Older Pet Insurance

Older pet insurance can be very helpful especially as pets get older.

As pets age their need for health care rises and so can the expenses.

But if you have pet insurance that covers your elderly pet for illness and accident-you can be assured they will be well take care of and same money at the same time.

There are many different types of pet insurance plans available and a few even are geared toward the needs of the elderly pet. There are a few things you need to consider and there are methods on getting this type of insurance at the best rate—we will cover those here.

Most companies that offer insurance for pets have a cut off age where your pet will no longer qualify for coverage. When shopping for insurance it is important to know this especially if your pet is older or you are looking to buy insurance for your pet as they age.

If you want to buy insurance for your pet and have them covered when they get older it is best and easiest to get this insurance before they reach the age of 5. There are more companies and more choices for you if your pet is 5 years old or less. There are companies that offer senior pet insurance for animals older than 5, but they are fewer in numbers.

Why Older Pet Insurance is Such a Good Idea

As pets age, just like people, their health will begin to decline.  Again just like people, this is the time in their life they will be more prone to accidents, illness and disease. 

Some breeds of animals are more predisposed to certain illnesses and diseases as they get older. 

Here are illnesses, diseases or accidents that are more likely to happen to an older animal and that are generally covered by older pet insurance: 

• Cancer
• Heart Disease
• Liver or kidney failure
• Arthritis
• Poison ingestion
• Stroke or seizure
• Bone fractures
• Burns
• Lacerations
• Wounds
• Allergic reactions
• Motor vehicle accidents

 The cost for things like radiation treatment for cancer, support harnesses, ramps, and prescription medications can be very expensive for your loved older pet.

For all these reasons insurance can be a worthwhile investment.
 

Things to Keep In Mind and Questions to Ask When Shopping for Older Pet Insurance
 

Not all plans cover cancer so be sure to ask if coverage for that is included. If not ask if it can be added and at what cost.

Check to see what pre-existing conditions will not be covered.

Know in advance what types of particular illness your breed is likely to encounter.

Ask the carrier specifically if they will cover that for your particular pet. The key here is to be specific.

Ask if there is a certain age where the carrier would no longer provide coverage for your pet. (As an example, there are some carriers that cut off coverage at age 10 or 12.)