When is the best time to buy pet insurance? Here's what pet owners should know now.
The timing can make a big difference in what your pet insurance covers and how much you pay for it.
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Updated on: August 26, 2026 / 1:46 PM EDT / CBS News
Over the last few years, pet insurance has become a much larger part of the financial conversation for pet owners. After all, pet ownership is taking up a hefty share of many household budgets right now, and while an overall rise in recurring costs , like pet food, grooming and routine veterinary care, are partially to blame, there are often other factors at play, too. For example, an unexpected illness or injury can result in a sizable vet bill on top of those regular expenses, adding to the financial challenges pet owners are facing.
In turn, more pet owners are looking for ways to make those unpredictable pet costs easier to manage, and pet insurance often comes up as a solution to consider. The number of insured pets in the U.S. has reached a record of 7.6 million in 2026, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). As coverage becomes a more common part of pet ownership, though, deciding whether a policy is worth paying for is only one part of the equation.
When you purchase pet insurance can matter, too. Pet insurance generally won't cover conditions that developed before enrollment, and there are other factors that can affect both eligibility and what you'll pay. So, for owners considering a policy now, understanding when it makes sense to buy can be just as important as comparing the coverage itself.
Learn how to lower your vet costs with Healthy Paws pet insurance .