Best Pet Insurance For Older Dogs

Best Senior Dog Insurance of 2024

Compare our top picks for pet insurance to protect your older furry friend.

Best Dog Insurance Overall

Pets Best

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement Rates

50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90%

Deductibles

$50 – $2,000

Why We Chose It

Pets Best is our pick for the best overall pet insurance for dogs, as it offers multiple plan options with a wide range of deductibles and two optional wellness add-ons. Pets Best customers also have access to a 24/7 vet helpline.

Pros & Cons

• No upper age limits
• Two optional wellness plan add-ons
• Vet helpline with 24/7 availability

• Must wait six months to make claims on cruciate ligament conditions
• Higher fees if you pay monthly
• Essential plan doesn’t cover vet exam fees, behavioral therapies or alternative therapies

Policy Highlights

• Accident and illness plan
• Accident-only plan
• Optional wellness plans
• 24/7 vet helpline
• Euthanasia for humane reasons

Best for Quick Processing

Lemonade

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

$100,000

Reimbursement Rates

70%, 80% or 90%

Deductibles

$100, $250 or $500

Why We Chose It

Lemonade offers a user-friendly digital experience with fast claims processing and payments. It only has a two-day waiting period for accident coverage and offers discounts for bundling your pet insurance with another policy, such as home or renters insurance. Read our Lemonade pet insurance review.

Pros & Cons

• Fast claims processing and payments
• Multiple rider add-ons, including dental illness, physical therapy and behavioral conditions
• Discounts for insuring more than one pet or bundling insurance policies

• Doesn’t insure older pets
• Six-month waiting period for cruciate tears
• Doesn’t offer unlimited annual coverage
• No option for paying your veterinarian directly

Policy Highlights

• Accident and illness plans
• Optional wellness plans
• Multiple rider options, such as dental illness and physical therapy

Best for Short Waiting Period for Accident Plan

Figo

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement Rates

70%, 80%, 90% or 100%

Deductibles

$100 – $1,500

Why We Chose It

Figo’s accident and injury coverage only comes with a one-day waiting period after you sign up. The waiting period for illness coverage is a bit longer at 14 days, and orthopedic coverage may take six months unless you get a waiver from your vet.

Pros & Cons

• No upper age limits
• May cover pre-existing conditions
• 24/7 pet telehealth line
• Up to 100% reimbursements

• No option for direct payments to veterinarian
• Six-month waiting period for orthopedic problems
• Only covers vet exam fees if you purchase “Veterinary Exam Fees Powerup”

Policy Highlights

• Only one-day waiting period for accident and injury coverage
• Multiple deductible options
• 24/7 vet helpline

Best for Unlimited Annual Coverage

Healthy Paws

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement Rates

Up to 90%

Deductibles

$50 – $1,000

Why We Chose It

Healthy Paws offers plans with unlimited annual coverage without breaking the bank. Its plan options are somewhat limited, though, as it doesn’t offer an accident-only plan or wellness add-on.

Pros & Cons

• Unlimited annual coverage
• Can pay veterinarian directly with advance request
• Telehealth line with 24/7 availability

• No coverage for pets 14 years of age or older
• No accident-only plans
• No wellness add-on or coverage for routine care
• Doesn’t offer any discounts

Policy Highlights

• Unlimited annual coverage
• Direct payments to vet available
• 24/7 telehealth line

Best for Multiple Pet Discount

Embrace

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Annual Max Coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement Rates

70%, 80% or 90%

Deductibles

$100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000

Why We Chose It

Embrace offers a 10% discount if you insure more than one animal, making it an affordable choice for multi-pet households. Active service members and veterans can also receive a 5% military discount on pet insurance plans.

Pros & Cons

• 10% multi-pet discount
• Covers a variety of curable pre-existing conditions
• Coverage for behavioral therapy and medications
• Automatic healthy pet discount of 5% in your first year and 10% in your second year
• Offers accident-only dog insurance plans for dogs over 15

• Six-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions
• 14-day waiting period for illness coverage
• Claims can take 14 business days to process
• Dogs 15 years and older won’t qualify for full accident and illness health insurance

Policy Highlights

• Unlimited annual coverage
• Coverage for behavioral and dental issues
• Opportunities for discounts

Best for Additional Benefits

Fetch

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

$15,000

Reimbursement Rates

70%, 80% or 90%

Deductibles

$250, $300 or $500

Why We Chose It

Fetch offers some unique benefits, including reimbursement for boarding and kennel fees, for advertising a missing pet and for canceling a vacation to care for a sick pet. This company also offers discount opportunities for veterans and AARP members, but its maximum annual coverage is limited. Read our Fetch pet insurance review.

Pros & Cons

• No upper age limits
• Unique perks, such as coverage for boarding fees if you’re in the hospital
• Covers up to $1,000 if you have to cancel your vacation to care for your sick dog
• Competitive prices

• Annual coverage limit of $15,000
• No accident-only plan
• No discount for insuring multiple pets

Policy Highlights

• Unique perks
• Limited annual coverage
• No accident-only plan

Best for Various Coverage Options

Spot

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement Rates

70%, 80% or 90%

Deductibles

$100, $250, $300, $500, $750 or $1,000

Why We Chose It

Spot offers a variety of coverage options, including plans with annual coverage limits anywhere from $2,500 to unlimited. It also offers a pet telehealth line that you can contact 24/7.

Pros & Cons

• No upper age limits
• Multiple coverage options with various annual limits
• No special waiting periods for cruciate ligament or orthopedic conditions
• Coverage for vet exam fees and microchipping

• No coverage for daycare or boarding
• Does not cover preventative care
• Plans come with a 14-day waiting period

Policy Highlights

• Multiple plan options
• Covers vet exam fees and microchipping
• Plans have 14-day waiting period

Best for Chronic Illnesses

Trupanion

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement Rates

90%

Deductibles

$0 – $1,000

Why We Chose It

Trupanion can be a good fit for pets with chronic illnesses, as it offers per-condition deductibles. Once you’ve hit the deductible, Trupanion will offer full coverage for that condition’s treatment for life.

Pros & Cons

• Per-condition deductibles could save you money if your pet has a chronic illness
• Premiums don’t automatically increase as your pet ages
• Offers coverage for prescription food and supplements

• Must enroll older dogs before their 14th birthday
• Five-day waiting period for injuries
• 30-day waiting period for illnesses
• No coverage for spaying or neutering

Policy Highlights

• Unlimited annual coverage
• Per-condition deductibles

Best for Alternative Therapy Coverage

Paw Protect

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement Rates

70%, 80% or 90%

Deductibles

$100, $250 or $500

Why We Chose It

Paw Protect offers coverage options for alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, as well as behavioral therapy.

Pros & Cons

• Covers alternative and behavioral therapies
• Can pay vet directly in certain circumstances
• Two-day waiting period for accident coverage

• Maximum age of enrollment is five years
• Six-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions
• Doesn’t cover routine care unless you purchase Wellness Rewards plan
• No coverage for pre-existing conditions

Policy Highlights

• Unlimited annual coverage
• Covers alternative therapies
• Two-day waiting period for accident coverage

Best for Broad Coverage

ASPCA

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Vault Verified

Annual Max Coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement Rates

70%, 80% or 90%

Deductibles

$100, $250 or $500

Why We Chose It

ASPCA offers customizable coverage options for puppies and senior dogs with a simple claim submission process and direct deposit for reimbursement. You can choose various coverage options, including an accident-only plan and preventative care add-on.

Pros & Cons

• No upper age limit
• Simple claim submission process via mobile app
• Can cover prescription food
• Option to add preventative care coverage

• 12-month waiting period for ligament and knee injuries
• Does not pay vet directly

Policy Highlights

• Unlimited annual coverage
• Easy mobile claim submissions
• Optional preventative care coverage add-on

What Is a Senior Dog?

A senior dog is typically considered to be an older dog, generally around 7 years of age or older. But this can vary depending on the breed and size of the dog. Larger breeds, like Great Danes and Mastiffs, tend to age more quickly and might be considered seniors by age 6, while smaller breeds, such as Chihuahuas and Dachshunds, might not reach senior status until they are around 10 years old.

Is Pet Insurance for Dogs Worth It?

Pet insurance requires upfront payments with the hope of saving money on veterinary bills later. It can be especially worthwhile if your pet’s breed is prone to certain conditions or as your pet ages and has increasing medical needs.

Let’s say that you pay $56 per month for pet insurance with a $250 deductible and an 80% reimbursement level. Over three years, you’ll pay a total of $2,016 in pet insurance premiums. If your dog needs a $4,000 surgery during this time, you will get $3,000 reimbursed from your pet insurance plan. Overall, you’d save $984 from having pet insurance and not having to pay for the entire surgery out of pocket.

Of course, every dog’s needs are different, and it’s impossible to predict whether your pet will tear a ligament, swallow one of your devices or run into another medical emergency. Consider how an unexpected bill from the vet would impact your finances when determining whether a pet insurance plan would be worth it for you.

For expenses you do need to pay out of pocket, check out these best credit cards for pet owners.

Pros and Cons of Dog Insurance:

Pros

• Can significantly reduce your veterinary expenses
• Offers multiple options, allowing you to choose the right plan for you
• May have a low deductible, which would limit your out-of-pocket costs
• Gives you peace of mind and allows you to choose the best treatment options for your dog without having to decide based on cost
• Lets you see any veterinarian of your choice

Cons

• Typically reimburses you after you’ve paid the vet, so you may have to cover the bills upfront
• Won’t cover incurable pre-existing conditions
• Costs can vary depending on your dog’s age and breed
• Annual limits restrict how much you can get reimbursed
• Doesn’t reimburse for wellness or routine visits unless you add on this coverage

Are Pet Insurance Plans for Older Dogs More Expensive?

Older dogs are more likely to develop health issues and require frequent veterinary care, which increases the risk for insurance companies. To account for the potential ongoing treatment and care, insurance companies typically raise premiums. 

The following table shows the older a pet is, the more expensive the premium. This is based on the insurer’s basic plan with a $5,000 annual contribution limit, $500 deductible and 80% reimbursement rate for a healthy French Bulldog (the most popular breed in the U.S. in 2023, according to the American Kennel Club) living in Massachusetts. 

Common Health Problems in Senior Dogs

As dogs age, they become more susceptible to various health issues that can impact their quality of life. Here are some common health problems in senior dogs:

• Arthritis: Joint inflammation causing pain and stiffness.
• Dental disease: Tooth decay and gum disease, leading to pain and possible tooth loss.
• Kidney disease: According to the American Kennel Club: small dogs can “show early signs of kidney disease at an older age—10 years old or more” but for large-breed dogs, signs may start to appear at age 7.
• Cognitive dysfunction: Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) can cause brain deterioration similar to how Alzheimer’s disease affects humans. It’s a common disease in older dogs that could start around nine years of age.
• Heart disease: Heart disease impacts one in ten dogs, and senior dogs are more at risk, according to MetLife pet insurance. Common types of heart disease include mitral valve disease and dilated cardiomyopathy.
• Cancer: According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, “almost half of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer.” Common types of cancer in dogs include lymphoma, osteosarcoma and mast cell tumors.
• Obesity: According to Vetster, “Senior dogs are likely to become overweight as they begin to slow down.” Excess weight can put strain on joints and organs, leading to severe health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.

Why Would You Need Dog Insurance?

The cost of veterinary care can be high, especially if your pet experiences an emergency illness or accident. Pet insurance for dogs can help defray these costs and prevent you from draining your emergency savings or going into debt.

More pet parents are opting into this financial safety net than in previous years, according to NAPHIA. In 2023, more than 5.6 million U.S. dogs and cats were covered by pet insurance, an increase of 17% from the year prior.

Here are some of the top reasons you may benefit from getting pet insurance for your fur baby.

• Reimburse emergency expenses. From swallowing a foreign object to ingesting a toxic plant, your dog may run into an unexpected health emergency. Treatment costs can be especially high if you have to take your pup to an emergency care facility. With pet insurance, you can get reimbursed up to a certain percentage of these bills.
• Cover accidents, illnesses or both. A pet insurance plan can pay you back for costs incurred due to an accident, illness or both, depending on the type of coverage you elect. Note that most plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions, however.
• Pay for routine wellness visits. Some plans offer an optional wellness add-on. This comprehensive coverage will cost you more, but you’ll get reimbursed for routine wellness checks and preventative services that wouldn’t otherwise be covered.
• Choose your own veterinarian. While many human health insurance companies require you to use a specific health care provider, pet insurance policies let you pick your own veterinarian. You’ll usually upload claims to your pet insurance company for reimbursement after paying your vet.
• Give you peace of mind. Having pet insurance can give you peace of mind and let you access the best medical treatments for your dog without having to choose based on costs or your current financial situation.

Why Do Senior Dogs Need Pet Insurance?

As dogs age, their healthcare needs typically increase. Here are some key reasons to consider dog insurance for your older pet:

• Higher risk of health issues: Senior dogs are more prone to chronic conditions like arthritis, heart disease and diabetes, which can require ongoing treatment and medication.
• Frequent veterinary visits: Older dogs often need more frequent check-ups to monitor and manage their health. Insurance can cover the cost of these visits, including necessary diagnostic tests, treatments and specialist consultations.
• Specialized care: Senior dogs may require specialized care like physical therapy, acupuncture or advanced dental treatments.
• Emergency situations: The likelihood of emergencies can increase as a dog ages. Insurance can provide peace of mind by covering emergency care costs and make it easier for you to focus on your dog’s recovery without worrying about finances.

How To Choose the Best Pet Insurance For Your Dog

With multiple options to choose from, selecting the best pet insurance for your dog can be a daunting task. We’ve listed some of the top factors to consider in your decision-making process.

Coverage Options

Speak with your vet about your pet’s predisposition to certain illnesses and injuries, depending on their breed and age. You may also want to consider your pet’s risk of injury based on your lifestyle and the amount of time you spend outdoors. Understanding these risk factors can help you choose a plan that offers appropriate coverage for your dog.

Exclusions and Limitations

As you compare pet insurance plans, consider any exclusions or limitations each option has. Most plans exclude incurable pre-existing conditions, though some will cover curable pre-existing conditions. Plans may also have restrictions depending on your pet’s breed and age. Plus, they generally won’t cover routine care unless you add optional wellness coverage, if available.

Cost

The cost of your pet insurance plan is a major consideration. Review not only the plan’s monthly or annual premiums but also its deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limits. You want to find a plan that offers the coverage you need without breaking the bank. Comparing quotes from multiple companies can help you find the most cost-effective option. Keep an eye out for any discounts, too. Some pet insurance companies offer a discount if you insure multiple pets, bundle insurance policies or pay your premium annually instead of monthly.

Additional Features and Benefits

Depending on your needs, you may seek a pet insurance plan with specific benefits, such as a wellness plan, telehealth availability, end-of-life benefits or direct payments to your veterinarian. Some plans also cover alternative therapies like acupuncture or hydrotherapy for your dog.

Company Reputation

Before selecting a plan, read customer reviews to learn more about a company’s reputation. Speaking with a customer representative can also help you gauge the company’s customer service and professionalism. You can also get answers to any additional questions you have, such as the typical amount of time it takes to pay claims and whether the policy involves a waiting period before it kicks in.

How to Save Money on Pet Insurance for Older Dogs

Saving money on pet insurance for senior dogs can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few strategies:

• Shop Around: Compare different pet insurance providers to find the best rates. Companies like Nationwide, Pets Best and the ASPCA offer a variety of plans with different coverage options and price points.
• Consider Higher Deductibles: Opt for a higher deductible to lower your monthly premiums. Just ensure you can cover the deductible if needed.
• Tailor Coverage: Customize your policy to cover essential needs and avoid paying for extras you might never use. Focus on covering major illnesses and injuries that are more likely with your breed of older dogs.
• Use Discounts: Some insurers offer discounts for multi-pet households, annual payments or if you’re a member of certain organizations.
• Wellness Plans: Consider whether a wellness plan (which covers routine care) is necessary. Sometimes, paying out-of-pocket for routine care can be cheaper than adding it to your insurance plan.
• Preventive Care: Preventive care can reduce the likelihood of expensive medical issues. So make sure to keep your dog healthy with regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet and exercise.

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11 Embrace Pet Insurance Review 2024: Budget-Friendly Comprehensive Coverage

12 Fetch Pet Insurance (Formerly PetPlan) Review 2024: Robust Coverage You May Not Find Elsewhere

13 Figo Pet Insurance Review 2024: Competitive Coverage for Older Pets

14 Lemonade Pet Insurance Review 2024: A Nose to Tail Review

15 ManyPets Pet Insurance Review 2024: A Newer Compare With Affordable Plans

16 Nationwide Pet Insurance Review 2024: Covers More Pets but Has Higher Rates

17 Pets Best Pet Insurance Review 2024: Good for Older Pets but Few Customization Options

18 Spot Pet Insurance Review 2024: Excellent Coverage With No Upper Age Limits

19 Pumpkin Pet Insurance Review 2024: Solid Coverage With a High Reimbursement Rate

20 Trupanion Pet Insurance Review 2024: Accident and Illness Plans With Unlimited Coverage Limits and Direct Vet Payments

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