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As our beloved canine companions age, their health needs change, making it crucial for pet owners to find the best insurance coverage tailored to their specific requirements.
Investing in pet insurance for older dogs not only provides financial protection but also ensures that your furry friend receives the necessary care and treatment without breaking the bank.
In this comprehensive guide, we unveil the best pet insurance companies that prioritize the well-being of senior dogs, allowing you to make an informed decision and provide the best possible care for your loyal companion.
Should You Buy Pet Insurance for Older Dogs?
Deciding whether to purchase pet insurance for older dogs is a personal decision that depends on several factors.
One crucial consideration is the health of your dog. As dogs age, they may become more susceptible to various health issues, such as arthritis, cancer, or organ problems.
If your older dog has pre-existing conditions or a higher risk of developing certain ailments, having insurance can offer financial assistance for their medical care.
Additionally, your financial situation plays a significant role. Older dogs may require more frequent veterinary visits and specialized treatments, which can be expensive.
If you are concerned about the potential financial burden, pet insurance can help alleviate some of those costs.
Lastly, your risk tolerance is important to consider. Insurance provides peace of mind, knowing that you are prepared for unexpected medical expenses.
However, you should carefully review policy details, including coverage limitations, waiting periods, and exclusions, to determine if the insurance plan aligns with your dog's needs.
Ultimately, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the cost of premiums to make an informed decision about pet insurance for older dogs.
Types of Pet Insurance Coverage
As you compare insurance policies across carriers, you’ll find there are a few common coverage types:
- Comprehensive: As the name suggests, comprehensive covers everything from the tips of their ears and nose to the last hair on their tail. This type of coverage includes wellness visits, accidents, illnesses, and more.
- Accident and Illness: This policy includes vaccinations and flea and heartworm prevention. Add a wellness plan to cover routine visits.
- Accident-only: This one is self-explanatory, as it doesn’t include wellness visits or anything other than accidents.
- Wellness: Sometimes these policies are a standalone offering, while other times they are included or can be added on. This coverage pays a percentage of wellness visits for your pet.
Each pet insurance carrier will offer a mix of coverage for their separate policies. Sometimes the choice is as easy as going with the single carrier that matches your needs.
Best Pet Insurance Companies
If you want to find a way to spend less money on vet bills, a pet insurance company can help.
Check out our list of the best pet insurance companies to find a way to protect your furry friend.
1. Pets Best
If you want your deductible to start at $50, check out Pets Best. This insurance company offers coverage of anywhere from $5,000 to unlimited coverage, with plenty of deductibles and reimbursement features to choose from.
In addition, you can also have Pets Best pay your vet directly if they agree. You can also get a multi-pet discount of 5% per additional pet.
Pets Best has no upper age limits, so you can insure your dog or cat at any age over 7 weeks. Also, Pets Best offers routine wellness plans for an additional cost.
This insurance carrier doesn’t cover alternative therapies or pre-existing conditions and there is a six-month waiting period for ligament issues.
Pets Best offers coverage for both accidents and illnesses, and also provides the option to add coverage for preventative care. Their policies come with reimbursement rates ranging from 70% to 90%, as well as annual coverage limits. Additionally, Pets Best has a shorter than average waiting period for accidents, but a comparatively longer waiting period for cruciate ligament coverage when compared to other companies we've reviewed.
- Provides a convenient direct payment option to veterinarians
- Ensures round-the-clock customer support through a dedicated hotline
- Provides an option for unlimited maximum coverage
- Offers coverage for parasite testing and prevention with certain limitations
2. Wagmo
Wagmo offers three wellness plans varying from $20 to $59 per month. This coverage pays for vaccines, fecal tests, routine office visits, and routine blood work and there are no restrictions for age.
While there is an unlimited payout option you can choose from and reimbursements come either in the form of a direct deposit or Venmo or PayPal transfer. You’ll get a 5% discount if you insure more than one pet.
If your pet is older than 15, they are only eligible for wellness plans. Wagmo does not cover international travel, breeding fees, or cosmetic procedures.
Wagmo is primarily a provider of wellness coverage, but it offers traditional pet insurance that covers accidents and illnesses as well. Wagmo offers an easy claims procedure and no upper age limit for coverage.
- 100% reimbursement option available
- Three wellness plan choices
- 10% multi-pet discount offered
- 15% discount for claim-free years
- Not available in Alaska, Florida, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Rhode Island
- Claims reimbursement takes up to two weeks after approval.
3. Pet Assure
Pet Assure's “Mint Wellness” plan is an affordable pet wellness plan that prioritizes simplicity and ease. Plans start at $18 a month with include an office/wellness visit, vaccinations, routine bloodwork, and fecal test/urinalysis with no age restrictions.
Pet owners can choose their coverage level, register their pets, and access routine veterinary services such as office visits, vaccinations, bloodwork, and grooming.
Reimbursements for wellness care are quick, with a maximum payout limit. Unlike some plans, pre-existing conditions are not excluded. Pet Assure, established in 1995, also offers a Veterinary Discount Plan for instant medical service discounts.
PetAssure offer's wellness plans where you can get money back on vet bills, visit any veterinarian, offers a simple online claim submission and routine wellness coverage. Once your pet has been taken care of by the vet, you can save automatically using your Pet Assure discount card.
- Use Mint Wellness with or without pet insurance for comprehensive coverage of routine and unexpected pet care services
- Submit your invoice online
- No pets are excluded for pre-existing conditions
- All types of pets are eligible for coverage
- Only some vets are “in-network”
4. Fetch Pet Insurance
If you’re an AARP member, active in the military, a veteran, or an employee, Fetch Pet Insurance offers you discounts on your pet insurance. You can also catch a break if you adopt a shelter or rescue pet.
Fetch offers several policies that cover accidents and illnesses, in addition to physical and behavioral therapy. However, Fetch doesn’t offer wellness coverage for annual visits.
If you want to renew your Fetch pet insurance, you’ll need to visit your vet on an annual basis. While this can seem backwards if they don’t cover wellness visits, most annual visits are often within budget.
5. Odie
If you’re looking for pet insurance with no age restrictions, Odie should be at the top of your list. This pet insurance carrier processes most claims within four to five days and offers a 5% discount for multiple pets covered under one policy.
Odie also covers your pets when they travel with you. There is 24/7 telehealth support to rely on and the wellness waiting period is only a single day.
Though not available in Alaska, Odie does allow you to add on wellness coverage. You’ll have to pay for office visits, prescriptions, and alternative therapies otherwise.
6. Figo
Figo is one of many pet insurance companies to offer unlimited coverage and up to 100% reimbursement. Deductibles start at $100 and there is a one-day waiting period for accident coverage.
Routine wellness plans are an extra fee with Figo. However, you have 24/7 telehealth access at your fingertips and Figo processes most claims in less than three days.
With Figo Pet Cloud, you can connect with other pet owners and get help identifying pet-friendly places. Figo will also let you cover prescription food costs if you purchase the Vet Exam Fees for Accident and Illness Visits add-on.
7. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
The ASPCA is not affiliated with this health insurance company, which licenses its name only. With ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, you can choose a Complete Coverage and Accident Only policy to work against annual coverage limits, rather than per-incident.
Multiple pets earn you a 10% discount with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. This insurance company also covers horses, hydrotherapy, and rehabilitation.
ASPCA also includes microchipping and prescription food. Claims can take up to 30 days to process but often move quickly.
8. ManyPets
Switch to ManyPets from another pet insurance company and you could reduce the waiting period for accident and illness coverage from 15 days to 24 hours. ManyPets coverage is available in over 40 states and offers competitive pricing with no breed or age limits.
Get up to 90% of your vet bills reimbursed with ManyPets, with deductibles starting at $100. You can also opt for unlimited coverage.
ManyPets doesn’t offer telehealth support or coverage for most therapies. You’ll also have to purchase a separate wellness plan if you want the option.
9. Prudent Pet
You can choose a policy that works best for you with Prudent Pet. This carrier offers preventative care coverage as well as an Accident-Only policy for coverage of up to $10,000 per year.
Prudent Pet will also cover reimbursements for things like mortality costs, vacation cancellation fees, the replacement of lost or stolen pets, and boarding fees. A 10% multi-pet discount means you can cover every pet in your house and 24/7 telehealth support is there when you need it most.
The Ultimate Plan from Prudent Pet includes practically anything you’d need with unlimited annual coverage. This includes microchipping, vaccinations, and deworming.
10. USAA
Current USAA members can get an immediate 15% off their pet insurance premium through a partnership between USAA Insurance Agency and Embrace. If you have multiple pets, are on active duty, or are a veteran, you can get an additional 25% off your pet insurance premiums.
Embrace provides up to 90% reimbursement for your veterinarian costs. Plus, if you don’t submit a claim for a year, your deductible is lowered by $50 the next year.
Accidents and illness coverage through Embrace also comes with the freedom to choose which vet you want to visit. The Wellness Rewards program also reimburses you for microchipping, blood work, flea, tick, and heartworm treatment, spaying/neutering, and vaccinations.
11. Spot
With Spot, you can easily adjust your benefit levels to suit your needs. This plan is similar to what you saw with the ASPCA but it offers different annual limits and deductibles.
Spot pet insurance does cover microchips, illnesses, and accidents. However, a wellness plan is optional.
Multiple pets get you a 10% discount on your Spot policy, though you’ll have to wait 14 days for the waiting period to expire.
12. Healthy Paws
For unlimited coverage, reimbursements up to 90%, and deductibles starting at $100, check out Healthy Paws. This insurance company processes most claims within two business days and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Healthy Paws doesn’t offer discounts for multiple pets or wellness coverage. However, you can set up Healthy Paws to pay your vet directly.
The maximum age you can enroll your pet here is 14 years old for cats and dogs. Once enrolled with Healthy Paws, you have coverage for the life of your pet.
13. Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace offers several benefits for their pet insurance policy, including up to 90% reimbursement. Plus, you can earn $50 off your deductible for every year you don’t make a claim.
A pet policy with Embrace covers accidents, illness, and exam fees. You can file claims with the mobile app but are fairly limited in what policies you can choose from.
Embrace insures pets of any age, but if your pet is older than 14, you can only qualify for accident-only insurance. There is also a two-day waiting period for accident coverage.
14. Pumpkin
If you have a senior cat or dog, Pumpkin could be the right pet insurance company for you. With unlimited coverage and potential reimbursement of up to 90% of costs, Pumpkin makes it easy to cover your loved one.
Pumpkin does not have an extended waiting period for issues with ligaments and hip dysplasia. Coverage includes illness, accidents, and an optional wellness policy.
You can get a multi-pet discount with Pumpkin. However, you won’t have access to telehealth or an accident-only plan.
FAQs
Insurance for older dogs can be worth it depending on the dog's health, age, and individual circumstances. Older dogs are more susceptible to age-related health issues, and insurance can help cover the costs of diagnostics, medications, surgeries, and ongoing care. However, pre-existing conditions may not be covered, so it's essential to consider your dog's existing health conditions before purchasing insurance. Overall, insurance can provide peace of mind and financial assistance in managing the healthcare needs of older dogs.
The age at which a pet is considered a senior can vary depending on the species and size of the animal. Generally, for dogs and cats, the transition to the senior stage begins around 7 to 9 years of age. However, larger dog breeds may be considered seniors as early as 5 to 6 years of age due to their shorter lifespans and faster aging process. It's important to note that individual animals may age differently based on genetics, overall health, and lifestyle factors, so it's best to consult with a veterinarian who can provide specific guidance based on your pet's unique circumstances.
Yes, age can affect pet insurance. Older pets typically have higher insurance premiums due to their increased risk of developing age-related health conditions. Pre-existing conditions, which are health issues that your pet had before obtaining insurance, may not be covered. Additionally, waiting periods before coverage takes effect may be longer for older pets. It's important to carefully review the policy terms and conditions to understand how age impacts the coverage and costs of pet insurance.
Partner with the Best Pet Insurance Companies for Your Senior Dog
Having a pet in your life can help you overcome adversity and make new memories. Just like us, pets can get sick, have accidents, and require emergency attention.
It is no surprise that age does play a significant role in pet insurance. Older pets often face higher insurance premiums due to their increased likelihood of developing age-related health conditions.
Pre-existing conditions may not be covered by insurance, and waiting periods for coverage to take effect can be longer for older pets.
It's crucial for pet owners to carefully consider their pet's age, health status, and specific insurance policy terms to make an informed decision about whether pet insurance is worth it for their older pet.
Regardless of age, having insurance can provide peace of mind and financial support in managing the healthcare needs of beloved furry companions.
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