Pet Insurance for Older Pets
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get pet insurance for an older dog or cat?
Yes. Most companies accept pets up to age 14. Some have no upper age limit: Embrace, Pets Best, ASPCA, and Trupanion. Senior pet premiums are higher ($50-$150/mo for dogs, $30-$60/mo for cats) and pre-existing conditions will be excluded, but coverage for new conditions and emergencies is still valuable.
Is pet insurance worth it for a 10-year-old dog?
It can be. Senior dogs are more likely to develop expensive conditions: cancer (treatment $5,000-$10,000), arthritis, diabetes, organ disease, and emergency surgery. If your dog has been healthy, many conditions will be covered. Compare the monthly premium against potential vet costs.
What pre-existing conditions are excluded?
Pre-existing conditions are any illness, injury, or symptom that existed before enrollment or during the waiting period. This includes: previously diagnosed conditions, symptoms noted in vet records (even undiagnosed), bilateral conditions (if one side was affected before enrollment), and chronic conditions. Some insurers will cover curable pre-existing conditions after 12-18 months symptom-free.
What is the best pet insurance for senior pets?
Best for senior pets: Embrace (no upper age limit, diminishing deductible), Pets Best (no age limit, customizable), Trupanion (no age limit, 90% reimbursement), ASPCA (affordable, no age limit), Healthy Paws (accepts up to 14, fast claims). Avoid plans with low annual limits that seniors may exhaust quickly.
Do pet insurance premiums increase with age?
Yes. Most pet insurance premiums increase annually, with significant increases after ages 7-8 for dogs and 10-11 for cats. Annual increases average 8-20%. Some companies increase more aggressively than others. Trupanion's increases tend to be lower because they use community ratings.