10 Best Dog Insurance for Older Dogs
You’ve been through it all with your dog—puppy hiccups, adult energy bursts, and now the slow, tender pace of senior years. 🐾 This stage is rich with love but also rife with risks: arthritis, dental decay, diabetes, cancer. And that means veterinary bills stack up fast—$1,200 here, $4,000 there.
But here’s the hard truth: most pet insurance is built for young, healthy dogs. And the older your dog gets, the harder—and more expensive—it is to find real coverage that protects them (and your wallet).
🔑 Key Takeaways: The 30-Second Rundown for Busy Dog Parents
| ❓ Question | ✅ Quick Expert Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I insure a 12-year-old dog? | Yes—Pets Best, Spot, MetLife, Pumpkin, and ASPCA have no upper age limit. |
| Will they cover my dog’s arthritis or cancer? | Only if it wasn’t diagnosed or noted in vet records before enrollment. |
| Who offers the best orthopedic wait time for older dogs? | Pumpkin, Spot, and ASPCA – just 14 days (vs. 6–12 months elsewhere). |
| Can I avoid paying the bill upfront? | Only Pets Best and Trupanion offer direct vet pay. Everyone else? You pay first. |
| Who’s worst about hiking prices after age 10? | Healthy Paws, Embrace, and Fetch have the most complaints about skyrocketing premiums. |
| Which provider offers the broadest coverage—no asterisks? | Spot – includes dental illness, prescription food, behavioral therapy, and rehab—all standard. |
⚖️ The #1 Mistake Owners Make: Assuming “Older” Means Uninsurable
If your dog’s over 10, don’t panic—you still have great options. But here’s the industry secret:
Insurers don’t care about birthday candles—they care about medical history.
The real deal-breaker isn’t age—it’s pre-existing conditions. So before you shop, do this:
- 🩺 Pull your dog’s last 18 months of vet records.
- 🚨 Flag anything noted—even a limp or tartar buildup.
- ✅ Look for “clean” conditions that are likely still insurable.
📌 Pro Tip: Some providers (like Embrace and ASPCA) will cover past issues if your dog has gone 180–365 days symptom-free. This curable condition clause could save you thousands.
🔍 Who Will Cover My Dog’s Existing Problems? (Spoiler: Almost No One)
| ❌ Condition Not Covered If Pre-Existing | ✅ May Be Covered If Symptom-Free for X Days |
|---|---|
| Diabetes, Arthritis, Cancer, Allergies | ❌ Never |
| Past ear infection, Giardia, UTI | ✅ 180 days (ASPCA, Spot) / 12 months (Embrace, Figo) |
| Past limping without diagnosis | ⚠️ Usually excluded as “indicative” of arthritis |
| ACL tear in one leg | ❌ Both knees excluded under bilateral clause |
💡 Insight: Ask your vet to do a written “orthopedic exam” at enrollment. This can help waive waiting periods with some providers (e.g., Figo, Embrace).
🧾 Why Most Senior Dog Owners Hate Their First Claim Experience
You file your first claim. You wait. And then—bam 💥—denied. Why?
Because they read everything in your vet’s history. Even the note about “mild stiffness” 9 months ago? That can exclude arthritis.
Here’s how to protect yourself before enrolling:
- Ask your vet for a written note clarifying anything vague (“mild tartar,” “stiff gait”) as not diagnostic.
- Look for companies with clear, written policies on “curable” pre-existing conditions.
💳 Who Actually Pays the Vet Directly? (And Who Leaves You $4,000 Short)
Only two providers consistently pay the vet directly, meaning you don’t need to front a massive bill:
| 🐾 Provider | 💰 Direct Vet Pay? | 🏥 Caveats |
|---|---|---|
| Pets Best | ✅ Yes | Must pre-authorize with vet |
| Trupanion | ✅ Yes | Only at participating clinics |
| Everyone Else | ❌ No | You pay in full first, wait for reimbursement |
🧠 Why it matters: With senior dogs, you may be filing frequent or high-cost claims (like for cancer). If you don’t want to risk a $5,000 upfront emergency bill, choose a policy with vet direct pay.
🦴 What If My Dog Has Arthritis or Hip Dysplasia? Read the Fine Print
The most expensive—and common—senior issues are orthopedic. But guess what?
Most insurers don’t start covering hips or knees for 6–12 months after enrollment.
⚠️ Orthopedic Waiting Periods by Provider
| 🐶 Provider | ⏳ Ortho Wait Time | ✅ Waivable with Vet Exam? |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin | ✅ 14 days | N/A – No extended period |
| Spot | ✅ 14 days | N/A |
| ASPCA | ✅ 14 days | N/A |
| Embrace | ⚠️ 6 months | ✅ Yes |
| Figo | ⚠️ 6 months | ✅ Yes |
| Healthy Paws | 🚫 12 months | ❌ No |
🔎 Key Tip: Spot and Pumpkin are top picks if your dog has even the slightest limp history. They won’t delay coverage for hips, knees, or cruciates.
🧮 Best Plans by Scenario (Pick the One That Matches Your Life)
| 💼 Scenario | 🐾 Best Plan | 🔍 Why |
|---|---|---|
| Want to avoid big upfront vet bills | Pets Best or Trupanion | Offers direct vet pay |
| Dog has lots of pre-existing issues | Accident-only plan from ASPCA or Embrace | Skip illness coverage you can’t use |
| Need fast orthopedic coverage | Pumpkin or Spot | 14-day wait, no waiver needed |
| Want coverage for rehab, food, dental, and CBD | Spot | Most inclusive base plan |
| Worried about price hikes later | MetLife or ASPCA | Most stable premiums in reviews |
| Want control and top-tier reimbursement | Figo | Offers 100% reimbursement + tech perks |
📊 Comparison Snapshot: Who’s Really Best for Older Dogs?
| 🏥 Provider | 💸 Price | 🦴 Ortho Wait | 🔁 PXC Flexibility | 🎯 Key Senior Perk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pets Best | 💲💲 | 6 months | ❌ No “curable” clause | Direct vet pay ✅ |
| Spot | 💲💲💲 | 14 days ✅ | ✅ 180 days symptom-free | Includes food, dental |
| Embrace | 💲💲 | 6 months | ✅ 12 months clean | Healthy Pet Deductible |
| ASPCA | 💲 | 14 days ✅ | ✅ 180 days clean | No age cap, great value |
| Pumpkin | 💲💲💲💲 | 14 days ✅ | ✅ 180 days (some) | Shortest ortho wait |
| Figo | 💲💲💲 | 6 months | ✅ 12 months | 100% reimbursement |
| MetLife | 💲 | 14 days ✅ | ✅ Case-by-case | Same-day accident coverage |
| Healthy Paws | 💲💲 | 12 months 🚫 | ❌ Strict | Unlimited payouts |
| Fetch | 💲💲💲 | 6 months | ❌ No clear policy | Best dental coverage |
| Prudent Pet | 💲💲 | 6 months | ✅ 365 days clean | Fastest claims (24 hrs) |
🧠 Final Word: Your First Policy Choice May Be Your Last
Once your dog develops a chronic condition under one provider, you’re stuck there. Why?
Because switching means that condition becomes pre-existing to the new provider—and is permanently excluded.
That’s why your first choice matters most.
🛑 Don’t just chase low premiums. Instead:
- Choose a reputable provider with stable pricing and claim fairness.
- Prioritize inclusion of dental, rehab, prescription food, and fast ortho coverage.
- Decide if direct vet pay is a must for you.
📝 Final Checklist Before Buying Insurance for Your Older Dog
✅ Did I get my dog’s full medical records from the last 18 months?
✅ Does the policy cover arthritis, hips, and chronic issues without long delays?
✅ Am I willing to pay out-of-pocket up front, or do I need vet direct pay?
✅ Does the company have a track record of fair claim approvals and renewals?
✅ Have I chosen the deductible and reimbursement level that fits my budget?
FAQs
Comment: “What if my dog is already 13 and has arthritis and kidney issues? Is there any point in getting insurance now?”
Absolutely—but only in the right context. With chronic conditions like arthritis and kidney disease already documented, no insurer will cover treatments related to those issues due to strict pre-existing condition exclusions. However, that doesn’t mean coverage is useless.
👉 Here’s what a policy can still cover for your 13-year-old dog:
| ✅ Covered (if not pre-existing) | ❌ Not Covered |
|---|---|
| New accidents (e.g., broken bone) 🦴 | Existing arthritis therapies |
| Sudden illnesses like cancer 🧬 | Existing kidney disease treatments |
| Emergency surgeries 🩺 | Prescription food for kidney issues |
| Toxic ingestions or snake bites 🐍 | Anything already noted in vet records |
| Urinary tract infection (if new) 💧 | Progression of existing diagnoses |
Strategy:
Consider an accident-only policy (e.g., from Embrace or ASPCA) with low premiums to guard against unpredictable trauma. These policies cost less and avoid illness exclusions you can’t benefit from anyway. It’s a smart, cost-effective way to prevent a major financial blow—even if your dog has multiple known health problems.
Comment: “I’m confused—some reviews say claims were denied even when the dog was healthy. What’s really going on with that?”
That confusion is unfortunately justified, and here’s why: claim denials usually stem from vague medical history notes that owners don’t even know are there.
🧐 Example:
If your vet once wrote “occasional stiffness” without a diagnosis, an insurer might link that to future arthritis and deny coverage. This isn’t fraud—it’s underwriting policy.
🔍 Behind-the-Scenes Insight:
| 📝 What Vets Write | 🚫 How Insurers Interpret It |
|---|---|
| “Graded 2/4 patella luxation” | Congenital issue = excluded |
| “Tartar buildup noted” 🦷 | Denied future dental claims |
| “Stiff gait, no meds prescribed” | Early arthritis sign = not covered |
| “Ear discharge last year” 🐶 | Chronic otitis = exclusion trigger |
Advice:
Before enrolling, request a pre-enrollment medical review from insurers like Fetch or Embrace, or ask your vet to write clarifying statements. Some companies accept written rebuttals if the issue resolved without recurrence.
Comment: “Why do premiums double or triple when my dog gets older, even with no claims?”
Because pet insurance uses age-banded risk modeling, not claim history, to price renewals. Even if you never file a claim, the insurer knows that a 12-year-old dog is statistically more likely to need expensive care than a 5-year-old one.
📊 What Drives the Price Hike?
| 🔍 Factor | 📈 Impact |
|---|---|
| Age bracket (10–12, 13–15) | +25–60% annual increase expected |
| Breed-specific illness risk 🧬 | Premiums scale based on data (e.g., Boxers = high cancer risk) |
| Inflation in vet costs 💸 | Insurers adjust to rising procedure & medication prices |
| Lifetime coverage guarantees | Once the dog develops chronic conditions, switching is off the table—companies price accordingly |
💡 Smart Move: Choose insurers with fewer complaints about renewal hikes—e.g., ASPCA and MetLife. Also, locking in higher deductibles or lower reimbursement rates upfront can help stabilize cost over time.
Comment: “I don’t want a giant vet bill, but I also can’t afford a $90/month premium. What’s the middle ground?”
There is one—it’s called strategic policy structuring. You can customize your deductible and reimbursement rate to build an affordable plan that still protects you from catastrophe.
🧮 Best Budget Configuration for Senior Dogs:
| ⚙️ Setting | 🐾 Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Deductible | $500–$1,000 (higher deductible lowers monthly premium) |
| Reimbursement % | 70% (you co-pay more, but monthly cost drops significantly) |
| Annual Cap | $10,000–$20,000 (covers cancer, surgeries) |
💸 Example: A $1,000 deductible / 70% reimbursement / $10K cap on Pets Best can be under $40/month for a 10-year-old medium breed, depending on ZIP code.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t sacrifice the orthopedic or chronic illness coverage to lower price—opt for higher deductible instead. You’ll still be protected if cancer or emergency surgery hits.
Comment: “Is it true some plans don’t cover dental disease at all?”
Absolutely—and that’s a major blind spot in many policies. Especially for older dogs, dental disease is one of the most expensive and prevalent issues.
🦷 What Dental Coverage Should You Look For?
| 🐶 Insurer | 🦴 Covers Dental Disease? | 📋 Coverage Type |
|---|---|---|
| Fetch | ✅ Yes – all adult teeth | Injury + illness (incl. periodontal) |
| Spot | ✅ Yes | Illness & extractions included |
| Pumpkin | ✅ Yes | Disease + cleaning if medically necessary |
| Healthy Paws | ❌ No | Injury only, not illness |
| Trupanion | ❌ No (unless added rider) | Optional, not default |
High-risk breeds like Yorkies, Dachshunds, and Greyhounds often need multiple dental extractions by age 10. Costs can exceed $2,500–$4,000.
🎯 Bottom Line: If your dog is over 9, choose an insurer that treats dental as medical, not cosmetic.
Comment: “How do I know which company will actually pay when I file a claim?”
The best way? Ignore marketing. Read claims dispute reviews on BBB, Reddit, and Pet Insurance Review.
🔎 These 3 red flags suggest a company might deny claims aggressively:
- Broad denial language like “we found signs of the condition in past records” without specifics.
- No policy on curable conditions, meaning a single past event (like vomiting) triggers a permanent exclusion.
- Lack of clarity on bilateral exclusions – if your dog had a cruciate issue in one leg, they may exclude both, even if the other is healthy now.
✅ Best-reviewed for fairness & transparency (2025):
| 🥇 Company | ⭐ Customer Praise |
|---|---|
| Pets Best | Fast, direct pay, fair reviews |
| ASPCA | Consistent approvals, stable premiums |
| MetLife | Few complaints, quick payouts |
| Prudent Pet | 24-hr claim turnaround |
💬 Watch for companies with reviews saying “they linked it to an unrelated past note”—that’s a red flag on how they handle pre-existing claims.
Comment: “Is there any way to get coverage for a dog with past ACL surgery?”
Not realistically. Here’s why: ACL, cruciate, and patellar luxation are considered bilateral conditions.
💡 Insurers assume:
If one side went bad, the other will too.
🛑 What That Means:
If your dog tore one ACL last year—even if it’s healed—future ACL issues (even in the opposite leg) are excluded for life.
Only pre-enrollment coverage helps. No current insurer (as of 2025) offers ACL coverage post-diagnosis or post-surgery.
✅ Only potential workaround:
If the ACL issue was surgically repaired years ago, and your dog has been 100% symptom-free for over 12 months, some insurers like Embrace or Figo may consider that “curable”—but you’ll need:
- A vet-signed statement,
- No follow-up care,
- Zero lameness episodes since.
It’s rare, but worth asking.
Comment: “Which company is best if I want to use holistic treatments like acupuncture, CBD, or hydrotherapy?”
Most providers require a licensed vet to administer or prescribe alternative therapies. Only a few offer built-in coverage without riders or hidden exclusions.
🌿 Top Holistic-Friendly Insurers:
| 🐾 Provider | 🧘 Covered Therapies | 🔍 Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Fetch | Acupuncture, hydrotherapy, behavioral therapy | All standard |
| Spot | CBD, rehab, chiropractic | Covered under base plan |
| Pumpkin | Laser therapy, acupuncture | Vet referral needed |
| Embrace | Chiropractic, rehab, laser | Included in core policy |
🚫 Avoid Healthy Paws and Trupanion if holistic options matter—they either exclude them outright or require separate riders.
⚠️ Note: CBD is only covered if it’s prescribed by a licensed vet, and even then, some states may restrict reimbursement due to federal law ambiguity.
Comment: My vet says I should enroll now, but my dog just had a dental cleaning and ear infection last month. Will those be excluded forever?
Not necessarily, but timing is everything. Insurance providers evaluate past symptoms, treatments, and even casual vet notes. If the recent dental cleaning was for routine maintenance and no disease (like periodontal infection) was documented, it may not trigger an exclusion. But if any inflammation, decay, or extraction was noted, future related claims might be denied.
For the ear infection, it depends on whether the issue was classified as:
- Isolated (e.g., a one-time yeast overgrowth due to humidity), or
- Chronic (e.g., recurring otitis externa, which is often breed-linked in dogs like Cocker Spaniels or Labs)
🧠 Insurers with a “curable condition” clause—like Embrace, ASPCA, or Spot—may re-cover these issues after a treatment-free window of 6–12 months.
| 📝 Condition | ⏳ How Long It Must Be Clear | 🔄 Coverage May Return? |
|---|---|---|
| Ear Infection 👂 | 180–365 days (depends on provider) | ✅ Yes (if isolated and fully resolved) |
| Dental Cleaning 🦷 | Immediate (if no disease noted) | ✅ Yes (routine cleaning not excluded) |
| Gingivitis/Decay | Never (if pre-existing) | ❌ No (permanently excluded) |
Action tip: Ask your vet to annotate the records with exact language, clarifying that the infection was resolved and not chronic. Send those notes to the insurer during enrollment. It can affect your long-term eligibility.
Comment: How can I avoid the ‘surprise denial’ when I thought something would be covered? I’m seeing horror stories on Reddit.
The shock usually comes from undisclosed “early indicators” in vet records, not from outright deception by the insurer. The real culprit is the lack of transparency between what’s recorded and what’s interpreted as a symptom.
📂 Most people don’t know this: Insurers pull 12–18 months of medical records after your first claim—not before enrollment.
🕵️♀️ Here’s where denials often originate:
| 👀 Vet Note | 🚫 Insurer Interpretation |
|---|---|
| “Dog limping last fall” 🦵 | Early sign of arthritis |
| “Elevated liver enzymes” 🧪 | Precursor to liver disease |
| “Mild tartar buildup” 🦷 | Future dental claim denied |
| “Slight heart murmur” ❤️ | Pre-existing cardiac issue |
To protect yourself, request a full copy of your pet’s records before you enroll, highlight any questionable entries, and choose providers like MetLife or ASPCA that offer clear guidance on what qualifies as a curable or excluded issue.
Providers such as Fetch or Prudent Pet also allow policy pre-reviews—submit your medical history for them to flag exclusions up front. This eliminates surprises and allows informed comparison.
Comment: If my 11-year-old Great Dane has a history of hip dysplasia, should I even bother getting coverage? Isn’t that his main problem anyway?
For breeds like Great Danes, hip dysplasia isn’t the only risk—just the most visible one. They also face high rates of:
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
- Bloat (gastric torsion)
- Heart disease (especially dilated cardiomyopathy)
Even if hip dysplasia is excluded due to prior diagnosis, a good insurance plan can still save thousands on unrelated emergencies that are just as likely—and just as expensive.
| 🐾 Condition | 💰 Avg. Cost Without Insurance | ✅ Still Covered? |
|---|---|---|
| Gastric torsion (Bloat) 🌪️ | $2,500–$6,000 surgery | ✅ Yes |
| Bone cancer 🦴 | $4,000–$10,000 | ✅ Yes |
| Heart failure meds 💊 | $600–$1,500/year | ✅ Yes |
| Hip replacement | $4,000–$7,000 | ❌ No (if previously diagnosed) |
Key move: Go with a provider like Spot or Pumpkin, both of which offer short orthopedic waiting periods and broad coverage for cancer, heart, and digestive crises.
Comment: Some say wellness plans are a scam. Are they ever worth it for senior dogs?
Wellness plans—unlike insurance—are prepaid care bundles, not risk-sharing agreements. They can help flatten costs for routine services, but many owners find them less useful for seniors, whose preventive needs are less frequent but more diagnostic-heavy.
| 🧪 Wellness Feature | 💸 Avg. Reimbursement Cap | 🔍 Real-World Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Annual exam 🩺 | $45–$50 | $70–$90 |
| Vaccines 💉 | $20–$25 per shot | $30–$40 per shot |
| Bloodwork 🧬 | $80 | $120–$200 |
| Dental cleaning 🦷 | $100–$150 | $300–$800 (under anesthesia) |
For senior dogs, wellness plans often underperform because:
- Reimbursement caps are low
- Coverage doesn’t include diagnostics for age-related illness (e.g., ultrasounds, biopsies)
- Routine care stabilizes while disease management increases
Unless the provider offers customizable wellness that includes diagnostics, like Embrace or Spot, the monthly cost usually outweighs the benefit. You’re better off self-funding routine visits and letting your illness/accident plan handle the heavy lifting.
Comment: What’s the smartest insurance setup for a 12-year-old Labrador with no current illness?
You’re in a rare and fortunate position: a high-risk breed with clean medical records at an advanced age. This is the ideal time to lock in a top-tier policy before any exclusions kick in.
🧠 Here’s how to structure for max efficiency:
| ⚙️ Setting | ✅ Recommendation | 💡 Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Deductible | $500–$750 | Balances monthly cost vs. payout speed |
| Reimbursement | 80–90% | Covers most vet bills without a giant premium |
| Annual Limit | $20,000 or Unlimited | Cancer, ACL, and heart care can breach $10K fast |
| Plan Type | Accident & Illness (not Accident-only) | You’re eligible for full coverage now—capitalize on it |
| Provider | Pumpkin, Pets Best, or Embrace | All accept older dogs, offer orthopedic, dental, and cancer care |
Lock it in now while underwriting is in your favor. One limp, abnormal blood test, or minor diagnosis will change your eligibility forever.
Comment: Is there any pet insurance that offers end-of-life coverage like euthanasia or cremation?
Yes, but most insurers don’t advertise this clearly. Only a handful include euthanasia and cremation expenses as part of base plans, and it can be an emotionally and financially significant moment.
| 🕊️ Provider | 💸 Euthanasia/Cremation Coverage | ✅ Included in Plan? |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin | Up to $250 | ✅ Yes (base plan) |
| ASPCA | Up to $200 | ✅ Yes (standard coverage) |
| Embrace | Euthanasia only | ✅ Yes (with illness plan) |
| Fetch | Yes – up to $1,000 total | ✅ Yes |
| Spot | Not covered | ❌ No |
If you’re planning ahead, this is a critical detail. Costs can range from $250 to over $800, especially with in-home services or private cremation. Including this coverage removes cost as a factor when you face one of your hardest decisions.
Comment: I’m comparing Spot vs Embrace. Both look good on paper, but which is actually better for a 10-year-old Cocker Spaniel prone to ear infections and arthritis?
The devil’s in the fine print and claims behavior, not just marketing promises. For a senior Cocker Spaniel—a breed prone to chronic otitis, arthritis, and potential heart murmurs—coverage clarity and long-term value are critical.
Here’s a detailed showdown based on real-world criteria:
| 🏁 Category | Embrace | Spot | 💬 Expert Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment Age Cap 🎂 | 14 years (for full coverage) | No upper limit | Spot wins here. A 10-year-old is safe for both, but if you delay, Embrace shuts the door. |
| Curable Pre-Existing Policy 🧾 | Yes — covered after 12 months symptom-free | Yes — after 180 days | Spot is more lenient, ideal for cleared-up ear infections. |
| Alternative Therapies 🧘 | Included in base plan | Included in base plan | Tie. Great for arthritis management in both. |
| Prescription Food 🍲 | Not covered | Covered if treating a condition | Spot edges ahead, especially if joint-support diets or cardiac formulas are needed. |
| Healthy Pet Deductible 🐾 | Deductible drops $50/year without a claim | No equivalent | Huge perk from Embrace, rewarding proactive care. |
| Orthopedic Wait Period ⏳ | 6 months (can be waived via vet exam) | 14 days flat | Spot offers superior convenience, especially if hip or ACL issues are a concern. |
| Premium Trends 💵 | Known for steep price hikes over time | More stable but higher starting cost | Spot is upfront expensive, Embrace may spike later. |
Verdict: For ear and arthritis management with broad flexibility, Spot offers the better long-term fit, especially if you’re okay with a slightly higher premium. However, Embrace’s Healthy Pet Deductible makes it a smart choice if your pup stays relatively healthy year to year.
Comment: My friend switched companies after her dog got cancer and lost coverage. Is switching ever a good idea?
Switching insurers after a diagnosis is rarely advisable, especially for chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, or arthritis. The reason? Pre-existing condition clauses reset every time you move to a new provider.
When you switch:
- All previously covered conditions become uncovered
- Any signs noted in old records may disqualify related claims
- You may lose accumulated loyalty perks like deductible reductions or locked rates
Here’s a quick visual guide:
| 🔄 Scenario | 💡 Switching Outcome | 🚨 Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy dog, no major claims 🐶 | Might save on premiums, clean slate | 🟢 Low |
| Dog with chronic illness 💊 | New provider excludes existing condition | 🔴 High |
| Minor resolved issue (e.g., ear infection) 👂 | Could qualify for “curable” policy elsewhere | 🟡 Medium |
| Coverage gaps (missed payments) ⌛ | Old plan may lapse permanently | 🔴 Critical |
Best practice: Only switch if:
- Your pet is truly healthy with no medical red flags in the past 18 months
- The new policy offers significant improvements (shorter orthopedic waits, no caps, broader coverage)
- You’re willing to risk losing protections for any condition previously treated or even noted casually
Comment: Can I get coverage if my 13-year-old Yorkie just had dental surgery? It was expensive.
You can still get coverage—but not for that same mouth problem again. Dental illness is considered chronic and incurable in most insurance contracts once documented. Future extractions, infections, or periodontal work related to that case will likely be excluded permanently.
However, insurance may still cover dental accidents, such as:
- Broken teeth from trauma
- Jaw injuries
- Foreign object chewing
Here’s what to expect:
| 🦷 Dental Scenario | 🛑 Covered After Recent Surgery? | 🟢 Covered Under New Plan? |
|---|---|---|
| Periodontal disease | ❌ No (pre-existing) | No |
| Routine cleaning | ❌ No (not insurable) | No |
| Broken tooth from fall | ✅ Not related to illness | Yes |
| Future dental tumors | ✅ If unrelated to past issue | Yes (unless noted in records) |
Pro tip: Choose insurers like Fetch or ASPCA that include dental illness in base coverage (so future, unrelated issues could still qualify). Some insurers may even allow dental coverage to return if no signs or treatments are noted for 12+ months, but this is rare.
Comment: My 15-year-old dog was just diagnosed with Cushing’s. Is it too late to insure him at all?
At 15, most top-tier insurance plans will not offer accident & illness policies—especially not if a major diagnosis like Cushing’s is already present. This is due to age limits and the pre-existing exclusion.
BUT you still have one smart option: an accident-only policy.
Here’s what it can still protect against:
| 🚑 New Condition | ✅ Eligible for Coverage? | 💰 Avg. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Broken leg 🦴 | ✅ Yes | $1,200–$3,000 |
| Bloat surgery 🌪️ | ✅ Yes | $3,500–$6,000 |
| Snakebite 🐍 | ✅ Yes | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Torn ACL 🦵 | ✅ Yes | $2,800–$5,000 |
| Cushing’s management 💊 | ❌ No | $800+/year |
Providers like ASPCA and Pets Best still offer accident-only plans regardless of age, usually for $15–$25/month.
It’s not full coverage, but it can protect you from sudden trauma expenses, which are still very possible—especially in older, unsteady dogs.
Comment: I don’t want to pay $100/month. Is there anything good under $50 that’s still worth it?
Yes, but you’ll need to accept trade-offs and shop smart. The sweet spot is usually a higher deductible + limited annual max paired with solid core coverage.
Look for:
- $500–$750 deductible
- 70% reimbursement
- $5,000–$10,000 annual cap
Here’s a comparison of real-world low-premium setups:
| 🐾 Provider | 💵 Sample Price (Senior Dog) | 💡 Trade-Offs | 🛠️ Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife | ~$38/mo (w/ $1,000 deductible) | No vet direct pay | Great for emergencies, not frequent care |
| Pets Best | ~$42/mo (w/ $500 deductible) | 6-month ortho wait | Reliable across all condition types |
| Figo | ~$45/mo (70%, $750 deductible) | No dental illness w/o add-on | Good if you don’t mind app-only support |
| ASPCA | ~$46/mo (low-tier plan) | Reimbursement caps on wellness | Strong value if skipping add-ons |
Even budget policies can save you thousands, if you structure them for rare-but-devastating events, like surgeries or cancer. Focus on value per dollar—not just lowest monthly cost.
