5 Best Pet Insurance For Older Pets Compared: Which One For Seniors?
Pet insurance for older pets is something many owners start thinking about once their loyal companion enters the golden years. But the thing is, different companies have different cutoffs for what counts as “senior,” and that can make it tough to know whether coverage is possible or practical for your aging cat or dog.
Although it’s best to enroll your pet in a policy while they’re young, you can still get pet insurance for older dogs and cats, and doing so could help you save a significant amount of money if they develop health concerns in their late years.
Should you invest in pet insurance for a senior cat or dog, or accept the financial risk of paying out-of-pocket?
Let's find out.
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Key Takeaways: Is it Worth It?
The bigger your pet, the more food they eat and the more problems they are likely to have. That's why it's essential to enroll your pet in an insurance policy as soon as possible.
And with vet bills that can run into the thousands of dollars per year, it's better to do it now. We recommend Pets Best, ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, MetLife, Fetch, Prudent Pet, and Figo because there’s no age limit for enrolling your pet. Just note that insurance for younger pets is cheaper compared to when you’re registering them when they’re older.
Alternatively, you can try Pawlicy Advisor, a free service that matches you with the best pet insurance for you.
Best Senior Pet Insurance
If you have an older pet, find insurance that doesn't have age limits for enrollment. Some great options include Pets Best , ASPCA , Pumpkin , Spot , MetLife , Fetch , Prudent Pet , and Figo .
Best Budget-Friendly Senior Pet Insurance
Pets Best
If you're a pet parent with an older dog or cat, Pets Best is a solid choice because it doesn't have an age cap, meaning your senior pet can still get full coverage.
Coverage: $2,500; $5,000; $10,000; or unlimited
Maximum Allowed Age: No maximum age limit
Pre-existing Conditions: Not covered
Euthanasia & End-of-life Care: Yes, covers euthanasia; No additional end of life coverages
Best Senior Pet Insurance for Comprehensive Coverage
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
ASPCA doesn’t come with an age limit, so you don’t have to worry about your senior pet being turned away. They also cover a broad range of conditions, including hereditary and orthopedic issues, which older pets are more likely to face. Additionally, they offer 100% reimbursement after the deductible (but only with a $1,000 deductible), which can be particularly helpful when managing higher vet bills for older pets.
Coverage: $2,500; $5,000; $10,000; $15,000; or unlimited
Maximum Allowed Age: No maximum age limit
Pre-existing Conditions: Covered only if the pre-existing condition has been cured and is free from treatment and symptoms for a period of 180 days, excluding ligament and knee conditions
Euthanasia & End-of-life Care: Yes, covers euthanasia and end-of-life care
Pumpkin Pet Insurance
Pumpkin is a great option because there’s no age cap. Their policy covers breed-specific conditions, which may not be offered in other pet insurance policies.
Coverage:
- Dogs: $5,000; $10,000; $20,000; or unlimited
- Cats: $5,000; $7,000; $15,000; or unlimited
Maximum Allowed Age: No age limit
Pre-existing Conditions: Can be covered if the pre-existing condition was cured (excluding knee and ligament conditions) and is free of symptoms and treatment for 180 days
Euthanasia & End-of-life Care: Yes
Best Pet Insurance for Alternative Care and Behavioral Health
Spot Pet Insurance
Spot also doesn’t come with an age limit for enrollment. They provide comprehensive coverage, including alternative therapies and be
Coverage: $2,500; $3,000; $4,000; $5,000; $7,000; $10,000; or unlimited
Maximum Allowed Age: No maximum age limit
Pre-existing Conditions: Only if your pet’s pre-existing condition is cured (excluding knee and ligament conditions) and free of professional treatment and symptoms for 180 days
Euthanasia & End-of-life Care: Yes
Best Senior Pet Insurance for Fast Claims
MetLife Pet Insurance
Like all others in this list, MetLife is a great choice because there’s no maximum age limit for enrollment. MetLife also offers one of the shortest waiting periods for accident coverage (just 1 day).
Coverage: $2,000; $5,000; $10,000; or $15,000 (in most states)
Maximum Allowed Age: No maximum age limit
Pre-existing Conditions: Curable pre-existing conditions can be covered once resolved and symptom-free for a minimum of 180 days
Euthanasia & End-of-life Care: Yes
Best Holistic Pet Insurance for Older Pets
Fetch Pet Insurance
Fetch is a fantastic option for older pets, offering extensive coverage, including specialized treatments such as holistic and alternative therapies, orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia, and even behavioral disorders up to $1,000 per year. Fetch’s commitment to “tooth-to-tail” coverage means that all of your pet's teeth are protected against injury and disease, which is a unique benefit, especially for older pets prone to dental issues.
Coverage: $2500 to unlimited
Maximum Allowed Age: No maximum age limit
Pre-existing Conditions: Can be covered if your pet goes 12 months from the day you signed up for Fetch pet insurance without showing signs of a curable condition (or needing additional treatment)
Euthanasia & End-of-life Care: Yes (euthanasia), No (additional end-of-life coverages)
Best Unlimited‑Payout Pet Insurance for Older Pets
Prudent Pet Pet Insurance
Prudent Pet is an excellent choice for older pets due to its extensive coverage options, including treatment for accidents, illnesses, cancer, and breed-specific conditions, with $10,000 or unlimited coverage. Prudent Pet also covers alternative therapies, dental injuries, and even cremation and burial services, making it a well-rounded choice for senior pets
Coverage: $10,000 or unlimited
Maximum Allowed Age: No
Pre-existing Conditions: Can be covered if your pet goes 12 months from the day you signed up for Fetch pet insurance without showing signs of a curable condition (or needing additional treatment)
Euthanasia & End-of-life Care: Yes
Best Flexible Pet Insurance for Old Pets
Figo Pet Insurance
Figo is an excellent choice for older pets due to its flexible coverage options (Essential, Preferred, or Ultimate), no age restrictions for enrollment, and comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions. Figo also provides coverage for curable pre-existing conditions after a 12-month symptom-free waiting period, making it particularly beneficial for pets that may have had previous health issues.
Coverage:
- Essential - $5,000
- Preferred - $10,000
- Ultimate - Unlimited
Maximum Allowed Age: No maximum age limit
Pre-existing Conditions: May cover curable pre-existing conditions if they show no signs or symptoms for a minimum of 12 months of treatment
Euthanasia & End-of-life Care: Yes
Pet insurance for older dogs
If you’re looking for pet insurance for an older dog, we recommend Pets Best, ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, MetLife, Fetch, Prudent Pet, and Figo because these insurance companies have no upper age limit for enrollment. ASPCA, Fetch, Pumpkin, Spot, and MetLife also have mortality and end-of-life benefits if you’re thinking more of end-of-life care.
Pet insurance for older cats
Like dogs, the best pet insurance for older cats is Pets Best, ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, MetLife, Fetch, Prudent Pet, and Figo because they don’t have upper age limits for enrollment. You can also lean toward a plan with mortality and end-of-life benefits, such as ASPCA, Fetch, Pumpkin, Spot, and MetLife.
"For both dogs and cats, the key concern for pet parents with senior pets, in my experience, is affordability ~98% of the time. Higher premiums on quotes can be a bit of a jump scare for those with older pets, and the first thing they do is gravitate toward the least expensive options.
Kari Steere, Pawlicy Advisor Licensed Insurance Agent #19443293
"For both dogs and cats, the key concern for pet parents with senior pets, in my experience, is affordability ~98% of the time. Higher premiums on quotes can be a bit of a jump scare for those with older pets, and the first thing they do is gravitate toward the least expensive options.If you’re looking for the most affordable pet insurance with no upper age limits, Pawlicy Advisor can help you compare top carriers side-by-side and get a great deal.
What is considered a senior pet anyway?
Each company has a unique set of guidelines that determines a pet’s coverage eligibility depending on its age, breed, and size. Small dogs have longer lifespans than larger dogs, which impacts the age at which they’re considered a senior.
According to VCA Hospitals, the general lifespan is 11 years for small dog breeds, 10 years for medium-sized breeds, and 7 years for large breeds1.
Cats, on the other hand, are considered ‘seniors’ if they are over 10 years old, according to the American Animal Hospital Association2.
What types of pet insurance policies are available for older pets?
Several pet insurance companies offer pet insurance plans for older dogs and cats.
- Accident-only plans cover treatments and procedures related to physical accidents.
- Accident & Illness plans cover treatments and diagnostics related to injuries as well as illnesses that may arise with age.
Pro Tip: Wellness plan add-ons can reimburse routine care, including vaccines, teeth cleaning, and flea medication.
Benefits of pet insurance for older pets
As your pet ages, their health needs increase, and so does the cost of caring for them. Pet insurance for older pets helps ensure you can always provide the care they deserve without putting yourself in a stressful financial situation.
With pet insurance, you:
- Cover common age-related illnesses and conditions
- Avoid delaying or skipping treatments due to cost
- Protect your pet from unnecessary pain or suffering
- Spread out expenses into predictable monthly payments
- Stay prepared for sudden emergencies or surgeries
- Gain peace of mind knowing you can always say “yes” to care
In their golden years, your pet relies on you more than ever. Insurance means you never have to choose between their well-being and your wallet, giving them the love and care they deserve in return for a lifetime of loyalty.
Is pet insurance more expensive for older pets?
Pet insurance for older pets is generally more expensive than for younger puppies and kittens. This is because older pets are more prone to health problems and present a higher level of risk for the insurance company.
Keep in mind that some breeds are prone to breed-specific health conditions that may affect the cost of your pet insurance coverage. Still, you can find plenty of affordable plans for your older pet. Even if your monthly deductible is higher than that of insurance plans for younger pets, the coverage can be a lifesaver in the face of expensive veterinary care.
And if you’re a senior pet owner and a member of the AARP, you can get a 10% discount on your premium rate with Fetch Pet Insurance.
Knowing what to look for when comparing pet insurance companies is important. That’s why Pawlicy Advisor’s search tool does the job for you. Just type your pet's information along with what you’re looking for, and you’ll receive a list of top recommendations in seconds
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What if my pet has a pre-existing condition?
Most pet insurance companies generally do not cover pre-existing conditions. This means if your pet had a health issue before you enrolled in a policy, it won't be covered under your insurance.
However, some companies, such as MetLife, may offer coverage for curable pre-existing conditions once the condition has been fully resolved and your pet has been symptom-free for a certain period.
It’s always a good idea to check the specific terms of your insurance company to see if they offer any exceptions for pre-existing conditions.
What if my older dog or cat is healthy?
If your older dog or cat is healthy, it’s still a great idea to get them insured. Pet insurance companies like Embrace offer a Healthy Pet discount that reduces your deductible by $50 every year if you don’t file a claim.
Having pet insurance also provides peace of mind and ensures you’re prepared for unexpected medical expenses. Senior pets are more likely to develop health issues as they age, such as arthritis, kidney disease, or heart problems.
Is pet insurance worth it for older pets?
Yes, pet insurance can be a worthwhile investment for your older pet, even if they haven’t shown any signs of serious health concerns. And if they have, your best fur-friend could still enjoy several years of quality life if they get the treatment they need. If that treatment is prohibitively expensive, it pays to have health insurance that can cover some of the cost.
50% of dogs
over the age of 10 will develop cancer
Almost half of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer.3 According to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, initial diagnoses of cancer in pets can cost at least several hundred dollars. More expensive cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy, can cost as much as $7,000 for dogs or more.4
Pet insurance can help you avoid expensive vet bills. Here, you can see how insurance can help you save $8,000 for your senior dog or cat’s cancer treatment.
An example of cost savings with pet insurance for an older pet.
Pet insurance is worth it for older cats as well. Cats can reach their senior years as early as age 7, when their bodies begin to undergo certain biological changes. That said, cats often live to be 16 or 17 years of age, and some domestic cats can even live up to 20 years old5.
By the time cats reach 11 years and older, over a third (35.9%) are living with arthritis, nearly a third (31.3%) with dental disease, and almost a quarter (23.1%) with kidney disease.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, not only are diseases common in older cats, but many also suffer from multiple conditions at once6. Athritis often co-occurred with kidney disease or dental disease. Hyperthyroidism and deafness also overlap with these diseases.
The cat insurance plan you select now could cover your pet for another 13 years. Some plans even provide coverage for routine expenses, such as exam fee coverage, which can be extremely helpful if you need to bring your older pet to the vet often.
At what age should I stop pet insurance?
There’s no specific age at which you should stop pet insurance. Many pet owners continue to insure their pets throughout their life, especially as they age. Stopping coverage could leave you vulnerable to high out-of-pocket expenses for any sudden illness or injury.
Which pet insurance doesn't increase with age?
No pet insurance plan guarantees that premiums won't increase with age, as they are based on factors like the pet's age, species, and breed. However, some insurers allow enrollment at any age and may have a more gradual increase in premiums compared to others.
Is there an age limit for pet insurance? How late is too late?
Some pet insurance companies do have age limits for when you’re allowed to start a new policy. However, many pet insurance companies like Pets Best, ASPCA, Pumpkin, Spot, MetLife, Fetch, Prudent Pet, Figo, and Companion Protect have no age limit for enrollment, meaning you can sign up for coverage even for older pets.
Does pet insurance cover euthanasia?
Some, but not all, pet insurance companies cover euthanasia. You can find ones that do through Pawlicy Advisor. After generating your list of top recommended plans, go to the “Coverage Details” button and click. This section will provide details about whether the pet insurer offers coverage of alternative and experimental treatments, as well as euthanasia.
In most cases, euthanasia isn’t covered unless recommended by a veterinarian. Some plans may also cover extraneous costs associated with end-of-life care. For example, you can obtain coverage for euthanasia through ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, as seen below.
Confirm whether euthanasia is covered in the policy details.
To choose the perfect pet insurance plan for a senior dog or senior cat, start a search on Pawlicy Advisor today.
Looking to save on vet bills? See which pet insurance is right for you.
Instant results. 1M+ pet parents served.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 stars across hundreds of reviews.
See which pet insurance is right for your best friend.
By the age of 10-11, 50% of dogs will develop cancer, and one-third of cats will develop arthritis, dental disease, kidney disease, or all of them at the same time. We all want the best for our pets, and insurance is the best way to ensure the best care without running into financial burdens.
References
- VCA Hospitals - “How Old is Old? Comparing Dog Age to Human Age”
- American Animal Hospital Association - “Feline Life Stage Definitions”
- American Veterinary Medical Association - “Cancer in Pets”
- Cornell University - “Cancer Management Frequently Asked Questions”
- Pet MD - “How Long Do Cats Live? Here's What To Expect”
- National Library of Medicine - “Prevalence of Disease and Age-Related Behavioural Changes in Cats: Past and Present”
Licensed Insurance Producer - Pawlicy Advisor
Kari Steere is a licensed P&C insurance agent in all 50 states and has focused entirely on pet insurance since 2019. As an animal lover with a rescued Terrier named Barry, when she's not helping pet owners find the perfect plan on Pawlicy Advisor, she runs a ranch in Oregon and rehabilitates any animals that come across her path.
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