December 25, 2023

Pet Insurance for Older Dogs

What Age Does a Dog Become a Senior?

The general rule of thumb is large breeds have shorter lifespans, and are considered "elderly" earlier. Meanwhile, small breeds age slower after adulthood and reach their senior years at a later time.

Below is a table showing a rough estimate of when a dog becomes a senior based on their size:

Dog Size	Senior Age
Small Breeds	11 to 12 years old
Medium-sized Breeds	9 to 10 years old
Large Breeds	7 to 8 years old

Factors like breed, size, health, and genetics can all affect how fast these animals will age.

What are the common health problems of older dogs?
Statistics show that older dogs are likely to develop certain conditions as they age, such as:

Hearing and vision loss
Kidney and heart diseases
Cancer
Arthritis
Joint problems
Diabetes
Cognitive dysfunction

What is your primary concern when choosing pet insurance for an older dog?

6 Best Pet Insurance for Older Dogs

It can be difficult to find good pet insurance for your elderly dog. Some don't provide as much coverage while others are just too expensive. But, there are providers out there with thorough plans at a good price.

Below are some of the best ones for your senior pet:

1. Most Reputable: ASPCA Pet Insurance

ASPCA Pet Insurance is the ideal choice for those who prefer a tried-and-true policy for their elderly pets. They don't have an upper-age limit, meaning you can enroll your dog at any time.

Price Range for Older Dogs	$55/mo to $90/mo
Annual Limit	$2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, or $10,000
Deductibles	$100, $250, or $500^[1]
Reimbursement	70%, 80%, or 90%
Upper Age Limit	None
Covers Pre-Existing Conditions?	Yes (only if it has been cured/symptom-free for 180 days)^[2]

Their standard plan is called the Complete Coverage which covers many things, such as:^[3]

Accidents
lllnesses
Dental disease
Behavioral issues
Hereditary conditions
Alternative therapies

It also covers prescription medicine and food, ideal for aging pets who get more vulnerable over time.

All these fall within an estimated price range of $55/mo to $90/mo, which is fairly reasonable for older dogs.

Discount for additional pets
Extensive preventive care add-on

Long claims processing time
Mobile app is not user-friendly

What is a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing condition refers to any health issue or problem that your pet has/had prior to the official start date of the insurance policy.

2. Best Coverage: Fetch by The Dodo

Fetch by the Dodo offers one of the most comprehensive pet insurance plans out there. They are perfect for owners who want holistic coverage for their senior dogs.

Price Range for Older Dogs	$100/mo to $250/mo
Annual Limit	$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000^[4]
Deductibles	$300, $500, or $700^[5]
Reimbursement	70%, 80%, or 90%
Upper Age Limit	None
Covers Pre-Existing Conditions?	Yes (only if it has been cured/symptom-free for 12 months from the enrollment date)^[6]

Their core policy covers a wide scope of conditions, such as:^[7]

Accidental Injuries & Illnesses
Vet Exam Fees
Comprehensive Dental
Congenital & Hereditary Conditions
Cancer Treatments
Prescription Medications
Surgery & Rehab
Alternative Therapies
Imaging Tests

It also includes breed-specific issues like hip dysplasia, allergies, and the like, which are not typically offered by most providers. This is why their rates are on the more expensive side at around $100/mo to $250/mo for elderly dogs.

Since they do not have an age cap, you can sign up your senior dog any time and still make the most out of their extensive plan.

Offers complete and unique coverage
Covers online vet visits up to $1,000

No wellness/routine care plan
6-month waiting period for knee and hip injuries

3. Most Customizable: Figo

Figo is the best provider for those who want a flexible plan for their elderly dogs. Figo gives you three options when you sign up for a free quote: Most Popular, Higher Coverage, and Value Plus.

Price Range for Older Dogs	$25/mo to $190/mo
Annual Limit	$5,000, $10,000, or Unlimited
Deductibles	$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000, or $1,500
Reimbursement	70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%
Upper Age Limit	None
Covers Pre-Existing Conditions?	Yes (only if it has been cured/symptom-free within 12 months of last treatment)

The three plans cover the same things, but they differ in annual limit, deductible, reimbursement level, and price. You also have the option to customize your own package based on your budget and preference.

Figo offers a core plan that includes the following:^[8]

Common illnesses
Accidents and emergencies
Chronic conditions
Hereditary/congenital disorders
Cancer
Prescriptions

The cost varies per pet but the estimated price for senior dogs starts at around $25/mo and can go up to over $190/mo.

No upper age limit
Supplementary add-ons available

Possible increased rates per renewal

4. Most Budget-Friendly: ManyPets

ManyPets offers good coverage at an affordable price. They are a great option for pet owners who are on a budget but still want quality inclusions for their aging dogs.

Price Range for Older Dogs	$40/mo to $70/mo
Annual Limit	Unlimited
Deductibles	$500 or $700
Reimbursement	70% or 80%
Upper Age Limit	14 years old for enrollment
Covers Pre-Existing Conditions?	Yes (only if it has been treatment and symptom-free for 18 months)

The average price of their plans ranges from $40/mo to $70/month, which is relatively lower compared to other providers.

Their standard policy includes the following:^[9]

Unexpected Accidents & Illnesses
Exams & Tests
Prescribed Medications
Treatments & Surgeries
Hospitalization Fees
Vet Visit Fees

They also have an optional wellness add-on that reimburses you for your senior dog's routine exams, vaccines, dental cleaning, and more at an extra cost.

Affordable plans for older dogs
Covers euthanasia and cremation

Not available in all 50 states
Upper age limit of 14 years old

5. For Healthy Senior Dogs: Wagmo

Wagmo is ideal for those with healthy senior dogs. They offer two independent packages: Pet Wellness plan and Pet Insurance plan.

Price Range for Older Dogs	$45/mo to $70/mo
Annual Limit	$20,000
Deductibles	$250, $500, or $1,000
Reimbursement	90% or 100%
Upper Age Limit	None
Covers Pre-Existing Conditions?	No

You can opt to enroll your aging pet to either one (or both) depending on your preference. Wagmo's Pet Insurance plan covers the following:^[10]

Prescription Medications
Virtual & In-Person Care
Hereditary Conditions
Pet Ambulance
Cancer Treatment
Orthopedics
End-Of-Life Costs and more

These conditions fall within a price range of around $45/mo to $70/mo for elderly dogs, which is also on the affordable side.

On the other hand, Wagmo's Pet Wellness plan includes:

Routine Bloodwork
Fecal Test
Urinalysis
Vaccines
Grooming
Flea/Tick/Heartworm
VETalk Chats

All these come at an average cost of around $40/mo, a reasonable price for the everyday care of your aging pet.

No upper age limit
Separate insurance and wellness plans

Basic coverage
30-day waiting period for cancer

Do congenital/hereditary issues fall under pre-existing conditions?
Yes, any congenital or hereditary disease that manifested prior to the enrollment date or during the waiting period is a pre-existing condition. Thus, most insurance providers will most likely not cover it in their policy.

6. Most Reliable: Trupanion

Trupanion is one of the most popular and reliable pet insurance providers in the U.S. They are a good option for those willing to splurge on their elderly dogs.

Price Range for Older Dogs	$100/mo to $400/mo
Annual Limit	Unlimited^[11]
Deductibles	$0 to $1,000^[12]
Reimbursement	90%
Upper Age Limit	14 years old for enrollment
With Pre-Existing Coverage?	No

They cover illnesses and injuries, breed-specific conditions, and medical procedures. They also offer an add-on that covers other inclusions, such as:^[13]

Acupuncture
Chiropractic sessions
Rehab
Hydrotherapy

This provider is on the more expensive side, with an estimated price range of $100/mo to $400/mo for senior pets.

Can pay the vet directly
Customizable deductible amount

Upper age limit of 14 years old (for enrollment)

How pet insurance works

Policies can be full of technical terms. But here are some terms your selected provider may use in your pet's insurance:

Annual Limit
The maximum amount that you can get reimbursed during your policy year.
Reimbursement Level
The amount or percentage of the bill your pet insurance company will cover.
Deductible
The amount you need to pay before you get reimbursed.
Upper Age Limit
The maximum age a dog can be enrolled into a pet insurance plan.

Say you've decided to pick an insurance plan for your senior pet. Here's how it will work:

You'll need to search for pet insurance that covers your dog's age. Many pet insurance products have an upper age limit or age cap. Make sure your senior dog's age is within the limit to qualify. Ideally, you'll choose a plan that doesn't have an upper age limit.

Once you decide on a package, you need to pay monthly premiums. You will choose the reimbursement level, deductible, and annual limit. These factors affect the amount of premiums you'll pay.

When medical emergencies come, you need to pay the deductible amount first. Typically, the higher your monthly premiums, the lower deductibles you need to settle.

Then, the insurance company reimburses a percentage of the bill depending on your reimbursement level. Ideally, you should have lower expenses to cover with the right pet insurance.

Does Pet Insurance Cost More for Older Dogs?

Yes, pet insurance for senior dogs tends to be pricier compared to that of puppies or adults despite having the same coverage.

This is because aging pets are more likely to get into accidents or develop illnesses. Thus, they have a higher chance of needing medical attention over time.

How much are you willing to spend on pet insurance for your older dog each month?

Is Getting Pet Insurance Worth It?

The answer to this question will vary per person. It really depends on things like the condition of your pet and your own financial situation.

If your elderly dog already has lot of pre-existing conditions, then getting pet insurance may not be worth it. Providers won't cover any preceding and reoccurring health issues your dog has so you won't be able to make the most out of your policy.

However, if your senior dog is still healthy, enrolling them in a plan is a good (and financially sound) decision. It is best to have them insured while they are fit and well so they are able to maximize the coverage should the need come.

What is the best age to get pet insurance?
The general consensus is that the earlier you enroll your pet in an insurance policy, the better. If you get a puppy, consider signing them up as soon as they are eligible for one. Meanwhile, if you adopt an adult/senior dog, it's best to purchase a plan within 4-6 months from their adoption date.

How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance

Now, let's delve into some factors you should take into account so you can find the best suited insurance plan for your senior dog.

Age Eligibility
While most of the companies mentioned above have no age limits, there are many providers in the U.S. that have an age cap, especially for senior dogs. This means that they don't accept the enrollment of pets over a certain age.

It would be more convenient overall to find one that doesn't have an upper-age limit so you can purchase one for your older pet at any time.

Price & Coverage
It is no secret that pet insurance for older dogs is generally more expensive. However, a higher cost doesn't equate to more coverage. In fact, there are many comprehensive plans out there that fall within a reasonable price range.

Thus, you really have to do your research and check out as many pet insurance policies as you can before making a final decision.

Pre-Existing Conditions
Another important thing you should look out for when choosing a plan for your older dog is whether they cover pre-existing conditions.

There are companies that include this in their policies as long as the animal has been in treatment and symptom-free for a certain number of days.

Customizability
In relation to the previous component, finding a flexible plan also bodes well for pet owners with elderly dogs. You can customize your policy based on the condition of your pet and your own financial situation, allowing you to control your premium.

Add-On Options
Wellness care is just as important as emergency care when it comes to senior dogs. Luckily, a lot of providers out there offer routine care add-ons to complement their plans.

If you want holistic coverage for your aging pet, definitely consider getting add-ons with your chosen policy.

Which type of pet insurance policy feature is most critical for your older dog?

Bottom Line

Ultimately, it is better to get pet insurance for your canine as soon as possible. It ensures that they will get guaranteed coverage should any medical issue/accident occur.

But, don't worry too much because there are many providers in the U.S. that are willing to enroll older dogs. Just remember that it is never too late — especially if your senior pet is still healthy and happy!