When Should I Get Pet Insurance?
It’s best to get pet insurance as early as possible—ideally when your pet is young and healthy. Source: BestPetPlanGuide.com
Insurance companies don’t cover pre-existing conditions. If your pet develops a chronic illness before you’re insured, that condition won’t be covered later. Puppies and kittens have lower premiums and fewer exclusions, making early enrollment the smartest strategy.
You can still insure older pets, but costs rise with age, and coverage may be limited. Some providers specialize in senior coverage but will exclude existing health issues.
Overall, sooner is better. Even if you think your pet is healthy today, accidents and illnesses can happen unexpectedly—and coverage is peace of mind.
Pros
Lock in lower premiums early
Avoid pre-existing condition exclusions
Protect against surprises early
Better lifetime coverage options
Cons
Younger pets still cost monthly premiums
Older pets = higher costs, fewer options
Waiting periods may apply
Requires research to choose the right plan
Age Group
Puppy/Kitten (<1 yr)
Adult (2–6 yrs)
Senior (7+ yrs)
Avg. Monthly Premium
$25–$40
$35–$60
$55–$90+
Get guidance on the best time to enroll—and compare leading plans at BestPetPlanGuide.com.
Source: BestPetPlanGuide.com