- Pumpkin Team
- Sep 17
- 6 min read
Key Points
Pet insurance can help you pay for veterinary care if your older pup gets hurt or sick in their golden years.
Several pet insurance providers offer coverage for senior dogs, though options may be limited and premiums are typically higher.
Some providers like Pumpkin offer a range of ways to lower insurance costs –– from flexible reimbursement rate, annual limit, and deductible options, to discounts when you enroll two or more pets or pay insurance premiums annually versus monthly.
Adopting or caring for a senior dog comes with its own joys — and its own set of health considerations. As dogs age, they may be more prone to chronic conditions, joint issues, or unexpected injuries and illnesses, which can also mean more frequent trips to the veterinarian. That’s why many pet parents wonder if pet insurance is still an option once their canine companion reaches their golden years.
The good news is that pet insurance is often available for senior dogs, though plans, costs, and coverage can vary widely. Some pet insurance providers disqualify older pets based on age, but Pumpkin Pet Insurance is one of the few that has no upper age limits and won’t reduce coverage as dogs age.
Here’s what you need to know about pet insurance for older dogs.
What is considered a senior dog?
What’s considered “seniority” for one dog may not be the same for another. Larger breeds tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds, so they typically become senior at an earlier age. This means if you’re a big dog person you may want to enroll in insurance sooner to avoid upper age limits and higher premiums.
So, when is a dog considered a senior?
Small breed: 10 to 12 years old
Medium breed: 8 to 10 years old
Large breed: 8 to 9 years old
Giant breed: 6 to 7 years old
What does pet insurance for senior pets cover?
Pet insurance can help reimburse you for eligible veterinary costs when unexpected health issues arise, ranging from accidents like broken bones and swallowing objects, to illnesses like dental disease and hip dysplasia.
While some health problems can’t be prevented, the best way to avoid a huge veterinary bill is to keep your pet happy and healthy with routine preventive care, a balanced diet, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a safe environment.
Can I buy pet insurance for older dogs with pre-existing conditions?
Yes, you can enroll your older dog in a pet insurance plan and get eligible vet bills for new accidents and illnesses covered. That said, pet insurance plans typically don’t cover veterinary care for conditions that develop before your policy starts or your waiting period ends (also known as a “pre-existing condition”).
Some plans — including Pumpkin plans — may cover curable pre-existing conditions if your dog has been cured, symptom- and treatment-free for a set time period. For instance, if your senior dog had a case of Giardia before enrolling but has been cured and free of symptoms and treatment for 180 days, your Pumpkin Pet Insurance plan could cover a new Giardia infection in the future.
Make sure to carefully compare insurance plans, and look at factors like annual coverage limits, reimbursement rates, exclusions, and pre-existing condition policies before selecting the best option for your family.
Is pet insurance worth it for a senior dog?
Pet insurance for senior dogs can be worth it if you want to avoid facing tough financial choices about your dog’s care. As pets age, they’re more likely to need treatment for conditions like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, or even certain cancers — and those costs can add up quickly. Having a plan in place means you can focus on getting your dog the right treatment without worrying as much about the cost.
Even active older dogs who love to run, jump, and play outdoors are still at risk for accidents. The accident portion of a pet insurance plan can help with eligible costs for emergency veterinary visits, diagnostic tests like X-rays or bloodwork, and necessary treatments or surgeries. Illness coverage, on the other hand, can help with eligible costs for diagnosing and treating a variety of health conditions that arise after your coverage begins, from everyday ear infections to chronic kidney disease.
Together, these benefits can give you peace of mind knowing that you can protect your older pet during life’s unpredictable moments — and have the freedom to say “yes” to the best care when your senior dog needs it most.
How to get the best pet insurance for older dogs at an affordable price
While many insurance providers limit enrollment for senior pets, Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans accept dogs of any age starting at 8 weeks — so even if your pup is well into their golden years, you can still secure coverage for future accidents and illnesses.
While older dogs cost more to insure because the risk of health issues increases with age, it’s still possible to find affordable options. Pet insurance, even for older dogs, will still cost less than your home or car insurance.
Look for a plan that not only fits your budget but also protects your pet long-term. Here are some more tips for how to get affordable pet insurance without sacrificing coverage.
Pick a lower reimbursement rate: Your reimbursement rate is the percentage of an eligible vet bill that your insurance covers once your deductible is met; you are responsible for the remaining portion. Choosing a lower reimbursement rate can help lower premiums.
Opt for a higher annual deductible: Your deductible is the amount you pay towards eligible veterinary bills each year before your insurer starts reimbursing you. Higher deductibles typically lead to lower premiums. Just be sure you can pay the full amount of your deductible at any given moment.
Choose a lower annual limit: Your annual limit is the total cost your insurer will cover in eligible veterinary bills for the year. If you don’t anticipate needing high or unlimited annual coverage, consider a lower limit for lower premiums.
Pay premiums annually versus monthly: Some pet insurance plans offer a discount if you pay your premiums for all 12 months upfront in a single transaction at the time of enrollment or renewal. If you have the funds available, this is an easy way to save on the cost of insurance.
Insure two or more pets: If you own two or more pets, some plans offer a multi-pet discount that can help you reduce your insurance premium.
Tip: Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans offer a range of reimbursement rates, annual limits, and deductibles, letting you choose the combination that best fits your budget and needs. They also provide a 10% multi-pet discount for every pet enrolled after the first, and additional savings when you pay premiums annually!
Fetch the best pet insurance plan from a top-rated provider
Your senior dog deserves the best. That’s why you should consider Pumpkin, the #1 rated pet insurance provider on Google in 2024. With extensive accident & illness coverage, no upper age limits, a range of reimbursement rate, annual limit, and deductibles options, and additional ways to save, you can get the protection your senior dog needs at a price that works for you.
FAQs
How old is a senior dog?
A dog is generally considered a senior once they’ve reached the later stages of their expected lifespan, which varies by breed and size. Small breeds may not be considered seniors until 10-12 years old, while medium breeds often reach senior status around 8-10 years, large breeds at 8-9 years, and giant breeds as early as 6-7 years. Breed, health, and lifestyle all play a role in when a dog starts showing signs of aging.
What is the healthiest dog food for senior dogs?
The healthiest dog food for senior dogs is one that’s formulated to meet their changing nutritional needs, with balanced protein, moderate fat, and added nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and joint-supporting supplements. Your veterinarian can recommend the best diet based on your senior dog’s breed, size, and overall health.
How much does pet insurance cost?
Pet insurance costs vary for each pet and are based on factors like your pet’s species, breed, age, and where you live. You can adjust your monthly premium by choosing different reimbursement rates, annual deductibles, and annual coverage limits. The quickest way to find your pet’s cost is to get a personalized quote online — Pumpkin Pet Insurance offers free quotes in minutes so you can see your price right away.
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