When to get pet insurance

When is the best time to get pet insurance?

Simply put, the best time to get pet insurance is when your pet is young and healthy. It's when premiums are lowest, coverage is broadest, and you are less likely to run into exclusions for pre-existing conditions when an animal is young and in good health.

Timing matters more with pet insurance than most people realize. Your pet's age, current health status, and any documented symptoms or diagnoses all influence what pet insurance will and won't cover. Understanding these factors before you enroll — not after something goes wrong — can save you money and prevent gaps in coverage when you need it most.

"In my experience, the pet owners who feel most confident about their coverage are the ones who enrolled before anything went wrong," shares Tasha Tisme, Senior Marketing Manager at Liberty Mutual, “It's a small monthly investment that takes the financial stress out of those unexpected moments. No one wants cost to be the reason they delay or second-guess care, so having coverage in place can help pet parents focus on treatment and recovery, knowing they have support when it matters most.”

How to choose the right time to enroll your pet

If you're still deciding when to buy pet insurance, use this simple framework:

When should I get pet insurance for a puppy?

You should buy pet insurance for a new puppy as early as possible, ideally when they are around 8 weeks of age. Here's why it's best not to wait when it comes to buying pet insurance for a puppy:

• Lower premiums. Insuring a puppy between 8 weeks and 1 year typically costs far less than insuring an adult or senior dog.
• No pre-existing conditions. Puppies are less likely to have documented medical issues, making it easier to get full coverage without strict limits and exclusions.
• A higher risk of accidents. It's a fact that puppies and younger dogs are curious and prone to eating things they shouldn't, getting injured, and becoming ill. Having coverage early in life can help cover common emergencies that can be costly.
• Breed-specific risks. Certain breeds, such as French Bulldogs and German Shepherds, are prone to hereditary conditions that include hip dysplasia, brachycephalic issues, heart issues, etc. If your puppy's breed is prone to hereditary conditions, enrolling before symptoms appear can help to ensure that those conditions are covered.

When should I get pet insurance for a kitten?

Just like puppies, the best time to get pet insurance for a kitten is as early as possible, typically around 8 weeks of age. Kittens enrolled young benefit from lower monthly premiums, fewer coverage exclusions, and protection before any health conditions can be documented. Certain breeds, such as Persians and Siamese, are also prone to hereditary conditions, making early enrollment especially important if your kitten belongs to a high-risk breed.

When should I get pet insurance for an adopted cat or dog?

In general, the best time to get pet insurance for an adopted cat or dog is right when you bring them home, so you have a financial safety net in place before anything unexpected happens.

Newly adopted pets are still getting used to their new surroundings, which means they're more likely to get into things, pick up an illness, or show health issues that weren't obvious at the shelter or rescue. If you wait until something goes wrong to buy pet insurance, most companies will consider that issue a pre-existing condition, which usually means it won't be covered in the future.

What if I adopt an older dog or cat?

Even if your new pet is already an adult, getting insurance right away can help you lock in coverage before any age-related issues start to appear. And since emergency vet visits can easily cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, having pet insurance gives you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on helping the newest member of the family settle in, instead of stressing about surprise vet bills.

When is it too late to get pet insurance?

It's almost never too late to get pet insurance. However, the longer you wait, the more limitations you're likely to run into. The most common situations where waiting creates a significant problem include:

• Your pet already has a diagnosed condition.
• Your pet shows symptoms of a documented illness or condition prior to enrollment.
• You're already facing a large medical bill you want covered.
• Your vet has recommended testing for a possible health condition.

The bottom line is while it's not too late to buy a pet insurance policy, your pet's coverage could be limited and may not help with certain issues that you're most worried about.

Should I get pet insurance for a senior dog or cat?

Yes — pet insurance for senior pets can still provide meaningful financial protection, even with more limitations than coverage for younger animals. Many owners opt for pet insurance for senior pets because age often brings more frequent vet visits, chronic conditions, and unexpected emergencies.

Here is what to expect when purchasing pet insurance for an older pet:

• Coverage is still available for many senior pets, though some insurers set age caps for new enrollees.
• Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded. Chronic issues like arthritis, dental disease, or diabetes that are already diagnosed will generally not be covered.
• Premiums are higher for older animals than for younger ones, reflecting the increased likelihood of health issues.
• Accident-only plans may be a more affordable option for senior pets, providing coverage for unexpected events like broken bones, toxic ingestions, or sudden injuries without the higher premium of a comprehensive plan.

The bottom line when it comes to considering pet insurance for older animals, it's important to understand that while most plans won't cover everything and will cost more, they can help prevent a single crisis from becoming a major financial burden.

Frequently asked questions about when to get pet insurance

What is the best age to get pet insurance?

The best age to get pet insurance is as young as possible, ideally around 8 weeks for puppies and kittens. Younger pets have fewer pre-existing conditions, lower premiums, and broader coverage eligibility. The earlier you enroll, the more complete your coverage is likely to be.

Can I get pet insurance after my pet is already sick?

Yes, you can still purchase a policy, but the illness your pet already has will likely be classified as a pre-existing condition and excluded from coverage. Pet insurance is designed to cover future health events, not conditions that are already diagnosed or in progress.

Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions — illnesses, injuries, or symptoms that were documented before the policy took effect or during the waiting period. This is one of the primary reasons early enrollment is so important.

Is pet insurance worth it for older dogs and cats?

Pet insurance for senior pets can still be worthwhile, particularly for covering new illnesses, injuries, and emergencies that develop after enrollment. While premiums are higher and pre-existing conditions are excluded, a policy can help prevent unexpected veterinary costs from becoming a serious financial hardship.

How long is a pet insurance waiting period?

Waiting periods vary by insurer and by condition type. Many policies have a short waiting period of a few days for accidents and a longer waiting period of 14 days or more for illnesses. Some insurers have additional waiting periods for specific conditions like orthopedic issues. Check your policy carefully and enroll early so coverage is in place before you need it.

Can I get pet insurance for any breed?

Most pet insurers cover all breeds, though premiums may vary based on breed-specific health risks. If your pet's breed is predisposed to hereditary conditions, enrolling before symptoms appear is especially important to ensure those conditions are eligible for coverage.