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Summary: Compare Best Pet Insurance For Older Dogs
Best Pet Insurance Companies for Older Dogs
Is Senior Pet Insurance Different Than Pet Insurance for Puppies?
Pet insurance for senior dogs works the same as it does for puppies, but the main difference is the cost. The best prices for pet insurance for dogs are after a dog’s first birthday until around age 6, according to Forbes Advisor’s analysis of pet insurance costs and age-related increases.
Pet insurers use age rating factors to account for the increased likelihood that your dog will need to go to the vet at certain ages, such as puppies and senior dogs. By a dog’s ninth birthday, you can generally expect the age rating factor to double.
Age Rating Factors for Pet Insurance Costs
| Age of dog | Base rate % + age rating factor |
|---|---|
| 0 - 11 months | Base rate + 77% |
| 1 year | Base rate |
| 2 years | Base rate |
| 3 years | Base rate + 9% |
| 4 years | Base rate + 23% |
| 5 years | Base rate + 38% |
| 6 years | Base rate + 55% |
| 7 years | Base rate + 71% |
| 8 years | Base rate + 90% |
| 9 years | Base rate + 115% |
| 10 years | Base rate + 143% |
| 11 years | Base rate + 173% |
| 12 years | Base rate + 205% |
| 13 years | Base rate + 229% |
| 14 years | Base rate + 253% |
| 15 years | Base rate + 281% |
| 16 years | Base rate + 312% |
| 17 years | Base rate + 347% |
| 18 years | Base rate + 388% |
| 19 years | Base rate + 435% |
| 20+ years | Base rate + 450% |
When Is a Dog Considered Senior?
A dog is considered senior when they have reached the last 25% of their estimated life span for their breed, according to the American Animal Hospital Association.
For example, a Chihuahua’s estimated lifespan is 15 to 17 years and would be considered senior around age 11. A golden retriever’s estimated lifespan is 11 to 13 years and would be considered a senior around age 7.
Small and Toy Dog Breeds
Small and toy breeds are less than 20 pounds and have a general lifespan of 10 to 15 years. This includes breeds such as Chihuahuas, English toy spaniels and Yorkshire terriers.
Medium-Sized Dog Breeds
Medium-sized breeds weigh between 20 to 50 pounds and have a general lifespan of 10 to 13 years. This includes breeds such as bulldogs, cocker spaniels and poodles.
Large and Giant Dog Breeds
Large breeds weigh between 50 to 90 pounds and have a general lifespan of eight to 12 years. Giant breeds weigh more than 90 pounds and have a general lifespan of six to seven years. This includes breeds such as German shepherds, golden retrievers and labrador retrievers.
How Much Does Senior Pet Insurance Cost?
The average cost for senior pet insurance is $162 per month for a 10-year-old dog, according to our analysis. That’s for a policy with unlimited annual coverage, a $500 deductible and 90% reimbursement level.
Your own pet insurance cost will depend on factors such as:
- Type of pet
- Breed
- Age of pet
- Where you live
- The coverage levels you choose
Cheapest Pet Insurance For Senior Dogs
| Company | Average monthly cost for a dog age 10 |
|---|---|
| $77 | |
| $85 | |
| $85 | |
| $103 | |
| $138 | |
| Average | $162 |
How to Reduce the Cost of Pet Insurance for a Senior Dog
Jason Metz
Insurance Lead Editor
Michelle Megna
Insurance Lead Editor
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
Adjust Coverage Levels to Meet Your Budget
You can reduce your pet insurance costs for a senior dog by changing your coverage levels. For example, you can choose a higher deductible and lower reimbursement level. I recommend weighing the monthly premium costs versus what you’ll pay out of pocket if you file a large pet insurance claim.
Insurance Lead Editor
Pet Insurance Discounts
Some insurers offer a 5% to 10% multipet discount if you insure more than one pet. But you can find other discounts, too. I suggest asking your insurer if they offer annual pay discounts, military discounts or spay/neuter discounts.
Insurance Lead Editor
Compare Pet Insurance Quotes
I’ve found that the best way to save is by comparing pet insurance quotes from multiple companies. You can get free quotes online or by speaking with an independent insurance agent who sells pet insurance.
Insurance Editor
What Types of Policies Are Available for Senior Dogs?
Pet insurance policies can generally be broken down into three types, all available for senior dogs.
Accident and Illness Plans
This is the most common type of plan sold, and it covers a wide range of problems. While coverage will vary depending on the pet insurance company, accident and illness plans generally cover:
- Broken bones
- Cancer
- Chronic illnesses like allergies, arthritis, digestive problems and skin conditions
- Common illnesses like diarrhea, ear infections and vomiting
- CT scans or MRIs
- Diabetes
- Emergency care
- Heart disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Hospitalization
- Ingesting objects
- Lab tests
- Prescription medications
- Procedures like chemotherapy, nursing care and surgeries
- Ultrasounds
- Urinary tract infections
- X-rays
Accident-Only Plans
This type of plan only covers accident-related problems, such as broken bones and lacerations. It won’t cover illnesses like cancer or ear infections. Since an accident-only pet insurance policy is designed for emergencies and excludes illnesses, the costs are lower.
Here are some examples of accidents typically covered by an accident-only plan:
- ACL ruptures
- Bite wounds
- Broken bones
- Cuts
- Swallowed objects
- Toxic ingestions
Pet Insurance Wellness Plans
Wellness plans are not standalone policies. They can typically be purchased only as an add-on to an accident and illness policy, but not an accident-only policy. Pet insurance wellness plans help cover costs such as:
- Flea, tick and heartworm prevention
- Neutering and spaying
- Routine wellness exams
- Vaccinations
Is Pet Insurance for Senior Dogs Worth It?
We found that the best way to determine if pet insurance is worth it for a senior dog is to consider how a large unexpected vet bill would affect your personal finances. For example, the average cost to treat a cancer for a dog is $4,341, according to our analysis of vet visit costs. Pet insurance can pay for the majority of this treatment, minus your deductible and reimbursement level.
Since older dogs are more likely to need veterinary care than younger dogs, pet insurance can be a smart way to help offset large vet bills. If you’re on the fence, consider how much you’re willing to pay out-of-pocket for vet bills and how you would pay for it. If you’d have to plunk down a credit card to pay for treatment and go into debt, pet insurance can be worth it.
Methodology
To find the best pet insurance for senior dogs we used data provided by PetInsurer.com to score each pet insurance company based on the following:
Pet insurance rates for senior dogs: 40% of score. We calculated average rates for dogs for plans with unlimited coverage, a $500 deductible and a 90% reimbursement level, or the closest options available.
Special waiting period: 10% of score. Many pet insurance companies have a special waiting period for problems such as cruciate ligament issues and hip dysplasia. Plans that had no waiting period, a waiting period of fewer than six months or the ability to have the waiting period waived scored higher.
Direct payment to vet: 10% of score. Pet insurance companies that have the ability to pay a vet directly earned points.
24/7 vet health line: 10% of score. Insurers that provide access to a 24/7 vet health line scored in this category.
Routine wellness plans: 10% of score. Insurers that offer optional wellness plans earned points.
Pays veterinary exam fees: 10% of score. Not all insurers cover exam fees, even if the fee is for an illness or accident-related visit. Plans that cover the vet exam fee scored in this category.
Euthanasia or end of life expenses: 5% of score. Insurers that cover end of life expenses, such as euthanasia, cremation or burial fees, scored in this category.
Multipet discount: 5% of score. Many pet insurance companies offer a discount if you insure more than one pet. Insurers that offer a multipet discount earned points.
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Older Dog Pet Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it difficult to get insurance for an older dog?
Some pet insurance companies won’t sell you a policy once your dog reaches a certain age.
For example, the maximum age limit for a senior dog for pet insurance from Healthy Paws or Trupanion is age 14. But you can buy pet insurance for the dog before age 14 and you can have lifetime coverage.
Does pet insurance get more expensive with age?
Yes, pet insurance generally gets more expensive as pets age. That’s because older dogs are more likely to require veterinary care than younger dogs. We’ve found that the best prices for dogs are after a dog’s first birthday through age six. Around age nine, you can expect pet insurance costs to increase significantly.
Does pet insurance cover euthanasia?
Yes, pet insurance companies sometimes cover euthanasia. For example, Embrace, ManyPets and Pumpkin include end of life expenses such as euthanasia.
Coverage for euthanasia is usually limited to humane reasons. Or euthanasia may only be covered if it’s recommended by your vet due to an accident or illness covered by your policy. Your pet insurance plan may not cover euthanasia if it’s related to a pre-existing condition.
What is the oldest age you can insure a dog?
Some pet insurance companies have no upper age limit, meaning you can insure a dog at any age. For example, Pets Best does not have an upper age limit and you can insure any dog age 7 weeks and older.
Senior dogs are typically more expensive to insure because older dogs are more likely to need veterinary care. Whether you have a puppy or a senior dog, it’s a good idea to get pet insurance quotes from multiple insurers.
Do I need vet records to insure my senior dog?
Some pet insurance companies may want to look at your dog’s medical records or proof of a veterinary exam in order to check for pre-existing conditions before enrolling the pet.
But not all pet insurance companies require vet records to buy a plan. For example, ASPCA pet health insurance does not require medical records or a veterinary exam to buy a pet insurance policy.
