- Pumpkin Team
- Oct 20
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 13
Key Points
While it’s best to get it when they’re young, you can sign up for pet insurance any time after 8-weeks or older with Pumpkin plans.
Enrolling in pet insurance earlier is a good idea since most plans won’t reimburse veterinarian expenses for pre-existing conditions.
If you’re wondering when to get pet insurance, the short answer is: the sooner, the better.
Pet owners know that life with their furry companion is full of surprises — some joyful, others expensive. So, whether you’ve just adopted a kitten, are raising a happy-go-lucky puppy, or cherishing memories with a senior pet who deserves comfort in their golden years, insurance can help with the financial blow when the veterinarian bill comes.
When should you get pet insurance?
When it comes to pet insurance, timing matters. Enrolling early gives your pet the broadest protection and helps you avoid coverage restrictions later on.
Here’s why waiting can cost you:
Pre-existing conditions: Any illness or injury that shows symptoms, or is diagnosed, before your policy start date could be considered a pre-existing condition. Expenses related to those conditions may not be eligible for reimbursement.
Health surprises: Accidents and illnesses can happen anytime. Without insurance coverage, you could be left paying steep veterinary bills out of pocket.
Age limits: Many pet insurance companies have age restrictions for senior pets.
Health risks increase with age: Cancer, arthritis, and diabetes are more common (and costly) illnesses that develop in older pets. Getting coverage when your pet is younger ensures that veterinarian expenses for these conditions get reimbursed in the future as long as you carry coverage.
Unlike many insurers, Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans don’t have an upper age limit, so you can enroll your pet even if they’re older than 12 years old (a common cut off). Also, with Pumpkin plans, some pre-existing conditions can become eligible for coverage. Some expenses for cured and curable conditions may become eligible if your pet has been symptom-free and treatment-free for a specified period of time of 180 days, or otherwise determined by your policy.
Should I get pet insurance before going to the vet?
Yes, enrolling in pet insurance before your first veterinary visit is a smart step to take.
This is because when you sign up for pet insurance, most insurers review your pet’s medical history. Even a note about frequent paw-licking (possible allergies) or a slight limp (possible joint issues) could be flagged as a pre-existing condition. Once it’s on your record, veterinary expenses related to those issues may not qualify for future reimbursement.
You’ll also need to factor in the pet insurance waiting period, or the gap between enrollment and when your coverage starts. If a health issue shows up during this time, your plan likely won’t help you cover veterinary bills for it. In some plans, waiting periods for orthopedic conditions can stretch from six months to a year. Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans keep things simple with no extended waiting period, even for common conditions like hip dysplasia or knee conditions.
Pro tip: Pet Insurance from Pumpkin doesn’t require a wellness exam to enroll. That means you can set up coverage before your pet even sees a veterinarian. If something shows up at that first veterinary visit, you’ll already have protection in place for eligible future expenses.
How insurance helps you budget for your pet's health
No pet parent enjoys getting a $3,000 surgery bill, but unfortunately, it happens. Insurance helps turn unpredictable, high-cost emergencies into more manageable monthly expenses, aka premiums.
You pay a monthly or annual premium.
When you get a veterinary bill, pay up front.
Submit a claim.
Once approved, your annual deductible is applied to your eligible payout amount.
Pumpkin plans reimburse eligible claims up to your plan’s reimbursement rate (up to 90%), within your annual limit.
You get your payment. (Yes — it’s that easy!)
Pet insurance premiums depend on several factors. Some policies are paid monthly or annually, and the rate changes based on factors like age, breed, and species. You can find out how much your premium would be by getting a free pet insurance quote.
A monthly premium can mean thousands in reimbursement for eligible claims when an accident or illness happens. The table below shows how much insurance can help with veterinary expenses for different procedures.
The cost of veterinary care with and without insurance
The average cost of emergency veterinary care depends on the emergency scenario and animal. Here, we break it down by cats and dogs.
Dogs
Emergency scenario | Average claims filed with Pumpkin¹ | With Pumpkin (90% reimbursement, $500 deductible) | Estimated Savings |
Broken bone treatment | $1,098 | $560 | $538 |
$616-$4,150 | $512-$865 | $104-$3,285 | |
Seizure treatment | $1,788 | $629 | $1,159 |
Cats
Emergency scenario | Average claims filed with Pumpkin | With Pumpkin (90% reimbursement, $500 deductible) | Estimated Savings |
Broken bones | $791 | $529 | $262 |
Cancer treatment | $307-$4,057 | $481-$856 | $174-$3,201 |
Gastrointestinal treatments | $1,123 | $562 | $561 |
Examples reflect out-of-pocket for eligible expenses. Actual costs vary by deductible status, annual limit, reimbursement rate, and any non-eligible items (e.g., exam fees if not covered, taxes, etc.).
Is pet insurance worth it for pets at every age?
Yes, pet insurance can be valuable for pets of all ages. Accidents or illnesses don’t stop once your dog or cat leaves the puppy or kitten stage; the risks just shift as they get older.
Puppies: Accident-prone explorers
Between curiosity, play, and endless energy, puppies are magnets for accidents. From separation anxiety when the kids go back to school, fractures during rough play, to seasonal dangers like heatstrokes and sunburns in the summer, to chocolate toxicity at Halloween, dog insurance can help cover eligible veterinary expenses when life doesn’t go as planned.
Kittens: Curious creatures with claws
Kittens climb, chew, and investigate everything. That curiosity can lead to falls, swallowed objects, or common illnesses like respiratory infections or UTIs. Having cat insurance means those surprise visits to the veterinarian don’t have to drain your savings or put you in debt.
Should you get pet insurance for an older dog or cat?
As your pet ages, health issues like arthritis, diabetes, and cancer become more common (and usually more expensive). Many insurers reduce coverage or deny coverage once your pet reaches a certain age. Pumpkin insurance plans don’t. Older pets can still enroll and stay covered without restrictions based on age.
What is the best pet insurance option for me?
Choosing a plan isn’t just about finding the cheapest monthly cost. Low-cost plans often come with trade-offs, like high deductibles, limited coverage, long waiting periods, and many exclusions, which can leave you unprotected when you need coverage most.
Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans stand out because they offer:
No upper age limits or breed restrictions for enrollment
No extended waiting periods for common orthopedic issues
No exclusions or hidden add-on fees for dental illness, hereditary conditions, behavioral care, or alternative therapies (like acupuncture)
No required preventive care to maintain coverage, unlike some providers.
No matter your pet’s age, breed, or lifestyle, the right plan gives you the freedom to say “yes” to care when it counts.
Fetch a pet quote today and experience how Pet insurance from Pumpkin is different.
FAQs
When is it too late to get pet insurance?
In most cases, it’s not too late to get pet insurance. For example, even senior pets can enroll with Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans, since there are no age caps.
What to look for when getting pet insurance
Look into plans that match your pet’s needs. For instance, if you have a pug, they may be more prone to brachycephalic conditions and may need BOAS surgery. In this case, you’d want coverage that helps with eligible veterinary expenses for hereditary conditions (like Pumpkin plans do!).
Other factors to consider include policy options (reimbursement rates, annual limits, and deductibles), provider reputation, and whether you can bundle preventive and routine care into your accident & illness plan.
Does pet insurance cover routine care?
Most accident & illness insurance plans don’t cover routine or preventative care expenses, like vaccines, dental cleanings, heartworm prevention, or spaying and neutering. Some providers, including Pumpkin insurance plans, offer optional add-on wellness packages you can add to help with these costs.
When does pet insurance kick in?
Pet insurance coverage begins after your waiting period. Depending on your pet insurance company, this could mean days or months for accidents, illnesses, or orthopedic conditions. Pet insurance from Pumpkin keeps things consistent with only a 14-day waiting period across the board (depending on your state).
REFERENCES:
1. Average claims filed with Pumpkin data was based on claims filed between January 2023 and February 2025. The examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible claim. Coverage and reimbursement rates vary based on policy options. This does not guarantee coverage. Individual results may vary and statistics may change during different time periods.
