Pet insurance for older dogs reviews

Pet insurance plans reimburse you for some of the vet bills when your animal companion gets injured or sick. Buying the best pet insurance requires careful shopping because the policies aren’t standardized, and the range of options makes it hard to compare plans.

We evaluated pet insurers across the country to find the ones with the best combination of coverage, financial strength, consumer experience and plan options. Below are the ones we consider to be the best pet insurance companies in the U.S.

The best pet insurance companies at a glance

All of the pet insurance companies below scored at least 4.5 out of 5 stars based on an in-depth comparison of coverage, plan terms and options, consumer experience, financial strength, and discounts.

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In the same way that our bodies wear out as we age, the same can be said for pets and dogs. As they age, their bones become weaker and more brittle. This puts them at risk of arthritis, dysplasia, and joint problems in general. They don’t have the strength and stamina they had as pups. Their bodies just can’t perform the same as when they were pups.

Unfortunately, they don’t realize this and continue to try to romp around as they did as pups. Yet, they’re more prone to illnesses and injuries, which require veterinary care. Insuring them is very important because they’ll probably see a vet more often than a young dog. Having pet insurance on older pets allows the owner the option of providing insurance coverage on their pet regardless of age.

There are few things sadder than having to have a dog put down because of an expensive vet bill the owner just can’t afford to pay. Having your older pet covered by pet insurance makes it possible to provide care to your pet until its last day.

When the animal has been insured with the company from the time it was a puppy, it’s much easier to get continued coverage into its golden years. While health issues can affect any older dog, some breeds are more susceptible to certain health issues.

• German shepherds, Labradors, and St. Bernard are more susceptible to hip dysplasia and arthritis. Doberman pinscher, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dachshund, and Boxer are more prone to developing heart problems.
• Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Boxers are more prone to certain types of cancer.
• Shih Tzus, Pugs, Bulldogs, and similar flat-faced breeds are prone to develop corneal dystrophies, which can lead to blindness.
• Collies, Golden retrievers, Great Danes, and German shepherds are prone to certain digestive problems.
• Bull terriers, English Cocker spaniels, and German shepherds are more susceptible to liver issues.

An interesting fact noted by the American Kennel Club is that more than half the number of pet deaths is due to cancer. In fact, cancer occurs in pets at the same rate as it does in humans. There are just so many ailments that can affect your dog as it gets older. As the dog ages, it also typically takes longer for it to recuperate from an illness than it did as a pup. This can also lead to other health issues.

When choosing a pet insurance company for your senior dog or a pet nearing those years, many factors should be considered other than just the fact that your senior dog will be covered. While we all tend to look for the cheapest we can find, the cheapest is not always better- it’s just cheaper.

It always makes us feel better when we can save money but finding out you’ve been paying for insurance that doesn’t cover everything you thought it did is not a good feeling. Here are some important factors to take into consideration when choosing a pet insurance company for your pet.

• Cost of premiums
• What their policy is on pre-existing conditions
• What is the annual payout amount?
• What are their exclusions?
• What is their claims process like?
• What is its rating with the BBB?

Our motto with pet insurance is to insure early, because you never know what may come up. However, it’s not too late, since so many health issues arrive later in life for our dog companions. Be sure to at least get a pet insurance policy as they go into their later years, since cancer treatments, diagnostic tests, therapies and more are all very expensive, but can be used to successfully prolong your pet’s life and their quality of life.

Is pet insurance worth it for a senior dog?

Although your policy will exclude pre-existing conditions, it is still worth purchasing pet insurance since senior dogs can encounter new health conditions as they age.

Is there a pet insurance for older dogs?

Older dog insuranceSome pet insurers can offer lifetime policies that don't increase in price as your pet ages, even after you make a claim. They'll usually be more expensive to begin with, but they might work out cheaper in the long-run if your dog needs treatment in later life.

What is the best age to get dog insurance?

Simply put: The best age to get pet insurance for dogs is when they're young (puppies are best). As they age their health will inevitably decline, and they'll be inherently riskier to insure. That risk will be passed on to you, the owner, in the form of higher monthly and annual insurance premiums.

What are the disadvantages of pet insurance?

In addition to the monthly premium, you also will likely pay a deductible before your expenses are covered and may have a limit on the amount your insurance company will cover. Unlike health insurance, pet insurance doesn't usually pay the veterinarian directly.