However, it can be expensive to care for senior pups. The good news is pet insurance can offset the high out-of-pocket expenses and make it more affordable to keep your doggy happy and healthy. While not all pet insurance companies offer coverage for older dogs, many do.
To help you zero in on the ideal policy for your senior pup, the BestMoney team compiled this list of the best pet insurance for older dogs. As we evaluated the various options available, we considered a number of factors, including coverage terms, costs, availability, claims process, and customer service.
Pet Insurance for Older Dogs at a Glance
Pumpkin offers the lowest premiums for senior dogs while Pets Best is a top pick if you’re seeking a comprehensive wellness plan to cover routine vet care.
MetLife is a solid choice if your older doggy benefits from alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and chiropractic care whereas Spot makes sense if your primary goal is to cover emergency expenses.
Embrace stands out for its end of life care coverage whereas Figo is a top pick if your senior pup is living with a chronic or pre-existing condition.
CarePlus by Chewy is one of the few providers that can pay for the full cost of your dog’s prescription medications.
Comparing the best emergency pet insurance companies
| Insurer | Best for | Upper Age Limit | Average Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
Wellness coverage | No upper age limits | $205.26 | |
Alternative treatments | No upper age limits | $192.41 | |
Emergencies | No upper age limits | $177.43 | |
End-of-life care | 15 years for accident and illness plans | $181.95 | |
Chronic conditions | No upper age limits | $179.02 | |
Prescription medication | No upper age limits | $375.22 | |
Affordability | No upper age limits | $172.94 |
A Closer Look at the Best Emergency Pet Insurance
1. Pets Best – Best for wellness coverage
Why we like Pets Best for older dogs:
Routine vet visits are vital if you’d like to keep your pup thriving as they age.
While Pets Best offers two levels of wellness plans, the more affordable EssentialWellness option should suffice if you have an older dog in generally good health. It covers up to $305 in annual benefits and a variety of routine vet expenses, such as wellness exams, diagnostic panels, vaccinations, and preventative medications. You can always upgrade to BestWellness™ for up to $535 in benefits and coverage for teeth cleanings.
Unlike other pet insurers that solely operate on a reimbursement model, Pets Best may pay your vet directly, saving you on out-of-pocket vet bills. Also, the insurer offers a 3-day waiting period for accidents, which can be a huge plus if your senior pup sustains a bone fracture or a bite wound shortly after you finalize your coverage.
Pros
Base plans pays for chronic illnesses and hereditary conditions, such as hip dysplasia
Can opt for unlimited coverage, which may make sense for older dogs
Deductibles start at $50 and go up to $1,000
Cons
Only two annual coverage limits are available: $5,000 or unlimited
Premiums can be expensive for senior pups
Must upgrade to higher tier plans for exam fee and alternative therapy coverage
Sample pricing for older dogs through Pets Best
| Pet | New York | San Francisco | Houston | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix, Age 10 | $115.23 | $129.46 | $76.19 | $106.96 |
Beagle, Age 10 | $179.78 | $218.69 | $97.73 | $165.40 |
French Bulldog, Age 10 | $357.27 | $441.57 | $239.71 | $346.18 |
German Shepherd, Age 10 | $214.90 | $261.41 | $131.20 | $202.50 |
Average | $216.79 | $262.78 | $136.21 | $205.26 |
Read our full Pets Best review.
2. MetLife – Best for alternative treatments
Why we like MetLife for older dogs:
Many senior dog parents find that alternative and holistic treatments help their pup, especially if they’re recovering from injuries, coping with anxiety, or living with chronic pain.
If your doggy responds well to alternative therapies, MetLife is worth exploring. The pet insurer provides coverage for a variety of non-conventional treatments, including acupuncture, aromatherapy, and chiropractic care. It even pays for CBD oil, herbal medicine, and hydrotherapy.
As an added bonus, MetLife plans cover exam fees so you don’t have to pay extra for them. In addition, you can enjoy the convenience of telehealth services with a vet through the MetLife app, round-the-clock. Lastly, if you have more than one pet, you may cover all of them under a family plan, with a single annual limit and deductible.
Pros
Offers several discounts to make senior dog insurance more affordable
Short 1-day waiting period for accidents
Can add-on a preventative care plan, which covers wellness exams, vaccines, teeth cleanings, and even supplements
Cons
No budget-friendly, accident-only plan available
Doesn’t offer vet direct pay
Claims filing process requires significant documentation
Sample pricing for older dogs through MetLife
| Pet | New York | San Francisco | Houston | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix, Age 10 | $138.13 | $172.45 | $111.39 | $140.66 |
Beagle, Age 10 | $168.98 | $211.50 | $135.45 | $171.98 |
French Bulldog, Age 10 | $271.82 | $341.55 | $215.62 | $276.33 |
German Shepherd, Age 10 | $177.57 | $222.34 | $142.14 | $180.68 |
Average | $189.13 | $236.96 | $151.15 | $192.41 |
Read our full Met Life review.
3. Spot – Best for emergencies
Why we like Spot for older dogs:
If you’d like to save on emergency vet care, which is common among senior dogs, you may want to consider accident-only coverage from Spot. The insurer’s affordable accident plans are flexible, meaning you may choose a deductible ranging from $100 and $1,000, annual limits from $2,500 to unlimited and three reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%.
For more comprehensive coverage, you may always opt for an accident and illness plan, which also covers behavioral problems, intravenous fluids, medical supplies, stem cell therapy, and more. If you decide to insure your senior pup and another pet, you may score a 10% multi-pet discount.
Pros
Provides coverage for curable pre-existing conditions, which is particularly important for senior dogs
Two tiers of preventative care plans available: Gold and Platinum
Pays for vet exam-fees
Cons
The 14-day accident waiting period may be too long for senior dogs
Premiums increase each year based on your dog’s age
30-day money-back guarantee is not available in New York or Maine
Sample pricing for older dogs through Spot
| Pet | New York | San Francisco | Houston | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pet | New York | San Francisco | Houston | Average |
Mix, Age 10 | $188.83 | $128.79 | $94.59 | $137.40 |
Beagle, Age 10 | $214.38 | $147.47 | $112.43 | $158.09 |
French Bulldog, Age 10 | $326.98 | $238.17 | $198.72 | $254.62 |
German Shepherd, Age 10 | $214.38 | $147.47 | $116.92 | $159.59 |
Average | $236.14 | $165.48 | $130.67 | $177.43 |
Read our full Spot review.
4. Embrace – Best for end of life care
Why we like Embrace for older dogs:
While it can be difficult to think about end-of-life care for your older dog, having a plan in place is important. With Embrace’s accident and illness policy, you’ll receive coverage for euthanasia if a vet recommends it and it’s not related to a pre-existing condition. Plus if you invest in Wellness Rewards, which is the optional wellness coverage, Embrace will help pay for cremation or burial fees as well as keepsake items, such as urns and pawprints.
In addition, Embrace covers extra office visits for senior dogs, saving you even more money on your pup’s care.
Another noteworthy perk is the Healthy Pet Premium Discount program, which can allow you to lock in 5% off your premiums in the first year and 10% the second year, as long as you don’t file claims.
Pros
Provides up to $1,000 in annual coverage for dental illnesses, which many senior dogs have
Offer coverage for curable pre-existing conditions
Access to PawSupport, a 24/7 pet advice line
Cons
Dogs over 15 years old are not eligible for accident and illness coverage
Prescription food and supplement coverage requires a wellness plan
6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions without a vet exam
Sample pricing for older dogs through Embrace
| Pet | New York | San Francisco | Houston | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix, Age 10 | $157.62 | N/A | $57.02 | $107.32 |
Beagle, Age 10 | $222.85 | N/A | $108.37 | $165.61 |
French Bulldog, Age 10 | $362.80 | N/A | $188.18 | $275.49 |
German Shepherd, Age 10 | $236.43 | N/A | $122.28 | $179.36 |
Average | $244.93 | N/A | $118.96 | $181.95 |
Read our full Embrace review.
5. Figo – Best for chronic conditions
Why we like Figo for older dogs:
Contrary to popular belief, pet insurance can cover chronic conditions. If your senior doggy is living with a chronic condition, such as allergies, arthritis, or diabetes, a policy from Figo may be worthwhile. The pet insurance company states that it may pay for curable pre-existing conditions as long as your pup is free of symptoms within 12 months of treatment.
Figo also offers coverage for hereditary and congenital disorders and cancer. The insurer is unique in that it’s one of the only companies that offers a 100% reimbursement rate, which might make sense if your older dog is prone to injuries or has extensive medical needs.
Pros
Includes a personalized pet tag so you can easily find your senior pup if they go missing
Three-day claims processing
24/7 access to a live vet via the Pet Cloud app
Cons
Extended waiting period for orthopedic conditions, unless you sign a waiver
Doesn’t offer an accident-only plan
Base plan doesn’t cover exam fees
Sample pricing for older dogs
| Pet | New York | San Francisco | Houston | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix, Age 10 | $157.46 | $140.57 | $81.04 | $126.36 |
Beagle, Age 10 | $202.38 | $177.20 | $99.08 | $159.55 |
French Bulldog, Age 10 | $320.38 | $286.14 | $156.83 | $254.45 |
German Shepherd, Age 10 | $219.99 | $199.51 | $107.69 | $175.73 |
Average | $225.05 | $200.86 | $111.16 | $179.02 |
Read our full Figo review.
6. CarePlus by Chewy – Best for prescription medication
Why we like CarePlus by Chewy for older dogs:
Many older dogs depend on prescription medication to control chronic conditions and recover from illnesses. Fortunately, CarePlus by Chewy, which offers plans through Trupanion and Lemonade, provides 100% coverage for prescription medications, supplements, and veterinary diet food as long as they’re purchased with Chewy.
Depending on the policy you choose, you can also receive unlimited lifetime coverage with no caps. In addition, CarePlus by Chewy provides unlimited, free video consultations with qualified Chewy vets in some states. Direct payments to vets are also an option with Trupanion plans.
Pros
Free live chat for expert advice regarding your senior pup
Mobile app available for easy claims processing
Two wellness plans available through Trupanion: Wellness and Comprehensive
Cons
Premiums for older dogs can be high, especially with Trupanion policies
Not all plans cover pre-existing conditions
Limited availability
Sample pricing for older dogs through Chewy
| Pet | New York | San Francisco | Houston | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix, Age 10 | $394.98 | N/A | $165.37 | $280.18 |
Beagle, Age 10 | $185.74 | $238.84 | $72.55 | $165.71 |
French Bulldog, Age 10 | $846.38 | N/A | $349.80 | $598.09 |
German Shepherd, Age 10 | $645.90 | N/A | $267.89 | $456.90 |
Average | $518.25 | $238.84 | $213.90 | $375.22 |
Read our full CarePlus by Chewy review
7. Pumpkin – Best for plan affordability
Why we like Pumpkin for older dogs:
There’s no denying that pet insurance can get expensive, especially for senior pups as they are more susceptible to illnesses and accidents than younger dogs. For comprehensive coverage on a budget, Pumpkin is the way to go. Compared to the other insurers we reviewed, Pumpkin offers the lowest premiums.
Another benefit for senior dogs is the insurer’s 14-day waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries and hip dysplasia, which is shorter than what you’d find with other pet insurance companies.
Pumpkin also covers alternative therapies, behavioral issues, dental illnesses, and prescription food for eligible conditions.
Pros
Four annual coverage options for senior dogs: $5K, $10K, $20K, and Unlimited
Dog wellness plan available that includes wellness exam, vaccines, fecal tests, and blood tests
10% multi-pet discount
Cons
Must choose a 90% reimbursement rate
No coverage for pre-existing conditions
Doesn’t cover herbal supplements
Sample pricing for older dogs through Pumpkin
| Pet | New York | San Francisco | Houston | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix, Age 10 | $188.83 | $128.79 | $84.84 | $134.15 |
Beagle, Age 10 | $214.38 | $147.47 | $100.84 | $154.23 |
French Bulldog, Age 10 | $326.98 | $238.17 | $178.24 | $247.80 |
German Shepherd, Age 10 | $214.38 | $147.47 | $104.87 | $155.57 |
Average | $236.14 | $165.48 | $117.19 | $172.94 |
Read our full Pumpkin review
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Pet Insurance for Older Dogs
Here are the categories we looked at to zero-in on the best pet insurance companies for older dogs:
Coverage terms: We explored the various coverages each pet insurance company offers for senior dogs, including accident-only, accident-and-illness, and wellness plans. The BestMoney team also looked at waiting periods, options for deductibles, coverage limits, and reimbursement rates, and exclusions and coverages to determine commonly excluded items.
Availability: We researched the geographic availability of each pet insurer. While some pet insurance companies insure older dogs in every state, others limit coverage to those in certain states or zip codes.
Costs: We compared sample premiums for older dogs to national averages and the rates of other pet insurance companies. We also focused on value and discount opportunities.
Claims process: We identified how easy it is to file claims with each insurer. Claim filing options as well as reviews from real customers provided meaningful insight into each pet insurance company’s claims process.
Customer service: We determined how long each pet insurance company has been in business. Then, we focused on reviews on reputable, third-party reviews sites, such as the Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
To read our extended methodology for researching pet insurance companies, click here.
Can You Get Pet Insurance for an Older Pet?
“Many pet insurance providers allow coverage for senior pets, though some may have age limits for enrolling in accident and illness policies,” says Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance. Accident-only plans are a popular option for pet owners with senior dogs as they’re widely available with minimal age restrictions and provide financial protection for unexpected veterinary expenses.
How Much Does Pet Insurance for Senior Dogs Cost?
According to the North American Pet Insurance Association (NAPHIA), average premiums for dogs in 2023 were $56.30 per month for an accident and illness policy and $17.01 per month for an accident-only plan.
The cost of pet insurance for senior dogs varies greatly. It depends on a number of factors, such as your dog’s age and breed, the insurer and type of plan you choose, and your location. Since older pups pose a higher risk for illnesses and accidents, you can expect higher rates than you’d pay for younger dogs.
Key Features of Good Senior Dog Insurance
According to Dr. Cahn, the most important features of pet insurance for older dogs include:
Affordability
Dog insurance for your senior pup should be cost-effective. Otherwise, it makes more sense to pay for unexpected vet care out of pocket. Do some research and ensure the coverage you choose is priced fairly and can actually save you money in the long run.
While plans for older dogs may be more expensive than they are for younger pups, it is possible to find a good deal, especially if you opt for a bare-bones accident-only plan and take advantage of discounts.
Chronic & hereditary conditions
Senior dogs are more prone to long-term illnesses. For this reason, it’s a good idea to find a plan that covers chronic conditions such as kidney disease, arthritis, and diabetes. Note that most insurers exclude pre-existing conditions but some will pay for them as long as your dog has been symptom-free for a set period of time.
Alternative therapies & rehabilitation
Older dogs often need treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic care, hydrotherapy, and physical therapy. Fortunately, there are pet insurance companies that include these in standard policies if they’re recommended by a veterinarian. If your older dog benefits from alternative therapies, paying for them out-of-pocket can add up quickly, making insurance coverage essential.
Prescription medications
Senior pets often require ongoing medications for conditions like heart disease or joint pain. Some pet insurance covers prescribed medications under accident and illness policies. You may even find coverage for prescription food and supplements.
Flexible reimbursements and deductibles
Ideally, you’d opt for a pet insurance plan that allows you to choose the deductible and reimbursement level. This can help you manage costs and lock in a plan that aligns with your particular budget and needs.
Accident-only plans
In some cases, it doesn’t make sense to invest in a more robust accident and illness policy. Depending on your older dog, an accident plan might be a better investment. You’ll be able to offset out-of-pocket costs for emergency vet visits for injuries like broken bones or foreign body ingestion.
End-of-life care
The goal of end-of-life care is to ensure you and your dog are comfortable as they near the end of their life. While not all pet insurance companies cover end-of-life care, some do. This type of coverage can make euthanasia, cremation, and burial expenses a bit more affordable and take some financial stress off your plate during a difficult time.
Diagnostics
Diagnostic exams can help you and your vet zero in on potential issues with your senior dog. The good news is most plans cover x-rays, ultrasounds, urinalysis, and other tests your vet may recommend.
How to Afford Pet Insurance for Your Senior Dog
There are still ways to make pet insurance more affordable, even for older pets. Here are some ideas:
Shop around
While it may be tempting to choose the first pet insurance plan you find, it’s smart to shop around. Get quotes from several pet insurance companies so you can zero in on the most affordable option for your unique situation.
Choose a higher deductible
“A higher deductible or lower coverage limit can also help reduce costs while still providing essential protection,” says Dr. Cahn. If you do opt for a higher deductible, make sure you have the funds for the higher out-of-pockets costs you’ll likely incur in the event you file a claim.
Take advantage of discounts
Many pet insurance companies offer discounts to lower your premiums. Some common examples include multi-pet discounts, bundling discounts, veterinary employee discounts, annual payment discounts, and military discounts.
Go with an accident-only policy
Start a savings account
Open a dedicated savings account for pet-related expenses. Even if you contribute $10 to it every month, you’ll eventually accumulate a substantial amount of cash that can really come in handy when your senior pup gets sick or injured.
Be proactive
At the end of the day, prevention is better than a cure. For this reason, take your senior pet to the vet for routine services, such as wellness exams and vaccinations. You’ll reduce the risk of sudden vet visits and in turn, save on pet insurance. Most pet insurers offer wellness coverage to make routine vet care more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pet Insurance Worth It for Older Dogs?
Whether pet insurance is a good investment for senior dogs depends on your dog and financial situation. If you’d like to save on out-of-pocket vet bills, it may be worthwhile.
Can You Get Pet Insurance for an Older Dog With Pre-existing Conditions?
Yes, you may be able to secure a pet insurance plan for a senior dog with a pre-existing condition. The caveat, however, is that they’ll likely need to be cured and symptom-free for a certain period of time.
What Is the Best Pet Insurance for an Adult Dog?
The best pet insurance coverage for an adult dog depends on your particular pup and needs. Pets Best, MetLife, Spot, Embrace, Figo, CarePlus by Chewy, and Pumpkin are all reputable insurers with senior pet plans.
