What Is the Best Age to Get Pet Insurance?
The best age to get pet insurance is as young as possible. Most pet insurance providers, including Spot Pet Insurance, accept pets starting at 8 weeks old. Enrolling your puppy or kitten early can get them covered before health issues develop. Having a younger pet typically result in lower monthly premiums.
There's no benefit to waiting. Pet insurance doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, so any illness or injury that occurs before enrollment or during a waiting period becomes a coverageexclusion. The younger your pet is when you enroll, the fewer pre-existing conditions they'll likely have.
Why Should You Insure Puppies and Kittens Early?
Young pets actually face higher health risks than you might expect. Their natural curiosity and developing immune systems make puppies and kittens particularly vulnerable to accidents and illnesses.
Higher Accident Risk
Puppies and kittens explore their world by chewing, climbing, and getting into places they shouldn't. This curiosity can lead to unexpected accidents, including:
Foreign object ingestion (swallowing toys, socks, or other items)
Falls and fractures
Cuts and lacerations
Poisoning from plants or household chemicals
Burns
Developing Immune Systems
Young pets haven't fully developed their immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections and diseases. Even with vaccinations, puppies and kittens can contract illnesses that require veterinary treatment.
Breed-Specific Conditions
Certain breeds are predisposed to hereditary conditions that may develop early in life. For example:
Dogs: Hip dysplasia, heart conditions, eye problems
Cats: Dental disease, kidney issues, respiratory conditions
Enrolling before these conditions manifest can help ensure coverage for treatment throughout your pet's life.
What Happens If You Wait to Get Pet Insurance?
Delaying pet insurance enrollment may carry significant risks that can affect coverage long-term.
Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions
No pet insurance policy covers pre-existing conditions. If your pet develops an illness or suffers an injury before enrollment or during a waiting period, that condition becomes excluded from coverage. Common conditions that can develop in young pets include:
Allergies
Ear infections
Digestive issues
Skin conditions
Joint problems
Once these appear in your pet's veterinary records, they're considered pre-existing for insurance purposes.
Higher Premiums for Older Pets
Pet insurance premiums increase with age. Enrolling a puppy costs less per month than enrolling a senior dog. According to NAPHIA data, the average monthly premium for dogs is $62.44 for accident and illness coverage, but this varies significantly by age and other factors.
Age Enrollment Limits
While Spot Pet Insurance has no upper age limit, some pet insurance providers exclude pets beyond certain ages, typically between 7 and 14 years old. Waiting too long could limit your options.
Does Pet Age Affect Coverage?
Yes, your pet's age influences several aspects of pet insurance.
Premium Costs
Premiums generally follow this pattern:
Age Group | Premium Level | Reason |
Puppies/Kittens (under 1) | Lowest | Minimal health history |
Young Adults (1-6) | Low to Moderate | Generally healthy |
Mature Adults (7-10) | Moderate to High | Increasing health risks |
Seniors (10+) | Highest | Higher likelihood of conditions |
Coverage Availability
Some providers restrict coverage options for older pets, such as:
Limiting annual benefit amounts
Excluding certain conditions
Reducing reimbursement percentages
Requiring wellness exams before enrollment
Spot Pet Insurance doesn't impose these upper age-based restrictions, offering the same coverage options to pets of all ages above 8 weeks old.
What Does the AVMA Say About Pet Insurance?
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) endorses pet health insurance as a way to help offset veterinary costs. According to the AVMA, pet insurance can help cover:
Emergency treatments
Specialized procedures
Medications
The AVMA recommends understanding how premiums increase with pet age and learning how providers define and handle pre-existing conditions before purchasing coverage.
What Is the Minimum Age for Pet Insurance?
Most pet insurance providers require pets to be at least 6 to 8 weeks old before enrollment. Spot Pet Insurance plans accept dogs and cats 8 weeks and older.
This minimum age requirement ensures:
Pets have received initial veterinary examinations
Basic health information is available
Puppies and kittens have been weaned
Can You Get Pet Insurance for Older Pets?
Yes, you can get pet insurance for older pets, though options may be more limited with some providers.
Spot Pet Insurance: No Upper Age Limit
Spot Pet Insurance plans have no upper age limit for enrollment. Whether your dog is 1 year old or 12, coverage is available with the same plan options:
Customizable annual limits
Flexible deductible choices
Reimbursement rates up to 90%
Optional preventive care coverage^
Benefits of Insuring Senior Pets
Even if you didn't enroll your pet when they were young, getting a pet insurance plan can still provide valuable protection:
Financial support for age-related conditions not considered pre-existing
Coverage for unexpected accidents and illnesses
Peace of mind as your pet enters their senior years
Access to 24/7 VetAccess telehealth service
How Spot Pet Insurance Helps at Any Age
Spot Pet Insurance plans offers coverage for dogs and cats regardless of their current age.
Coverage Options
Accident and Illness Plans cover unexpected injuries and illnesses, including:
Emergency veterinary visits
Surgeries and hospitalizations
Diagnostic testing
Prescription medications
Cancer treatments
Chronic condition management
Accident-Only Plans typically offer more affordable coverage for injuries from unexpected accidents.
Preventive Care Add-Ons help cover the eligible costs of routine veterinary care, including vaccinations, wellness exams, and dental cleanings.^
Curable Pre-Existing Conditions
Spot Pet Insurance plans may cover previously existing curable conditions if your pet remains symptom and treatment-free for 180 days. This provision excludes ligament and knee conditions.
No Network Restrictions
Visit any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada. This flexibility helps you choose the right care for your pet's age-related needs.
When Should You Get Pet Insurance?
The answer is simple: as soon as possible. Whether you're bringing home a new puppy, adopting a kitten, or considering coverage for an adult pet, enrolling now can help provide protection before unexpected health issues arise.
Learn more about what pet insurance covers and how to choose the best pet insurance for your furry family member.
Mostly a tech person, always a pet person. I am dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their humans with technology. Off-duty, I enjoy writing about the misbehaving of computer programs and my two Aussiedoodles, Calvin and Hobbes.
American Veterinary Medical Association. "Do You Need Pet Insurance?" AVMA, 2024. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/do-you-need-pet-insurance
North American Pet Health Insurance Association. "Average Premiums - State of the Industry Report 2025." NAPHIA, 2025. https://naphia.org/industry-data/section-3-average-premiums/
^Exam fees for wellness or annual exams are not covered unless you have purchased the optional preventive care coverage.
