Pet insurance is a great way to cover the rising costs of veterinary care without relying on emergency savings, high-interest credit cards, or personal loans. However, as our dogs and cats age, it can be more challenging for them to qualify for policies. If you’ve recently rescued an older pet or are considering pet insurance later in their life, this article will introduce you to some of the best pet insurance options for senior dogs and cats.
Compare Pet Insurance for Older Dogs and Cats
You have several options for senior pet insurance. Below is a table that provides an idea of how much a quote for a senior pet would be from four recommended companies. These companies have excellent customer reviews and offer coverage for accidents and illnesses.
| Company | Dog quote | Cat quote |
|---------|-----------|-----------|
| Fetch Pet | $XXX | $XXX |
| Spot | $XXX | $XXX |
| Embrace | $XXX | $XXX |
| ASPCA | $XXX | $XXX |Please note that pets are considered seniors at different ages depending on the species, breed, and size. Cats are considered seniors at age 10, small and toy dog breeds at 8-11 years old, medium-sized dog breeds at 8-10 years old, large dog breeds at 8-9 years old, and extra-large dog breeds at 6-7 years old.
Fetch Pet – Best Coverage
Fetch Pet offers one plan option for senior pets. It covers accidents, illness, injury, non-routine vet exams, diagnostics, prescription medication, and surgery. Other notable coverage features include 24/7 veterinary assistance, boarding and kennel fees, behavioral therapy, and specialist treatment.
The plan has no age limit, but it doesn’t offer wellness add-ons or coverage for preventive care. Dogs on a Fetch policy must undergo regular wellness checks, and pre-existing conditions are not covered.
Spot – Best Variety of Terms
Spot’s most comprehensive policy covers unexpected accidents and illnesses, hereditary and chronic conditions, diagnostic testing, surgery, hospitalization, prescription medication, and treatment for behavioral issues, among others.
The company’s pricing is in the middle range compared to other companies. It has no age limit and offers the widest range of benefit limits and the maximum amount you can be reimbursed annually. Choosing a lower benefit limit will lower your premium.
Spot also provides pet insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions if the condition is curable and your pet has been free of treatment and symptoms for 180 days. Coverage is not available for incurable pre-existing conditions.
Embrace – Best for Quick Coverage
Embrace’s senior pet health insurance plan covers chronic conditions, dental trauma, exam fees, genetic conditions, imaging, surgery, emergency care, allergy testing, alternative therapies, and specialty care. The plan has an age limit of 14, and a medical exam is required to qualify.
It does not cover pre-existing conditions, but it makes exceptions for “curable” conditions if your pet has been symptom- and treatment-free for at least a year. Embrace also offers an optional wellness plan add-on.
ASPCA – Best for Reliability
ASPCA offers its Complete Coverage package to senior animals. The plan has no age limit and doesn’t require a medical exam. It covers accidents, illness, dental disease, behavioral issues, and hereditary conditions. However, preventive care, cosmetic procedures, and breeding costs are not covered. ASPCA also offers an accident-only plan if you want emergency coverage.
The plan doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, but it has other notable coverage features, such as behavioral issues like anxiety, licking, and digging.
What is the Best Pet Insurance for Older Cats and Dogs?
While all the pet insurance companies mentioned above are recommended for senior pets, Spot and Embrace are particularly worth considering because each insurer has options for pre-existing conditions.
Senior dogs and cats are more likely to have developed some kind of illness over their lifetime. Knowing that those illnesses could possibly be covered (assuming they meet each company’s criteria) can provide some relief when major vet bills arise.
If you’re worried about expensive care costs, especially if your pet develops cancer during their senior years, choosing a policy with an option for no benefit limits can be a wise decision. However, it’s important to note that such policies can be expensive, especially for senior dogs and cats.
Is Pet Insurance for Senior Animals Worth It?
Pet insurance for older cats and dogs is sometimes worth the cost. As animals age, they are more likely to gain weight, get sick, and be unable to fight infection. If you’re concerned about surprise vet bills as your pet gets older, senior pet insurance can help. It can also offset the cost of euthanasia and cremation services, if necessary.
However, the cost of pet insurance is significantly higher for senior pets. Based on the quotes we received, the monthly out-of-pocket cost is $246 for a senior dog and $104 for a senior cat. If you’re caring for a pet in its final years, adding money to an emergency fund in a high-yield savings account may be a more sensible option.
Here are a few scenarios to consider when determining if pet insurance is worth the cost for a senior dog or cat:
When Senior Pet Insurance Makes Sense
- Your pet is older, but not too old. If your pet is on the lower end of the “senior” scale (around eight or nine years old), getting insurance can be a smart move. They may not have developed any pre-existing conditions that would be precluded from coverage, and you’ll likely stay ahead of any major health issues or costs.
- You’re short on savings or disposable income. If you don’t have extra cash to handle a sudden medical cost, then pet insurance can be a smart choice regardless of your animal’s age. Paying $100 to $200 per month is likely much easier than covering a $10,000 surgery out of pocket all at once.
- You have an animal that’s prone to injury or illness. Some breeds or specific animals are more likely to get injured or sick. If your animal falls into this category, pet insurance is probably a smart move.
When Senior Pet Insurance Isn’t Worth It
- You have enough savings for an emergency. Pet insurance isn’t as important if you have a solid emergency fund. It might even end up costing you more in the long run.
- Your pet has many pre-existing conditions that won’t be covered. If this is the case, you’ll likely have high vet bills regardless of whether your pet is insured or not. Adding insurance will only increase your costs as a pet owner.
- Your pet is nearing the end of its life. If your pet is at the later stage of its life, pet insurance may not be worth the cost if you only have another year or so with your best friend.
How to Reduce the Cost of Pet Insurance for Older Pets
If the quoted pet insurance costs are too steep for your budget, you may have options to lower your monthly premium and make insuring your pet more affordable.
Consider the following strategies:
- Enroll as early as possible: The younger your pet, the cheaper it will be to insure them. Sign up your pet as soon as possible to reduce costs.
- Choose a basic policy instead of comprehensive coverage: Opting for an accident-only policy or removing certain coverages can help reduce the price of your policy.
- Choose a policy with lower limits: Higher annual limits on a plan will cost more. Lower your policy’s limits to lower your insurance premiums.
- Increase your deductible: Low-deductible plans cost more than policies with higher deductibles. Opt for a policy with a higher annual deductible to lower your costs.
Some insurers offer discounts for claim-free periods, so keeping your pet healthy could lower your costs.
FAQs
Q: What is the best pet insurance for older dogs and cats?
A: While all the mentioned pet insurance companies are recommended for senior pets, Spot and Embrace are particularly worth considering due to their options for pre-existing conditions.
Q: Is pet insurance for senior animals worth it?
A: Pet insurance for older cats and dogs can be worth the cost, especially if you’re worried about surprise vet bills. However, it’s important to consider factors such as the cost of the insurance and your pet’s age and health conditions.
Q: How can I reduce the cost of pet insurance for older pets?
A: To lower the cost of pet insurance for older pets, you can enroll them as early as possible, choose a basic policy, opt for lower benefit limits, increase your deductible, and maintain a claim-free period.
Conclusion
Pet insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection for senior dogs and cats. While the cost of insurance for older pets can be higher, it can be worth it in certain situations. Consider the age, health conditions, and your financial circumstances when deciding on pet insurance. Remember that early enrollment, choosing the right policy, and increasing deductibles can help make pet insurance more affordable.
