Best Pet Insurance For Older Dogs

During my 15 years of experience helping pet owners, one of the most common questions I’ve heard is, “Can I still get pet insurance for my older dog?” The good news is, yes, you can. However, there are a few important differences compared to insuring a puppy.

Senior dogs often require more medical care, and veterinary costs can quickly add up. Insurance can make a major difference, but finding the right plan takes a little extra work. In this article, I’ll walk you through how pet insurance works, the best plans for older dogs, what to look for when choosing a policy, and how to make a smart, informed decision that balances cost with comprehensive coverage.

Is Pet Insurance For Older Dogs The Same As For Younger Pets?

Pet insurance for older dogs works the same way it does for younger pets — you pay a premium, meet a deductible, and get reimbursed for eligible veterinary expenses. The structure of how the insurance functions doesn’t change just because your dog is older. However, the main difference is cost.

As dogs age, they’re statistically more likely to get sick or injured, and insurers adjust their pricing accordingly. Premiums for senior pets are significantly higher than for young puppies. You may also see longer waiting periods for coverage to kick in or exclusions for specific chronic conditions. But overall, the basic mechanics of the policy remain the same.

Can You Get Pet Insurance For An Older Dog?

Yes, you can absolutely still get pet insurance for an older dog. However, it’s important to know there may be age limits, waiting periods, and fewer choices compared to enrolling a young dog. Some providers will only accept new enrollments up to a certain age (often between 10–14 years old), but others have no age restrictions at all.

Pre-existing conditions are usually not covered, meaning anything diagnosed before the policy begins will be excluded. Despite this, many policies are still worth it — they can cover new illnesses, injuries, surgeries, and emergencies that happen after your dog is enrolled.

It used to be much harder to find coverage for dogs older than 10, but that’s changed. Today, several pet insurers have no upper age limit for new policies. Companies like Pumpkin, Figo, and Petplan will insure dogs well into their senior years, even at 12, 14, or older.

When Is A Pet Considered Senior?

Most veterinarians and insurers consider a dog “senior” based on their size and breed, not just their actual age. Here’s the general breakdown:

• Small breeds: Around 8+ years
• Medium breeds: Around 7+ years
• Large breeds: Around 6+ years

This matters for insurance because many companies adjust their coverage terms, premiums, or eligibility once a dog hits senior status. Knowing where your dog fits helps you time enrollment smartly, before any major changes in policy options occur.

Is Insurance Worth It For A Senior Dog?

It often is — but it depends on your dog’s health history and your financial situation. Read on to find out if pet insurance is worth purchasing for your senior dog.

Pros:

• Can save thousands on unexpected surgeries or treatments (like tumor removals or diabetes management).
• Gives you access to specialists, advanced diagnostics, and therapies you might not otherwise afford.
• Peace of mind knowing emergencies won’t wreck your finances.

Cons:

• Premiums for senior pets are much higher than for younger dogs.
• Pre-existing conditions won’t be covered.
• Some treatments (like alternative therapies) might not be included without add-ons.

Example:
Say your 11-year-old Golden Retriever tears an ACL. Surgery could cost $4,500 to $6,000. With a good pet insurance plan reimbursing 90%, you might only pay $600–$800 after your deductible — saving you thousands.

Even if you opt for accident-only coverage, it can still be worthwhile. For around $20–$40 a month, you could cover costly emergencies like broken bones, swallowed objects, or car accidents.

Is It Difficult To Get Pet Insurance For An Older Dog?

It’s not impossible — but it does require a little more effort and planning.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Some providers have upper age limits for new policies (often between 10–14 years).
• Others, like Pumpkin, Figo, and Petplan, accept seniors with no age maximums.
• Pre-existing conditions will still be excluded, which may limit coverage somewhat.
• Premiums will be higher than if you enrolled the dog when they were young.

The good news is, shopping around matters. By comparing different providers, you can find policies that still offer meaningful protection — even for dogs well into their golden years.

What Plans Are Available For Senior Dogs?

When looking at coverage for older pets, you’ll typically find three main types of plans:

• Comprehensive Plans (Accident + Illness):
  Covers illnesses, injuries, surgeries, diagnostics, cancer treatments, and more.
  Pros: Broad protection, covers most high-cost risks.
  Cons: Expensive for senior pets; some illnesses may be excluded if pre-existing.
• Accident-Only Plans:
  Covers injuries caused by accidents like broken bones, lacerations, swallowing objects, or car accidents.
  Pros: Lower premiums, easier approval for older pets.
  Cons: No coverage for illnesses like cancer, diabetes, or arthritis.
• Wellness Add-Ons:
  Optional packages covering preventive care like vaccines, dental cleanings, bloodwork, and     annual exams.
  Pros: Helps catch problems early and covers routine costs.
  Cons: Adds to monthly premium; doesn’t help with big emergencies.

Quick Comparison:

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost For Older Dogs?

Insurance costs for senior dogs depend on their size, breed, location, and chosen coverage level.

Typical Monthly Premium Ranges:

• Small breeds: $45–$70/month
• Medium breeds: $55–$85/month
• Large breeds: $65–$100/month

Example Premium Comparison for a 10-Year-Old Dog:

Location can also drive costs up — pet owners in major cities typically pay higher premiums due to higher average vet costs.

If you want to save, choosing accident-only coverage or raising your deductible can significantly lower your monthly premium.

Tips For Choosing A Pet Insurance Plan For Your Senior Dog

Choosing a pet insurance policy for a senior dog takes some careful comparison. Not all plans are created equal, and seniors come with unique needs. Here’s a quick buyer’s guide to help you choose wisely:

• Consider Your Dog’s Health History: Make a detailed list of your dog’s existing conditions, surgeries, medications, and any breed-specific issues they might face. Knowing this upfront helps you avoid plans that would exclude major concerns you need covered.
• Compare Coverage Details Carefully: Dig into what each plan actually covers. Some policies might exclude chronic conditions that develop after enrollment. For older dogs, make sure the policy covers illnesses, hereditary issues, and common age-related diseases.
• Check Waiting Periods and Restrictions: If your dog needs coverage soon, avoid plans with long waiting periods (especially for orthopedic conditions). Seniors often can’t afford to wait several months for certain treatments to be eligible.
• Budget for Premium Increases: Understand that pet insurance premiums often rise annually, especially as your dog moves deeper into their senior years. Prepare for gradual increases over time so you’re not caught off guard.
• Leverage Discounts: Look for any available savings — multi-pet discounts, military service discounts, annual payment discounts (paying a year upfront), and sometimes employer partnership discounts.
• Read the Fine Print for Senior Pets: Always check for clauses related to senior pets. Some policies might limit coverage options, enforce different co-pays, or cap benefits once a dog reaches a certain age.

Other Ways To Pay For Vet Bills With An Older Dog

If traditional pet insurance doesn’t fit your needs — or if you want to supplement a policy — there are other ways to manage veterinary expenses:

• Wellness Plans: Many vet clinics offer wellness plans that cover preventive care like vaccines, dental cleanings, and routine exams for a fixed monthly fee. While they don’t cover emergencies, they help spread out regular costs.
• Savings Accounts: Set up a separate pet emergency savings fund. Even saving $25–$50 a month can build a helpful cushion for unexpected vet bills.
• CareCredit: CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that covers veterinary expenses. It often comes with promotional periods of zero interest if you pay off the balance within a certain timeframe.
• Pet Assistance Funds: Some nonprofit organizations and veterinary hospitals offer financial assistance programs for emergencies. These can be a lifeline if major surgery or intensive treatment is needed unexpectedly.