Senior pets have something special about them. They walk a bit slower, snooze a bit longer and gaze at you with wide eyes of wisdom and love. If you’re fortunate enough to have an older dog or cat in your life, you understand how valuable each moment spent with them is.
But as pets age, their health care needs do, too. You go to the vet a lot more often. Medical expenses can add up unexpectedly. And that’s when lots of pet parents begin to ask: Can I get insurance on my senior pet anyway? Or is it too late?
The Costs of Insuring Older Pets
Let’s face it — insuring a young, sprightly puppy or kitten is a cinch. When pets are healthy and low-risk, companies love insuring them. But they get trickier as your pet grows old.
Here’s why:
Age Restrictions
Several pet insurance companies have an age limit for new policies. For some, that cutoff is as low as 7 or 8. Others can live as long as 12 or 14, depending on the breed and species. If your pet exceeds the cutoff, you could be out of luck when it comes to traditional coverage.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Let’s say your aging dog or cat has arthritis, or your feline friend has been diagnosed with kidney disease. Most traditional pet insurance plans won’t cover pre-existing conditions. So if you’re covering them later in their life, much of the medical care they really need won’t be covered.
Higher Premiums
If you find a policy that will cover older pets, expect to pay a higher premium. Insurance companies consider senior pets a higher risk, which means premiums can be much more costly than insuring a younger pet. In addition, deductibles may be higher and reimbursement rates lower.
Limited Coverage
And even if you obtain a plan, it may have more exclusions than you’re anticipating. Some insurers will not pay for hereditary conditions, chronic illnesses or even routine care for senior pets. That fact can make it harder to discover a policy that would pay for the costs of aging pet care.
That said, with all these challenges, does pet insurance still make sense for older pets? Or do you look for other solutions?
Making the Right Choice for Senior Pet Care
If you think traditional pet insurance isn’t for you, don’t despair — you have alternatives. Here are some ways to make sure your senior pet gets the care that they need without breaking the bank.
Wellness Plans
Some vet clinics also provide wellness plans for oldsters. These plans should also include routine checkups, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and basic preventative care. Though they won’t cover emergencies or serious illnesses, they can help make it more affordable to provide ongoing care to senior pets.
Savings Accounts for Pet Care
Some pet owners prefer to put money into a designated savings account instead of paying a monthly premium for insurance. This means that you are in complete control of your funds and that money is readily available for vet bills when the time comes. Although it doesn’t offer the same safeguard as insurance, it can be a practical solution.
Discount Veterinary Programs
For example, many organizations have discount programs or memberships that you can sign up for, which gets you a lower rate on veterinary services. These programs may help reduce costs for tests, treatments and even medications.
Nonprofit Organizations & Assistance Programs
For pet owners experiencing temporary financial hardship, a few nonprofit organizations and charities provide financial assistance for veterinary care. The Pet Fund, RedRover Relief and local humane societies, among others, may have grants or assistance programs available to help defray costs for senior pets requiring medical treatment.
Alternative Insurance Plans
Some pet insurers provide accident-only coverage for senior pets. These plans won’t cover illnesses or pre-existing conditions, but they can kick in for unexpected injuries, like broken bones or emergency surgeries. It’s not a complete fix, but at least it’s something in a situation of crisis.
Is It Ever “Too Late” To Get Coverage?
The truth? It depends.
If your senior pet is still fairly healthy and you identify a plan that covers them, getting insurance may still be a smart decision for you — especially to help cover any unexpected accidents or fresh illness.
If your pet has several pre-existing conditions, and the only policies available to you are costly and filled with exclusions, though, you may be better off looking for other ways to set a budget for your pet’s care.
How to Make the Right Choice for Your Senior Pet
If you’re uncertain about pet insurance for your older companion, here’s what to keep in mind:
Compare Policies: Carefully examine age limits, exclusions, premiums and coverage details before you commit.
Talk to Your Vet: Your vet is the best person to know your pet’s health. They can offer guidance on the pros and cons of insurance given your pet’s (and your) needs.
Assess Your Finances: Do you have the funds to pay for unexpected vet bills upfront? If not, insurance — or another financial plan — may be a sensible option.
Consider Specialized Senior Pet Plans: Certain companies have plans that are tailor-made for older pets. Research insurers to find flexible policies for older animals.
The Bottom Line
Older dogs may take extra care, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less worthy of being safe, Spencer says. While traditional pet insurance is only becoming trickier as we continue into older and older age, don’t worry, there are still options out there to help make covering vet costs a lot easier, so you can ensure your furry companion gets the best care possible.
But at the end of the day, insurance, savings, wellness — whatever works best for you, that’s just fine — all that matters is this: giving your senior pet the love, comfort and care they’ve earned from you in their golden years.
After all, they’ve known you longer than anyone. Now it’s our time to repay the favor.
Do you have a senior pet? Have you found an insurance plan that works for you, or do alternative methods for their care? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below — we want to hear from you!