I Think My Dog Is Too Old to Get Insured

You are probably unsure of getting senior dog insurance for your best friend. Or if you’ve recently adopted one, you’re probably wondering what pet insurance for senior dogs would work.

It’s advisable to insure pets when they’re still young, but it’s also never too late to insure older ones too. Pet insurance for senior dogs is available anywhere.

Things to Know Before Getting Pet Insurance for Senior Dogs

Dogs age and mature fast, unlike humans. You may be taking your time to age but your best friend isn’t.

Though dogs are fun to be with, sometimes, they can become uncontrollable. In this case, senior dogs aren’t exempted. Despite their age, many of them are still very active.

Sometimes, they get hyperactive and start running around which can lead to accidents. Moreover, other pets may accidentally cause harm to the older ones.

Age and Breed of Dogs Matter in Pet Insurance

Dogs mature quickly in their first 2 years, and then their growth slows down by the age of 7 to 8. Dogs of different sizes will age at different rates. Small dogs age much slower than large dog breeds.

For example, a Chihuahua has a lifespan of 12-20 years old while a Pitbull Terrier has a lifespan of 8-15 years old. Pet insurance companies will look at the age and breed of the dogs to determine the amount of the policy.

The older the dog, the more expensive the costs will be. Also, insurance for purebred dogs is more expensive than crossbreeds. Simply because they have more underlying conditions when compared to crossbreeds.

Hence, mixed breeds are most preferred in any pet insurance.

Senior Dogs Are Prone to Illness

Older dogs are more prone to illnesses than younger ones just like humans. Depending on the insurance company, most have age limits of up to 14 years before considering them uncovered.

Some stop the coverage at 10 years old. Again, this depends on your dog’s breed and size. That’s why senior dog insurance covers mostly accident-only injuries.

Dogs start to slow down by 7 years old. They are not as active as when they were younger. Their behavior and health start to change, and they are more likely to have health problems.

Examples of these health problems are arthritis, gum disease, diabetes, and blindness. Dogs also often get kidney disease, cancer, and dementia when they get old. Slow movement may become evident too because of muscle pains.

Soon, the vet may recommend medicines, surgery, or other treatments which can be costly for a pet owner. When selecting pet insurance for senior dogs, talking with your vet would greatly help.

What Insurance Would Best Suit My Senior Dog?

Every pet insurance company is different. Some don’t accept older dogs in their comprehensive coverage, especially those who are already over 7 or 8 years old.

Some companies have no policy of the age limit. So, they provide coverage for the rest of the dog’s life as long as the owners pay the premium.

If you already have insurance, most premiums increase every two or three years. The older the dog, the higher the premium. If you don’t have one yet, discuss the estimated increase with your insurer.

Though finding the right insurance for a senior dog can be complicated, they are very much available. If you have the budget, a lifetime coverage which will cover accidents and long-term care is preferable. Senior dog insurance should cover continuous medication or treatment.

It is the best possible option for dogs but it may be quite expensive. So if you are low on budget, accident-only policies would be the next best option. However, be prepared to shell out cash a few times for regular vet visits.

Accident-only policy has no age limit. It can cover the injuries a pet may get during an accident. It can cover illnesses caused by the accident, and it can cover any condition related to it.

For a few unfortunate dogs, some insurers may take care of the cremation or burial. Discuss this with the insurance company when they present different policies.

Is It Worth Insuring My Dog?

Pet owners can’t predict what may happen to dogs. Insuring them may help in case of emergencies. Any pet insurance for senior dogs will be a big financial aid.

Also, insurance can be a way to help them live a little longer. It can access healthcare for new conditions a dog may develop without having to consider the cost of treatment.

Tests can detect illnesses before they develop into life-altering conditions. Thus, prolonging the life of a dog. Pet insurance, if started earlier, can help reduce the cost of all the tests.

When caring for these furry friends, choosing between bank accounts and their health shouldn’t be a problem. To avoid that dilemma, get the best pet insurance for senior dogs now. Any senior dog insurance will stop you from having to choose between your savings and your dog’s life.