Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Best Pet Insurance Providers for Older Dogs – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Jordyn Alger

By Jordyn Alger

pet insurance care concept

There are several reasons why you may be looking for pet insurance for an older dog. Typically, the older your dog gets, the more care he will need, and it is vital to be prepared for any medical emergency that comes your way. Perhaps you already have a plan that you have grown unhappy with, or worse; your current policy may be cutting off your dog’s enrollment due to his age.

Whatever the reason, if you are in the market for pet insurance for your elderly dog, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will look at the 10 best plans for senior canines, so you will have plenty of options to choose from.

A Quick Comparison of Our Top Picks in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Spot Spot
  • No payout limit per incident or maximum payout caps
  • Covers veterinary visits and exam fees
  • Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Fetch Fetch
  • Offers custom pricing plans
  • Provides up to 90% reimbursement for the costs of veterinary visits
  • Visit any vet of your choosing
  • Third place
    Metlife Metlife
  • Flexible, straight-forward policies
  • Enrollment and claim processing is simple
  • The waiting period is short
  • ASPCA ASPCA
  • No maximum age limit
  • Offers a 100% reimbursement rate
  • Your policy price will not increase if you file a claim
  • Figo Figo
  • Offers a 100% reimbursement rate
  • There is no upper age limit
  • Provides a useful smartphone app
  • The 10 Best Pet Insurance Providers for Older Dogs

    1. Spot Pet Insurance – Best Overall

    spot pet insurance logo

    Our choice for the best overall pet insurance plan for older dogs is Spot Pet Insurance. Spot may be comparatively new to the pet insurance game, but that doesn’t mean they lack benefits. While most pet insurance companies have upper age limits, meaning you cannot find coverage for your senior canine, Spot has no upper age limit whatsoever.

    Spot has not set a payout limit per incident or a maximum payout cap. That means that Spot will help you cover your dog’s treatment no matter how expensive it is. The unlimited payout is a huge support for aging dogs who need more frequent medical attention.

    Another benefit to Spot’s pet insurance plans is that they will help to cover your veterinary visits and exam fees. With this added assistance, you will never need to feel discouraged from visiting your vet.

    Sadly, Spot’s waiting period for accident claims is slow compared to other pet insurance companies. On the bright side, Spot offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are unhappy with their plan for whatever reason, so the benefits outweigh the downsides.

    Pros
    • There are no upper-age limits
    • No payout limit per incident or maximum payout caps
    • Covers veterinary visits and exam fees
    • Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee

    Cons
    • Accident claims have a long waiting period


    2. Fetch Pet Insurance – Best Value

    Fetch-Pet-Insurance

    Our best value option is Fetch’s pet insurance. Fetch, previously known as Petplan, allows you to customize your plan. This gives you the ability to personalize the policy to suit the needs of your pet, which is a great luxury to have. Some of Fetch’s policies include acupuncture and other alternative therapies, which other insurers often exclude.

    In addition to the highly customizable plans, Fetch also gives you the freedom to choose your vet. Also, veterinary appointments are well-covered with Fetch, as they offer up to a 90% reimbursement rate on your vet visits. This is especially helpful for elderly dogs who require much more frequent check-ups.

    Something important to note is that Fetch does not have a wellness plan at this time. That means that any preventative care (bloodwork, spaying/neutering, and so on) will not be covered by Fetch. If you were hoping to get coverage on that, you would either need to find a supplemental plan or look elsewhere.

    Pros
    • Offers custom pricing plans
    • Provides up to 90% reimbursement for the costs of veterinary visits
    • Visit any vet of your choosing

    Cons
    • They do not offer a wellness plan


    3. Metlife Pet Insurance

    Metlife Pet Insurance

     

    Pet insurance can be a headache to try and figure out, but Metlife tries to keep things simple. Their coverage and pricing are flexible yet straightforward, and their waiting period is short compared to the industry standard. Metlife makes it easy to enroll and file claims through their intuitive mobile app, which also allows you to track the claim’s process.

    A huge benefit that makes Metlife stand out is its willingness to cover certain pre-existing conditions. Most pet insurance will not cover any pre-existing conditions, so this feature really brings Metlife a step above the others. This is helpful for older dogs that may have developed pre-existing conditions in their long lives. While Metlife will not cover every pre-existing condition, there is a chance that they will cover your dog’s if he is eligible.

    On the downside, Metlife does not offer an Accident-Only policy. If you are only interested in emergency coverage, you won’t find it with Metlife.

    Pros
    • Flexible, straight-forward policies
    • Enrollment and claim processing is simple
    • The waiting period is short
    • Certain pre-existing issues can be covered

    Cons
    • No Accident-Only coverage


    4. ASPCA Pet Insurance

    ASPCA Pet Insurance

    ASPCA is another company with no upper age limit, so you can rest assured knowing your dog will retain insurance if you keep him enrolled. ASCPA’s coverage is exceptional, including hereditary issues, chronic conditions, dental problems, alternative treatment methods, and more.

    It is one of the only ones on the market that will offer up to a 100% reimbursement rate on your veterinary expenses. Not to mention, they will not raise your policy price on you if you file a claim.

    If behavioral training and treatment is something you are looking to get coverage for, you may want to reconsider ASPCA. It only has limited behavioral training and treatment coverage, so there is a chance that your dog’s therapy may not be covered.

    Pros
    • No maximum age limit
    • Offers a 100% reimbursement rate
    • Your policy price will not increase if you file a claim

    Cons
    • Behavioral treatment and training coverage is limited


    5. Figo Pet Insurance

    Figo Pet Insurance

    Figo pet insurance provides excellent coverage at affordable rates, making it a great option for any pet parent. In some instances, they even offer a reimbursement rate of up to 100% for veterinary expenses. Likewise, there is no upper age limit, so your elderly dog can enroll with Figo for the long haul.

    A feature that makes Figo stand out is its helpful app called The Pet Cloud. This app allows pet parents to organize and view important documents, engage with other pet owners, and search for pet services in the area.

    Figo sadly does not have a preventative care plan, which is the main downside to this insurer.

    Pros
    • Offers a 100% reimbursement rate
    • There is no upper age limit
    • Provides a useful smartphone app

    Cons
    • Does not offer a wellness plan


    6. Embrace Pet Insurance

    Embrace-Pet-Insurance

    Embrace pet insurance is another excellent option for aging pets. It has flexible plans that you can tailor to suit your needs, allowing you to customize your plan’s reimbursement rate, deductible, and other vital features. Additionally, Embrace offers a diminishing deductible. For each year your dog remains healthy, Embrace will cut 50% off your deductible.

    Another advantage to enrolling with Embrace is their stellar customer service. Pet parents who have registered with Embrace commend the company for its unparalleled customer service, as they can be reached via email, phone, or their 24/7 helpline.

    Embrace has a wellness plan, but unfortunately, it caps out as low as $650 per year. For the dollars that you don’t spend, you are not refunded.

    Pros
    • Cover veterinary exam fees
    • Offers savings with a diminishing deductible
    • Excellent customer service

    Cons
    • Low wellness plan cap


    7. Pumpkin Pet Insurance

    Pumpkin Pet Insurance

    Pumpkin pet insurance provides excellent coverage for elderly dogs, offering support for behavioral therapy, chronic conditions, dental problems, and hereditary diseases. They also have a preventative care plan that has a reimbursement rate of up to 100% on vaccinations and wellness exams.

    This company does not impose an upper age limit, so dogs of all ages are welcome. As an added bonus, their website is easy to navigate, removing one less stressor for you when trying to enroll or file a claim.

    Customization is a bit lacking when it comes to Pumpkin’s policies. There are not many options you can tailor to meet your needs with their policies, so if Pumpkin’s standard plans do not suit you, you may want to look elsewhere.

    Pros
    • Offers a 100% reimbursement rate on wellness coverage
    • There is no upper age limit
    • Their website is easy to understand and use

    Cons
    • They do not offer much policy personalization


    8. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance

    Healthy Paws Pet Insurance

    Healthy Paws Pet Insurance is a great option for pet parents who don’t want to sift through multiple plans to find the right one. It offers one policy with highly customizable options, and enrolling is simple and confusion-free. Their claim process is just as easy, as they allow you to make claims through their easy-to-use mobile app.

    No matter how expensive your pet insurance bills grow, Healthy Paws has you covered. There is no cap on claim reimbursements for the year or the entirety of your enrollment with them. This is a particularly helpful feature for older dogs that may need more vet trips.

    On the downside, Healthy Paws places some coverage restrictions on dogs over the age of six. They will still cover your dog, just not to the extent they had before.

    Pros
    • Offers a single, customizable plan to limit confusion
    • No cap on claim reimbursements
    • Simple claim process through their app

    Cons
    • They do not offer a preventative care plan
    • Places coverage restrictions on pets over a certain age


    9. Pets Best Pet Insurance

    Pet’s Best

    If you are looking for a company that is a little more practiced in the pet insurance game, look no further than Pets Best pet insurance. Although the pet insurance industry is still somewhat new, Pets Best has been one of the longest-standing pet insurance companies on the market. This is evident through their competent and friendly customer service and highly flexible plans.

    Plus, Pets Best knows how to help you save money. They have many discounts available, such as multiple pet and military discounts.

    Unfortunately, Pets Best does not cover end-of-life care for your dog. We all hate to consider the possibility, but it is necessary to consider whether you want this kind of coverage for your aging dog.

    Pros
    • This company has experience in the industry
    • Offers highly customizable plans
    • Provides plenty of discounts

    Cons
    • End-of-life care is not covered


    10. Hartville Pet Insurance

    Hartville Pet Insurance Logo

    Hartville Pet Insurance is another insurance company that provides several ways to save money. First, they will not increase the price of your policy when you file a claim, so you can rest assured that your policy price will not increase unexpectedly. Plus, they provide you with a multiple pet discount, and if you have a few four-legged friends that you want to enroll, Hartville will cut your prices if you register with them. Similarly, Hartville’s wellness plan provides excellent coverage, which is a massive benefit for aging dogs.

    On the downside, Hartville’s reimbursement rate is comparatively low. This means that they may not reimburse you as much money as some of their competitors might.

    Pros
    • Does not raise your policy price if you file a claim
    • Provides a multiple-pet discount
    • The preventative care plan has excellent coverage

    Cons
    • Low reimbursement rate

     

    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Pet Insurance Plan for Older Dogs

    What to Look for in Pet Insurance for Older Dogs

    Sorting through the ocean of pet insurance policies is never fun. If you are still feeling lost after looking at our reviews, don’t worry, insurance is tricky. That’s why we have listed some key pet insurance terms and explained them below.

    Policy Coverage

    Policy coverage may be one of the most important aspects to consider, as it will tell you what you can and cannot expect financial support for. For example, if a policy offers coverage for illnesses and accidents, it will help cover some of your veterinary bills if your dog ever experiences sickness or injuries. But if that same policy does not cover behavioral treatment, any related costs will be entirely up to you to pay for.

    When looking at a company’s policy coverage, consider what you and your dog need reimbursement for. If your dog has recurring dental health issues, you should enroll in a plan that covers dental treatments and care. Making a list of items you want to be covered before your search will help you narrow your options.

    Customer Service & Reputation

    A company’s reputation says a lot about them. If several policyholders report that a pet insurance company has excellent customer service, it likely means that the company would be helpful when you are in need. On the other hand, if the company has overwhelmingly bad reviews, that could clearly indicate that they may not be supportive when you need them to be. Although a company’s reputation will likely not be your central deciding factor, we suggest you use the customer comments as a guide.

    Claim Repayment

    During your decision-making, you will also want to consider the claim reimbursement process. A claim repayment is often shown through percentages, like 70% or 80%. This percentage is the amount that your pet insurance will repay you for any veterinary expense you file with them.

    While it may be tempting to jump for the highest claim repayment offer, remember that higher reimbursement rates generally correlate with higher prices for you. To pick the most advantageous claim repayment rate, you need to decide on a balanced medium.

    Price Of Policy

    The policy price is pretty straightforward; it is how much you will pay to have your pet enrolled in a plan. Of course, the price will be affected by which company you choose, but that is not the only factor.

    Other factors that may impact your price can include what kind of pet you are enrolling, the age of your pet, or even the breed. Your location will also have a huge role, as will any discounts you are eligible for.

    Before jumping into the pet insurance hunt, you should establish a budget you are willing or able to spend on pet insurance each month. That budget will help to guide you when deciding which pet insurance policies are right for you.

    Plan Customization

    When you can tailor a pet insurance plan to meet your needs, that is plan customization. This is an excellent feature for many pet parents who want the benefits of pet insurance but do not want to be stifled by an inflexible plan.

    Keep in mind that while customization is a great tool, it can also further complicate matters. Customizing your own plan can quickly become confusing if you do not know what you are doing, so think ahead before personalizing your pet insurance.

    FAQ

    Is Pet Insurance More Expensive for Older Dogs?

    In short, the answer is yes. But we have a more detailed answer too. In general, pet insurance is more expensive for older dogs because older pets are more prone to health concerns, so insuring them is more costly for your pet insurance provider.

    However, there are ways to balance the expenses out. For instance, you can choose a plan with a lower reimbursement rate, which means you will likely pay less per month. Likewise, you can find pet insurance policies with discounts.

    Is it Worthwhile to Get Pet Insurance for My Older Dog?

    Pet insurance is more expensive for your older dog. Some pet insurance won’t even cover older animals.

    Whether or not your dog has shown signs of developing severe health conditions, his elderly years are bound to have higher chances of experiencing medical complications. For example, nearly 50% of all dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer. Treating cancer is incredibly expensive and costs thousands of dollars. If you don’t have that kind of money to spend on a whim, enrolling your dog in pet insurance is vital.

    How Much Can Pet Medical Emergencies Cost?

    It is impossible to determine precisely what an unexpected medical emergency may cost. For this reason, pet insurance is critical. You may think that you have enough money to cover your dog’s medical expenses, but the truth is, you will never know for sure.

    Still, there is a general price range that most veterinary care falls into. There are always exceptions to the rule, but you can typically expect one veterinary visit to cost anywhere from $200 – $7,000.

    Again, it is impossible to tell the actual costs you could spend on veterinary care; likewise, it is essential to remember that the estimated range is per incident. That means your dog could require several veterinary visits throughout the year, which could cost you several hundred or even thousands of dollars.

    representation of pet insurance
    Image By: thodonal88, Shutterstock

    What the Users Say

    To learn more about what fellow pet parents have to say about pet insurance, take a look at some summarized reviews we found:

    • A dog owner, who had to take their pet to the emergency room twice in one month, has expressed relief over their ability to pay for the emergency care due to the support of pet insurance
    • One person mentions that one of the best benefits of pet insurance is your peace of mind
    • Some remark that the payments can feel like they add up over time with no reward, but then an expensive emergency hits and makes it all worthwhile
    • Several people with elderly pets insist that pet insurance is more important than ever for their senior pets
    • Overwhelmingly, pet owners report that enrolling in pet insurance was one of the best decisions they ever made

    Which Senior Dog Insurance Provider Is Best for You?

    Finding the right pet insurance for your needs is difficult, especially when you are looking to enroll an elderly dog. It can feel like the options are dwindling as your dog grows older, but thankfully, there are still policies that are more than willing to accept your dog.

    The best way to start hunting for the right company is to make a list of your needs, including policy coverage, reimbursement rates, customization options, price, and more. Once you have a clear idea of your ideal policy, you can narrow down the options that do not meet your requirements. From there, work on gathering quotes and deciding which plan is right for you.

    Conclusion

    As our dogs grow older, they may need more medical attention than ever. The last thing we want is to be unable to provide that care for our four-legged friends after they have spent their whole lives showering us with affection. Although picking out the right pet insurance for your elderly dog can feel overwhelming, there are some excellent insurers to examine from our list.


    Featured Image Credit: Rawpixel.com, Shutterstock

    Related Articles

    Further Reading

    Vet Articles

    Latest Vet Answers

    The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database