What is the best insurance for older dogs?
The best pet insurance for older dogs depends on the dog's health, age, and financial needs, but providers like Embrace, Figo, MetLife, and ASPCA offer customizable and comprehensive plans, some without age limits and with coverage for chronic and hereditary conditions.
Choosing the Best Pet Insurance for Older Dogs
As dogs age, they require more medical attention—and that often means higher veterinary bills.
Pet insurance can provide financial relief for owners of senior dogs, helping to cover the costs of everything from accidents to chronic conditions and even end-of-life care. But with so many providers on the market and varying policy restrictions, choosing the best insurance for older dogs can be daunting. This guide breaks it down to help you make an informed decision.
Why Insure an Older Dog?
As dogs age, the risk of health problems increases. Common age-related conditions in dogs include:
- Arthritis and joint disorders
- Diabetes
- Cancer (over 50% of dogs aged 10+ are diagnosed)
- Kidney, liver, and heart disease
- Vision and hearing loss
Veterinary care for these conditions can be costly. Insurance helps mitigate expenses, providing peace of mind and ensuring your dog receives proper treatment.
What Is Covered Under Senior Dog Insurance?
Coverage varies by provider but generally includes:
- Accidents and injuries: such as broken bones, bite wounds, dental trauma
- Chronic and acute illnesses: arthritis, infections, diabetes, cancer, etc.
- Hereditary and congenital conditions: if included in your policy
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Diagnostics: including X-rays, MRIs, and blood work
- Prescription medications as approved by the FDA
- Alternative therapies and rehabilitation
- Preventive care: if added as an optional wellness plan
- Behavioral therapy and end-of-life services in some policies
Best Insurance Providers for Older Dogs
Several trusted brands offer insurance policies suitable for senior dogs:
- Embrace: Covers curable pre-existing conditions after a waiting period; great for hereditary issues
- Figo: Customizable plans with no upper age limit; strong on tech-enabled claims
- Pets Best: Offers accident-only plans for dogs over coverage age limits
- ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: No upper age limit and includes wellness options
- MetLife: Competitive pricing and broad coverage with fast reimbursements
- AKC Pet Insurance: Known for its inclusivity of older dogs and robust accident and illness plans
Limitations and Considerations
It's important to read policy fine print. Key conditions include:
- Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered, though some curable ones may be after a symptom-free period
- Upper age limits on new policies vary—some limit to 14 years old, others have no maximum
- Waiting periods apply before full coverage begins
- Exclusions for certain treatments or conditions, especially for certain breeds
Cost of Insuring an Older Dog
Premiums depend on several factors:
- Age, breed, and size of the dog
- Location and veterinary cost variations
- Chosen deductible, annual limit, and reimbursement rate
Older dogs generally have higher monthly premiums, but you can reduce costs through options like:
- Higher deductibles
- Lower reimbursement percentages
- Custom annual limits
- Multi-pet or annual-payment discounts
How to Choose the Right Plan
When selecting pet insurance for your senior dog:
- Compare coverage offerings and exclusions across multiple providers
- Check if the provider has age limits for enrollment
- Understand the claims process and average reimbursement times
- Read customer reviews and satisfaction scores
- Customize coverage to align with your budget and your dog’s needs
- Include wellness coverage if you anticipate regular preventive care
Timing Matters
While it’s ideal to insure dogs early for comprehensive and affordable coverage, it’s never too late. Policies for senior pets are still a valuable financial safeguard against high medical bills from sudden illnesses or injuries.
Final Thoughts
Pet insurance for older dogs offers peace of mind and financial protection when your companion needs it most. By carefully comparing plans and providers, you can find the right balance between cost, coverage, and care quality to keep your senior dog healthy and happy for as long as possible.
