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Written byJessica Martel
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Jessica is a freelance writer, professional researcher, and mother of two rambunctious little boys. She specializes in personal finance, women and money, and financial literacy. Jessica is fascinated by the psychology of money and what drives people to make important financial decisions. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Cognitive Research Psychology.
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Edited byAshley Cox
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7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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Reviewed byMark Friedlander
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Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
Updated August 7, 2024
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Table of contents
As dogs move into their senior years, they’re more likely to experience arthritis, cancer, and kidney disease. The right pet insurance can help you afford the care to diagnose and treat your pet.
When comparing pet insurance companies, check if they cover the diseases your dog is susceptible to and if there’s an upper age limit on coverage. If your older dog is already experiencing health issues, note that most insurers don’t cover pre-existing conditions.
Learn about some of the top pet insurance companies for older dogs to help you find the best coverage for your furry friend.
Quick Facts
Pet insurance generally costs more for older dogs because they’re more prone to health issues.
Dogs become seniors when they enter the last 25% of their estimated lifespan.[1]
Larger breeds become seniors earlier because their lifespan is shorter than smaller dogs.
Best pet insurance companies for older dogs
The best pet insurance plan for your older dog will depend on your pup’s specific needs and your budget. Comparing multiple insurance companies can help you find the best plan for you and your furry friend.
The quoted rates listed below are based on accident and illness insurance for a medium-sized 10-year-old mixed-breed male dog living in Hartford, Connecticut.
Best pet health insurance overall: Fetch
Fetch offers the owners of senior pets one comprehensive plan that provides accident and illness coverage as well as insurance for sick visits, alternative and holistic care, and physical and behavioral therapy. If you want to include additional coverage for annual exams, vaccinations, and dental cleanings, you can choose from one of three wellness plan add-ons.
Pros
No upper age limit for coverage
Visit any vet in the U.S. or Canada
Cover accidents and diseases for every adult tooth and periodontal disease
Cons
No accident-only coverage
Fewer ways to customize insurance plans than other insurers
No prescription food coverage
Best for low rates: Embrace
Embrace keeps pet insurance simple and affordable with one accident and illness policy. For senior pets 15 years and older, Embrace only offers an accident-only pet insurance policy. To help with the cost of annual checkups and vaccines, Embrace also offers a Wellness Rewards plan.
Pros
Affordable monthly rates
Access to 24/7 pet helpline
10% multi-pet discount
Cons
Dogs 15 years and older can only get accident coverage
Six-month orthopedic waiting period in some states
One-time administration fee of $25
Best for optional coverage: Figo
Figo offers three different plans for pet parents to choose from, with a range of deductibles, annual coverage, and possible unlimited reimbursement. If your senior pup makes frequent visits to the vet, you can add optional vet exam fee coverage. To keep up with routine care, including dental, you can choose from two optional wellness coverage plans.
Pros
Can visit any licensed veterinarian worldwide
5% multi-pet discount
No upper age limit for dogs
Cons
5% military discount isn’t available in all states
No accident-only plan
Six-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions
Best for very senior dogs: ASPCA
With the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), you can feel confident that the company won’t downgrade your pet’s insurance or cancel its plan due to age. There’s no upper age limit to enroll your pet, and the ASPCA provides coverage for pets through their final years.
Pros
No upper age restrictions
Can go to any veterinary clinic in the U.S. or Canada
10% multi-pet discount
Cons
Must call an agent if you want an annual coverage limit above $10,000
14-day waiting period for accident and illness coverage
Can take up to 30 days for your claim to process
Best for plan customization: Spot
Spot gives pet owners the option to customize their coverage. It offers accident and illness as well as accident-only coverage. Annual limits range from $2,500 to unlimited, reimbursement rates from 70% to 90%, and annual deductibles from $100 to $1,000. Spot also offers two preventative care options to help cover the cost of vaccines and wellness exams.
Pros
No upper age limit for pets
See any vet in the U.S. or Canada
Access to 24/7 pet telehealth
Cons
High rates compared to other insurers
No 100% reimbursement option
Must pay for routine vet visits out of pocket unless you purchase add-on wellness coverage
Best for reimbursement: Trupanion
All Trupanion policies have no payout limits and cover 90% of eligible costs for unexpected illness and injuries. There’s also no waiting for reimbursement. Trupanion can pay your veterinarian within seconds at checkout.
Pros
Immediate reimbursement
No limits on payouts
Covers 90% of eligible costs
Cons
High rates compared to other insurers
No wellness plan
Can only enroll pets before their 14th birthday
Best for wellness plans: Pets Best
A wellness plan that offers routine checkups can help catch diseases early and potentially prolong your senior pup’s life. Pets Best offers two tiers of routine care coverage that you can include as an add-on to your insurance plan. The EssentialWellness Plan provides up to $305 in coverage, and the BestWellness Plan provides up to $535 in coverage.
Pros
No upper age restrictions on accident and illness plans
Unlimited coverage option
24/7 pet helpline
Cons
Only two annual limit options ($5,000 or unlimited)
Six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions
Doesn’t determine pre-existing medical conditions until you submit a claim
Find Pet Insurance for Your Senior Dog
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When is a dog considered a senior?
Dogs become seniors when they enter the last 25% of their estimated lifespan. The age when a dog becomes a senior depends on its size and breed. Larger breeds become seniors earlier because they have shorter lifespans.
Knowing approximately when your dog will enter its golden years can help you prepare for what’s to come. Staying alert to changes in your pet’s mobility, hearing, and other health areas can ensure it gets the veterinary care and treatment it needs to help it live longer.
The following table outlines when dogs become seniors based on their size and weight.[2]
Size and Weight ▲▼ | Senior Classification Age ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| Small (less than 20 pounds) | 10–15 years |
| Medium (20–50 pounds) | 10–13 years |
| Large (50–90 pounds) | 8–12 years |
| Extra large (90+ pounds) | 8–10 years |
Does pet insurance cost more for older dogs?
Yes, pet insurance usually costs more for older pets, but premiums and coverage options for older dogs vary between insurers. Older dogs have a greater risk of developing a health issue and a higher likelihood of claims.
Some companies have an upper age limit for enrollment. Others offer only accident insurance after a certain age. As dogs enter their senior years, their risk of developing a health issue that will require treatment increases. Common health concerns that increase as dogs age include:[3]
Arthritis
Cancer
Cognitive decline
Incontinence
Kidney disease
Vision and hearing loss
Weight gain and obesity
Keep in Mind
As dogs age and are more likely to develop a health issue, they’ll likely require more visits to the vet along with additional tests and treatments.
Types of pet insurance for senior dogs
Accident-only and accident and illness are the two main types of pet insurance plans available to senior dogs. Many insurers also offer wellness coverage as an add-on for routine care.
When your dog hits a certain age, some insurance companies no longer offer enrollment for either type of plan. Other insurers only offer accident-only coverage. When searching for pet insurance, you want to find a plan that offers enough coverage to meet your senior dog’s specific needs.
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Learn More: What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
Accident-only plans
Accident-only insurance covers the cost of accident-related medical care, such as if a car hits your dog, another dog bites your dog, or your dog ingests a poisonous substance. Accident-only plans don’t cover illness or wellness costs.
Cost is one of the main advantages of an accident-only plan. These plans are typically much more affordable than accident and illness coverage and can be a good choice for pet owners on a budget.[4]
Accident and illness plans
Accident and illness insurance offers a more comprehensive plan. In addition to covering unexpected accidents, it also covers a range of diseases and related treatments that may affect older dogs, such as cancer and arthritis.
While accident and illness plans are typically more expensive than accident-only coverage, if you know your pet is more susceptible to a certain illness, this coverage may help you save a lot of money.
Wellness plans
While some comprehensive plans may incorporate wellness coverage, most pet insurers offer wellness plans as add-ons. Wellness plans often cover vaccinations, routine checkups, and dental cleanings.
As your dog ages, you might feel more inclined to have an annual checkup to keep on top of your dog’s health and catch any potential issues early. A wellness plan can help reduce the costs associated with this preventative care.
Compare Pet Insurance Plans for Senior Dogs
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How to save on pet insurance for older dogs
To ensure your beloved pet has the coverage it needs while also staying on budget, you can take several steps to save on insurance for your senior dog, including:
Compare quotes and plans
Different insurers offer different coverage options and premiums. If you know what illnesses your dog is susceptible to, look for plans that meet its specific needs. When researching insurers, pay special attention to any upper-age limits on coverage.
Choose higher deductibles
The deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Increasing your deductible can lower your monthly premium. Common pet insurance deductibles range from $100 to $1,000.
Look for discounts
Many pet insurance companies offer multi-pet discounts or discounts for military members.
Schedule regular checkups
To try to catch any problems early, consider scheduling regular checkups. Adding wellness coverage to your plan may help with the cost of routine checkups.
Common health problems in older dogs
Older dogs are prone to certain health conditions that are less common in younger dogs. For instance, arthritis is more likely to affect your older pup and can require exams and X-rays to diagnose and prescription medication to treat.
Since older animals pose a greater risk to insurers, the cost of insurance for older dogs is typically higher. Some key health problems common in older dogs include:
Cancer: As dogs age, their risk for cancer increases. Proper diagnosis can require a number of exams and tests, including a full physical, blood work, and X-rays.
Cognitive decline: Like humans, dogs can develop cognitive issues, including cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), which is the canine version of Alzheimer’s disease. To diagnose a cognitive decline, your vet will need to assess your dog to rule out other conditions.
Hearing and vision loss: If your dog no longer comes to your calls or can no longer spot its favorite toy, this can signal hearing or vision loss. The sooner you can get your dog to the vet for examination and treatment, the better.
Urinary incontinence: Many older dogs experience urinary incontinence as they age, but it may also be a sign of kidney disease. Through blood work and urine testing, your vet can provide the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Important Information
Early detection through regular exams can help your vet determine if your dog has any medical issues. Identifying problems early can allow you to make changes to your pet’s diet or routine to improve its health and comfort.
Pet insurance for older dogs FAQs
If you still have questions about pet insurance for older dogs, consider the following information as you research the best pet insurance options.
Is pet insurance for older dogs worth it?
Only you can decide if pet insurance for your older dog is worth it. Pet insurance won’t cover your dog’s pre-existing issues but can provide protection for the future. If you know your dog is susceptible to certain illnesses, you might find that paying a monthly pet insurance premium beats the financial burden that can come if your dog gets sick.
What’s the oldest age you can insure a dog?
Many pet insurers have no maximum age limit on their insurance coverage. Other insurance companies won’t allow enrollment after your pet turns a certain age. For example, with Trupanion, you can’t enroll your pet after its 14th birthday.
What’s the best pet insurance company for an older dog?
The best insurance company for your older dog will depend on your pet’s specific needs and your budget. Some pet insurance companies that allow you to insure your pet at any age include ASPCA, Fetch, Figo, and Spot.
Is pet insurance for older dogs more expensive?
Yes, pet insurance for older dogs is generally more expensive. Older dogs have a greater risk of developing health issues and a higher likelihood of claims, so insurers raise rates to offset this risk.
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Sources
- American Animal Hospital Association. "AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines."
- American Kennel Club. "How Long Do Dogs Live?."
- American Kennel Club. "Common Health Concerns in Senior Dogs."
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association. "Average Premiums."
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Jessica Martel
Jessica is a freelance writer, professional researcher, and mother of two rambunctious little boys. She specializes in personal finance, women and money, and financial literacy. Jessica is fascinated by the psychology of money and what drives people to make important financial decisions. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Cognitive Research Psychology.
7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
Featured in
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
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