Pet Insurance Blog

Pet Insurance For Older Pets: Is It Worth It?

Kari Steere
Licensed Insurance Producer - Pawlicy Advisor
Senior boxer dog

Those who own older dogs and cats sometimes wonder if purchasing pet insurance is a good option, or whether coverage will be available to them at all. It can be confusing to know at what age an insurance company considers your four-legged friend a “senior pet,” especially if they’re spry as ever and young at heart.

Get expert guidance to help you find the best policy for your best friend.

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 money if they develop health concerns in their late life.

If you’re considering pet insurance for older pets, here’s what you need to know.

What types of pet insurance policies are available for older pets?

Several pet insurance companies offer plans for older dogs and cats. The most common type of pet insurance is the accident/illness plan, which covers treatments and procedures related to physical accidents and common illnesses.

You can choose an accident-only plan for coverage strictly related to injuries, or you can include a supplemental pet wellness plan to cover routine care such as grooming, teeth cleaning, and flea medication.

It’s important to note that each provider has a unique set of guidelines that determine a pet’s coverage eligibility depending on its age, breed, and size. Small dogs have longer lifespans than larger dogs, which impacts the age they’re considered a senior. According to VCA Hospitals, the general classification is 11 years old for small dog breeds, 10 years old for medium breeds, and 7 for large.

graphic senior dog age by breed size

Some companies may provide pet insurance for older dogs above a certain age, while others offer unlimited coverage or none at all. To compare the plans available to your specific pet, type their information into Pawlicy Advisor’s search tool, and you’ll receive a list of top recommendations in seconds.

As an example, we used Pawlicy Advisor to search for a plan for a 14-year-old mixed-breed dog with no pre-existing conditions. We received a list with over 145 dog insurance options to choose from, sorted by plans with the most coverage and the best price. These results come from top providers like Pets Best Pet Health Insurance, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, and PetFirst Pet Insurance.

When you compare pet insurance companies, always read the details of your pet insurance policy before agreeing to the terms. Pawlicy Advisor includes a Coverage Details tab with every policy it recommends, so you can easily understand what treatments and conditions are covered under each plan, then make an informed decision.

pawlicy advisor end of life care coverage

Easily see coverage details using Pawlicy Advisor's search tool.

Is pet insurance more expensive for older pets?

Pet insurance for older pets is generally more expensive than 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 provider.

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 insurance plans for younger pets, the coverage can be a lifesaver in the face of expensive veterinary care.

There are a few ways you can make pet insurance for an older pet more affordable, and Pawlicy Advisor makes it easy to do so. For example, if you select a dog health insurance plan with a lower reimbursement percentage — the percentage of the vet bill the insurance company will cover — you’ll generally pay less per month.

You can also get a multiple pet discount with most providers if you enroll more than one pet with the same company. If you have several older pets at home, you may want to consider enrolling them all in a similar plan to save on their insurance coverage.

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

For example, almost half of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer. 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.

You can see how one pet parent with insurance saved $8,000 on their pet’s cancer treatment in the real example above. Not only did they avoid an expensive vet bill thanks to insurance, but they also provided their sick pet with immediate access to much-needed care.

An example of insurance savings on 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, as this is when their bodies begin to experience certain biological changes. That said, cats often live to be 16 or 17 years of age, and some domestic cats can even live to be 20 years old.

Although they may be considered “older” at the age of 7, 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.

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” tab and scroll down to the “Other” section. 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 cremation or burial costs through ASPCA Pet Insurance below, as seen below.

Confirm whether euthanasia is covered in the policy details.

Saying goodbye is one of the most difficult parts of owning an animal. For most pet parents, dogs and cats are a part of the family, and they want to make the end of their lives as comfortable and pain-free as possible. End-of-life care typically involves pain management and euthanasia.

These are difficult subjects to discuss, especially when you know your pet still has several good years left. But it’s important to think about the costs of end-of-life care before the time comes and in case your loved one becomes seriously ill at a premature age. Pet insurance can help.

What is the best pet insurance for older pets?

Most providers that partner with Pawlicy Advisor offer pet insurance plans for older pets. Other than ASPCA, some of the best pet insurance plans for older pets come from providers like Pets Best Pet Insurance, MetLife Pet Insurance, and Hartville Pet Insurance. These companies all offer plans for a 14-year-old dog with no pre-existing conditions. Other companies will insure pets as old as 24, while other providers have no maximum age restrictions at all.

Refer to the list below to see some of the pet insurance options for older pets:

Insurance Provider

Maximum Age For Enrollment

Embrace

14 years old for accident/illness coverage

ASPCA

No age limit

Figo

No age limit

Lemonade

14 years old

Fetch by The Dodo

No age limit

MetLife

No age limit

Prudent Pet

No age limit

Pets Best

No age limit

Hartville

No age limit

Companion Protect

24 yrs 11 mos

As a pet owner, you should consider your budget and the unique needs of your pet when choosing a pet insurance plan. If your dog’s breed is prone to certain hereditary conditions when they get older, you’ll want to go with a pet insurance provider that offers the specific type of coverage you might need later on. You can also prioritize plans based on cost, ensuring you find the option that works best for your financial circumstances.

To choose the perfect pet insurance plan for a senior dog or senior cat, start a search on Pawlicy Advisor today.

Get expert guidance to help you find the best policy for your best friend.

Key Takeaways

  • It's never too late to protect your cat or dog with insurance for older pets, although each provider carries its own set of coverage guidelines and restrictions.
  • The size and breed of your dog can impact the older pet insurance quote you receive, as some tend to live longer than others.
  • Depending on the company you choose, your plan may help you finance the cost of end-of-life care so you can ensure the most time and the most comfort for your beloved family member.
  • Pawlicy Advisor can help you compare insurance policies for older pets based on their unique eligibility criteria, saving you the stress of searching for specific details.

Do you want to find the best pet insurance?

Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Ready?

Analyze My Pet

About Pawlicy Advisor

The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. By comparing personalized coverage and pricing differences we can save you a ton of money, up to 83% in some instances!

Pawlicy Advisor helping a pet parent and their dog find a great deal on insurance

Instantly Compare Pet Insurance Plans

Get Quotes

Guides

How Pet Insurance Works

How To Compare Plans

Determine If Pet Insurance Is Worth It

Determine If Wellness Plans Are Worth It

Vet Visit Costs

New Puppy Checklist

Comparison Charts

ASPCA vs. Pets Best

Pets Best vs. Embrace

Embrace vs. Pumpkin

Pumpkin vs. MetLife

More Comparison Charts

Find Your State

New Jersey

California

Florida

Oregon

Texas

New York

Colorado

Pennsylvania

More States

Dog Insurance

German Shepherd

Rottweiler

Akita

Boxer

English Bulldog

French Bulldog

Great Dane

Pug

Corgi

Chihuahua

Poodle

More Breeds

Kari Steer, Licensed P&C Insurance Agent at Pawlicy Advisor

Kari Steere
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.

More you might like

walmart storefront
8 minute read

Is Walmart Pet Insurance Good? Here’s How It Stacks Up

banfield pet insurance wellness info and review
9 minute read

Banfield Wellness Plan Info & Review: Everything You Need to Know

wagmo wellness info and review
10 minute read

Is Wagmo Pet Insurance Good? Here's How It Stacks Up

Canine Journal vs. Pawlicy Advisor
10 minute read

Canine Journal vs. Pawlicy Advisor: Which is Best For Pet Insurance

dog looking out window
2 minute read

Three Things to Look for When Comparing Pet Insurance Companies

petinsurancereview vs pawlicy advisor pet insurance
10 minute read

PetInsuranceReview vs. Pawlicy Advisor: Which Is Best For Pet Insurance?

Policygenius vs Pawlicy Advisor pet insurance
10 minute read

Policygenius vs. Pawlicy Advisor: Which is Best for Pet Insurance?

lemonade's pet insurance cats and dogs
9 minute read

Is Lemonade's Pet Insurance Good? Here's How It Stacks Up

Happy dog receives affection from owner
13 minute read

Are Pet Wellness Plans Worth It For Routine Care?

Kitten at a veterinary appointment
13 minute read

Is Cat Insurance Worth It? Ask An Expert

happy pet parent loving on her dog
22 minute read

Fascinating Pet Insurance Statistics 2019-2020

Dog at a veterinary clinic
14 minute read

Is Pet Insurance Worth Getting for Your Dog?

Two dogs running happy and healthy
10 minute read

Pet Insurance for More Than One Pet: Multi-Pet Discounts And Strategies

smiling dog
7 minute read

3 Ways To Use Pet Insurance Like A Pro

rescue dog and cat
14 minute read

Pet Insurance For Rescue Dogs (And Cats) - It's Easier Than You Think

cat and dog together outside
17 minute read

How to Get the Best Pet Insurance Plan, No Matter the Provider

dog with loving pet owner
17 minute read

Average Pet Insurance Cost in 2022 by Breed, Age, & State

pet insurance comparison showcase
17 minute read

How To Compare Pet Insurance Plans

Dog covered from bad weather under Pawlicy umbrella
18 minute read

How Pet Insurance Works: Your Essential Guide

Puppy Dalmation at a veterinary checkup.
16 minute read

Is Pet Insurance Worth It? Here's A Vet's Perspective

Pet Parent and Happy Dog
3 minute read

New Funding to Transform the Pet Insurance Industry

A well-informed dog reads a magazine.
2 minute read

FAQ: Pet Insurance Simplified

pug with pre-existing condition wrapped in a blanket
7 minute read

Is There Pet Insurance That Covers Pre-Existing Conditions?

A hard-working professional dog at its desk.
2 minute read

Why HR Managers Should Offer Pet Insurance

why pawlicy advisor is the best pet insurance comparison tool
5 minute read

Why Pawlicy Advisor Is The Best Tool For Buying Pet Insurance

Back to Blog
A family with pets that are insured by Pawlicy Advisor
Pawlicy Advisor is the leading independent marketplace for finding the best coverage for your pet at the lowest rate.
Join 2,438,795+ insured dogs and cats across the US.
Get a Quote
Our pet insurance partners
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Logo
Pets Best Pet Insurance Logo
Embrace Pet Insurance Logo
Pumpkin Pet Insurance Logo
MetLife Pet Insurance Logo
Prudent Pet Insurance Logo