Getting pet insurance for your puppy is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make as a new dog owner. And the window to get it right — before any health issues develop — closes fast.
This guide explains when to get it, what to look for, and why we recommend Fetch as the top choice for new puppy owners in 2025.
When should I get puppy insurance?
The short answer: as soon as possible after getting your puppy.
Here's why timing matters so much:
Pre-existing conditions are excluded. Once your puppy has a documented health issue — even something as minor as a vet note about "occasional vomiting" — that condition becomes pre-existing. Most insurers will permanently exclude it from coverage.
Waiting periods start on enrolment day. Most policies have a 14-day waiting period for illnesses and 48 hours for accidents. The clock starts when you enrol, not when your first bill arrives.
Premiums are lower when dogs are young. Pet insurance works like human health insurance — the younger and healthier your dog is when you enrol, the lower your monthly premium will be. That rate is locked in as a baseline for the life of the policy.
The best time to insure your puppy is before their first vet visit. The second best time is right now.
What does puppy insurance cover?
Comprehensive pet insurance policies (the kind worth buying) typically cover:
- Accidents — broken bones, lacerations, foreign body ingestion, toxic ingestion
- Illnesses — infections, cancer, diabetes, skin conditions, ear infections
- Orthopedic conditions — joint problems, cruciate ligament tears, hip dysplasia
- Hereditary and congenital conditions — breed-specific health problems your dog was born predisposed to
- Emergency care — after-hours emergency visits, surgery, hospitalisation
- Specialist referrals — cardiologists, neurologists, oncologists
What most policies don't cover:
- Pre-existing conditions (anything before the policy start date)
- Routine preventative care (vaccines, flea/tick prevention) unless you add a wellness rider
- Breeding-related costs
- Dental disease (some policies cover dental accidents)
How much does puppy pet insurance cost?
Premiums vary based on your location (vet costs are higher in cities), your dog's breed (some breeds have higher expected claims), and the deductible and reimbursement level you choose.
A higher annual deductible ($500 vs. $250) lowers your monthly premium but means you pay more before insurance kicks in. For puppies — who are likely to have at least one significant claim in their first few years — a lower deductible often makes financial sense.
Why we recommend Fetch
After reviewing the major pet insurance providers, Fetch stands out for puppy owners for several reasons:
Broad coverage with no breed exclusions. Many insurers exclude certain conditions for specific breeds (hip dysplasia for German Shepherds, for example). Fetch covers hereditary and congenital conditions across all breeds.
No annual or per-condition limits. Some policies cap what they'll pay per year or per condition. Fetch's standard policy has no sub-limits, meaning a $12,000 cancer treatment is covered at the same reimbursement rate as a $500 skin infection.
Up to 90% reimbursement. After your deductible, Fetch reimburses up to 90% of eligible costs — among the highest in the industry.
Telehealth included. Fetch includes 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians via text and video — useful when you're not sure if a symptom warrants an in-person visit.
What to look for in any policy
If you're comparing multiple insurers, prioritise these factors:
- Reimbursement rate — 70%, 80%, or 90%? Higher is better but costs more.
- Annual deductible — typically $100–$500. Lower = more expensive premium.
- Annual maximum — avoid policies with limits below $10,000. Unlimited is best.
- Waiting periods — shorter is better. Some have 6-month waits for orthopedic conditions.
- Hereditary/congenital coverage — essential for pedigree breeds.
- Claims process — check reviews for how quickly and easily claims are paid.
Frequently asked questions
Does pet insurance cover spay/neuter? Standard accident and illness policies don't. Some insurers offer optional wellness add-ons that reimburse routine care including spay/neuter, vaccines, and preventatives.
Can I use any vet? Yes — pet insurance is different from human health insurance. You can use any licensed vet, emergency clinic, or specialist. You pay the bill upfront, submit a claim, and get reimbursed.
What if my puppy has already had a vet visit? You can still get insurance. Anything documented before the policy start date will be excluded as pre-existing, but everything after is covered (subject to waiting periods). The sooner you enrol, the fewer exclusions apply.
