of course, you can get a pet insurance policy later on in your pet’s life. However, you'll have to pay higher premiums and may not receive the coverages you’d like and need.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it's too late to get pet insurance
You can buy pet insurance at any time. However, if you have an older pet with a pre-existing condition or serious health issue, it'll likely be more difficult to find the coverage you want at an affordable price point.
Can I get pet insurance after a vet visit?
Yes, you may secure pet insurance after a vet visit. Note that some pet insurance companies actually require an initial exam at the vet to insure your pet.
At what age pet insurance is the cheapest?
You can expect the lowest pet insurance rates when your pet is young. Typically, the cheapest premiums are for puppies and kittens who are only a few months old.
