As a dog approaches its senior years, it becomes more likely to develop expensive health conditions, such as arthritis, cancer or kidney disease. While some pet owners insure their dogs as puppies or young adults, many companies will still insure older dogs. Although your policy will exclude pre-existing conditions, it is still worth purchasing pet insurance since senior dogs can encounter new health conditions as they age.
Top 5 Best Pet Insurance for Older Dogs
Here are the best pet insurance companies for senior dogs:
Summary: Best Senior Dogs Pet Insurance
Use the table below to compare monthly costs, BBB ratings, waiting periods and star ratings of the top senior pet insurance companies:
How We Ranked the Best Pet Insurance for Older Dogs
Many pet insurance companies offer high-quality coverage options, but not every policy is suitable for senior pets with specific medical concerns. We used the following factors to inform our ranking and review of the top pet insurance providers for senior pets.
- Age limits: Companies without maximum upper age limits for new policy enrollment scored higher than those with age limits in place.
- Available add-ons: Companies offering add-ons relevant to senior pet care, including end-of-life care and rehabilitation coverage, scored higher on our list.
- Discounts and perks: Providers with flexible discounts and perks geared toward senior pets, including flex vet checkups, coverage for curable pre-existing conditions, and comprehensive cancer coverage, scored higher than those without.
- Cost: Since cost is an important factor, pet insurance companies with cheaper monthly premiums ranked higher on our list. Our team analyzed four different types of pets across all 50 U.S. states to determine the average cost of each company. Cost figures are up-to-date as of November 2023.
- Our rating: Our team reviewed more than 35 pet insurance companies using our objective rating methodology. Pet insurance providers with a higher overall score ranked higher on this list.
Other Pet Insurance for Older Dogs We Considered But Did Not Rank
We considered multiple providers in our review of the best pet insurance companies for senior dogs. See why the following companies did not make our list of the top senior dog insurers.
- Health Paws: During the Healthy Paws quote process, we noticed only one plan option available for a 10-year-old dog with a fixed deductible and low reimbursement rate. Healthy Paws also does not enroll new pets older than 14 years. Although it offers unlimited annual coverage, we think Healthy Paws is a better value for younger dogs.
- Figo: Figo offers a variety of plan options for senior dogs and no upper age limit for new enrollments. However, it does not include exam fees and prescription foods in the base plan. Instead, pet owners have to purchase coverage as an additional add-on to their base plan. The add-on cost is not fixed, but is based on overall premium cost — the more expensive your premium, the higher the cost to provide your pup with complete coverage.
- Wagmo: Wagmo’s premiums for senior pets are reasonable, but the company only enrolls new pets younger than 16 years. It also offers limited options to customize coverage and excludes coverage for hydrotherapy and dental surgeries, services that senior dogs may require for the treatment of arthritis or dental disease.
Is Senior Dog Pet Insurance Different From Insurance For Younger Dogs?
While pet insurance policies generally cover the same items regardless of a dog’s age, getting coverage for an older dog can be more expensive and limited in scope. As dogs age, they are more likely to develop pre-existing conditions that most pet insurance plans will not cover.
MarketWatch Guides Tip
Monthly premiums tend to increase with a pet’s age at the time of enrollment since older dogs statistically have higher veterinary costs. Enroll your pet as early as possible to avoid paying higher rates for the same coverage.
So, although the basics of coverage stay the same, an owner insuring an 8-year-old dog can expect to pay a higher rate and have more exclusions for medical issues that have already occurred versus someone who insured their puppy.
When is a Pet Considered a Senior?
According to VCA Animal Hospital, small dogs are considered seniors at age 11, medium-sized dogs at age 10 and large dogs around age seven. No matter when your dog is technically considered “old,” it will become more prone to weakness, illness and injury as it ages and will thus require more veterinary care.
If your senior dog is not currently insured, consider enrolling in a policy before it begins experiencing health problems. Remember, no pet insurance company will cover pre-existing conditions, including previous symptomatic illnesses or injuries and diagnosed or treated conditions. The sooner you enroll your dog in an insurance plan, the more likely your provider will cover new and unexpected conditions.
How Much Does Pet Insurance for Older Dogs Cost?
On average, pet insurance for senior dogs costs $327, according to our research, which averaged the premium of 11 different pet insurance plans for a 12-year-old medium mixed-breed dog.
Several factors can affect your senior dog’s monthly pet insurance premium, including:
- Age: As your dog gets older, it becomes more expensive to insure due to the increased likelihood of health issues. If you’re enrolling an older dog in pet insurance for the first time, your monthly premiums will be higher than average. Based on sample quotes we pulled for a 12-year-old, medium-sized, mixed-breed dog, a policy with an 80% reimbursement rate and a $500 deductible would cost $200 to $500.
- Breed: Your dog’s breed can also influence pet insurance premiums, as certain breeds are more susceptible to certain conditions. For example, German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia and, therefore more expensive to insure.
- Location: Where you and your furry friend live can also affect your policy’s price. Pet insurance providers consider how much local veterinarians charge for services and any insurance regulations your state enforces.
Cheapest Pet Insurance for Older Dogs
The following table ranks the cheapest pet insurance for older dogs, based on quotes we received for an 8-year-old medium mixed-breed male dog, for a pet insurance plan in each state that has a $5,000 annual limit, $250 deductible, and 80% reimbursement rate:
| Company | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Nationwide | $22 |
| Figo | $28 |
| ManyPets | $43 |
| Pets Best | $46 |
| Liberty Mutual | $49 |
| Healthy Paws | $51 |
| Lemonade | $54 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $57 |
| Allstate | $59 |
| MetLife | $59 |
Do Pet Insurance Premiums Increase as Dogs Get Older?
Pet insurance premiums increase as dogs get older because older pets are more likely to develop new illnesses with age. If your pet is enrolled from a young age, you will likely start to see your premiums go up when your dog reaches eight to 10 years of age. To offset rising premiums, senior pet owners may choose to adjust their plan’s reimbursement rates, annual limits or add-ons.
To show the cost differences as a dog ages, we gathered quotes from Spot for an accident and illness plan with a $10,000 annual limit, $500 deductible and 80% reimbursement rate. We based our quotes on a medium-sized, mixed-breed dog living in Colorado Springs, Colo.
- Puppy: $42
- 5-year-old dog: $55
- 8-year-old dog: $94
- 12-year-old dog: $170
Average Monthly Plan Costs for Dogs by Age
Compare top pet insurance providers based on premium costs we pulled for dogs of varying ages.
| Provider | Cost To Insure a Puppy | Cost To Insure an Adult Dog | Cost To Insure a Senior Dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot | $13–$134 | $17–$173 | $40–$404 |
| Embrace | $23–$144 | $25–$156 | $42–$257 |
| Pets Best | $11–$65 | $13–$75 | $36–$208 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $16–$80 | $22–$102 | $50–$240 |
| Fetch | $2–$40 | $30–$75 | $101–$265 |
| Wagmo | $24–$48 | $38–$76 | $56–$110 |
| Healthy Paws | $32–$70 | $47–$61 | $124 |
| Figo | $14–$92 | $19–$120 | $25–$305 |
How We Gathered Cost Data
We used the quote tools on each provider’s website to determine the monthly premium costs for a medium-sized, mixed-breed male dog living in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The above ranges represent the lowest and highest coverage amounts available from each company, with wider ranges corresponding to more customization options. We used benchmarks of 6 months old to represent puppies (six weeks to one year), 5 years old to represent adult dogs (years one to 10) and 10 years to represent senior dogs (10 years and older).
How to Save Money on Pet Insurance for Senior Dogs
Pet insurance for senior dogs will be more expensive than coverage for young pups. However, there are ways to find an affordable premium without minimizing your four-legged friend’s access to coverage.
Consult a Veterinarian
Your veterinarian can help you determine which insurance plan best fits your pet’s needs without exceeding your budget. For example, a vet can help you pinpoint common conditions your pet’s breed faces and ensure the plan you buy includes the necessary coverage.
Consider an Accident-Only Plan
Given the limited nature of the coverage, accident-only plans are cheaper than accident and illness coverage. While this option is worth considering, it is also important to find adequate coverage. An accident-only plan covers accidental injuries from chewing cords, falling from heights, eating poisonous houseplants and more at a lower cost. However, older dogs may be more susceptible to illnesses and, therefore, benefit from an accident and illness plan.
Adjust Your Pet’s Coverage Levels
Most pet insurers allow you to customize components of your policy, enabling you to adjust the amount of coverage and policy cost. Selecting a higher deductible, lower reimbursement rate or lower annual coverage limit can help lower policy costs — but make sure you do not drastically limit the plan’s effectiveness.
Review Available Discounts
Some providers offer discounts to reduce your premium if you qualify. Discounts alone may not be a reason to switch plans but can offer a small financial break if you meet eligibility conditions. Common discounts include bundling pet insurance with other policies, enrolling multiple pets in coverage and having served in the military. Pet insurance discounts often range from 5% to 10% each.
Compare Quotes for Similar Plans
When looking for pet insurance, it’s important to remember that every plan has its own costs, coverage options and features. Take the time to research which provider would best suit your pet’s needs. We suggest obtaining quotes from at least three of the top pet insurance providers on our list before making a decision.
Negotiate Your Pet’s Veterinary Bill
Veterinary fees are designed to cover operational expenses and ensure the team members caring for your pet are compensated appropriately. Veterinary fees are meticulously determined and rarely negotiable, but you may be able to trim down the bill by discussing which services you should prioritize and which can wait before you agree to estimates or treatment plans.
What Types of Pet Insurance are Available for Older Dogs?
Generally, there are three types of pet insurance plans: accident-only, accident and illness and wellness plans. While pet owners can consider any of these plans for older dogs, some providers may have age limits that restrict enrollment eligibility.
Accident-Only Plans
Accident-only coverage is the most basic and cost-effective option. These plans cover accidents and physical injuries that result in unexpected vet bills. Coverage excludes routine care and pre-existing conditions. Accident-only plans typically cover vet bills related to events such as:
- Animal bite wounds
- Broken bones
- Cuts
- Swallowed objects
- Toxin ingestion
Dogs of any age, including seniors, can sustain an accidental injury. The most common injuries in senior pets are related to falls, which can occur more often because of arthritic joints, weakened muscles, or poor eyesight and depth perception. Senior pets with an increased appetite resulting from a disease or medication may be more likely to ingest foreign or toxic substances.
Accident and Illness Plans
Accident and illness coverage is the most common and comprehensive pet insurance plan. In addition to accidental injuries, these policies cover acute and chronic illnesses common in senior pets. Most of the plans on our list are comprehensive, but each comes with a list of exclusions to carefully consider before purchasing.
Accident and illness plans typically cover vet bills related to the following conditions:
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Bladder infections
- Cancer
- Chronic conditions
- Congenital conditions
- Diabetes
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Heart disease
- Hereditary conditions
- Hip dysplasia
Senior dogs are more likely than younger dogs to develop illnesses and diseases. Common age-related diseases in dogs include arthritis, hip dysplasia, cancer, dental disease, kidney disease and endocrine disorders.
Pet Insurance Wellness Plans
Because pet health insurance does not cover routine care, many companies offer a wellness add-on that provides an allowance for preventive care for an extra monthly cost. This additional coverage is different from traditional pet insurance but can help you manage the cost of expected veterinary care like vet checkups, vaccinations, and flea and heartworm medication. These plans typically add $10 to $25 to your monthly pet insurance premium.
Common Health Problems for Older Dogs
Your dog could encounter any number of health problems due to its age, genetics or a combination of both. According to the American Kennel Club, the most common conditions older dogs develop include the following:
| Condition | Covered by Pet Insurance? |
|---|---|
| Arthritis | Yes, but some treatments may require add-on coverage |
| Cancer | Yes, but may exclude clinical trials or experimental treatments |
| Cognitive decline | Yes |
| Kidney disease | Yes, but typically excludes kidney transplants |
| Obesity | Coverage varies; prescription diets may require an add-on |
| Vision loss | Coverage varies; some plans may exclude congenital or genetic causes |
Other common diseases seen in older dogs include diabetes, urinary incontinence and dental disease. The American Veterinary Medical Association found that almost 50% of dogs over age 10 will develop cancer at some point in their lives. Cancer diagnosis and treatments (such as radiation and chemotherapy) can be incredibly costly, so it’s wise to get a pet insurance policy before your dog gets ill.
Breeds and Common Illnesses
The chart below outlines popular dog breeds along with common illnesses each type of dog could experience in its lifetime. Coverage for each condition will vary by pet insurance provider.
| Breed | Common Illnesses |
|---|---|
| German shepherd | Hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and chronic superficial keratitis |
| Golden retriever | Cancer, heart defects and pigmentary uveitis |
| Labrador retriever | Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and exercise-induced collapse |
| Bichon Frise | Bladder conditions, luxating patellas and allergies |
| Pug | Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, hip dysplasia and pigmentary keratitis |
| French bulldog | Intervertebral disc disease, allergies and brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome |
Is Insurance for My Older Pet Worth It?
As your dog’s age increases, so does the amount of money required to maintain its health and overall care. Finding the right pet insurance provider for you and your senior dog can help cover future costs and alleviate financial worries if your pet faces costly treatments.
If you feel you are late in insuring your senior dog, enrolling before its health declines can still be beneficial. A pet insurance plan with no upper age limit and a vast range of coverage is ideal for your dog. We recommend getting quotes from each provider on our list so you can make the best choice based on coverage and cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Dog Pet Insurance
How does senior dog pet insurance work?
Unlike human health insurance, with pet insurance your provider reimburses your costs after you’ve already paid. Following your pet’s vet visit, you’ll file a claim with your pet insurance provider. Once it’s approved, your provider will reimburse you for a percentage of the vet bill (usually via direct deposit or check).
Is senior dog pet insurance worth it?
Yes, senior dog pet insurance is worth it. While pet insurance won’t cover your older dog’s current ailments, it will cover care needed in the future. Give yourself the peace of mind that your dog will be protected if it needs serious veterinary care. You’ll also be protected financially by receiving reimbursement for some health care expenses.
Do I need medical records from my vet for an older dog?
You will have to confirm whether your insurance provider requires a pet’s medical records for enrollment. Some require a vet exam, while others will ask that a vet exam is completed at some point within the first 12 months of your policy. Check with your selected provider.
