There is a misconception that pet insurance companies won't cover older pets. However, there are several companies that do so. The best way to find out which companies will cover your pet is to visit each company's website and obtain a quote. You'll usually find one of the following scenarios:
The company doesn't cover older pets The company will cover older pets with any of their policies. The company has a policy designed just for "senior" pets. Oftentimes this policy will have limited benefits (e.g. a lower annual maximum or higher co-pay) when compared to their policies for younger dogs. The company won't cover illnesses in older pets, but will offer to cover pets over a certain age for accidents only.When you obtain a quote, the company will let you know if they will cover your pet and which policies your pet is eligible for. Ideally, you want to purchase a policy that covers both accidents and illnesses.
The most common reason that pet owners consider getting pet insurance for an older pet is that they know older pets, like older people, eventually get one or more chronic conditions that will need management and treatment the rest of the pet's life. Examples of such diseases include arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart failure, kidney failure, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushings Disease, etc. With treatment, some of these pets can live with a good quality of life for years, but cumulatively, the expense of monitoring and treating these conditions can mount up. Therefore, when you purchase a policy, you want to be sure that coverage for chronic conditions is included. Since some companies offer this coverage only as an add-on rider, you want to always select this coverage when obtaining your quote.
By the way, I've seen advice given that you don't need to purchase pet insurance for your younger pet who is healthy. While it is true that an older pet will likely have more problems that need medical attention, you can't always count on your younger pet not having significant and costly medical problems. Any problems your pet has had over the years might be considered pre-existing and not covered if you wait until your pet is older to seek pet insurance coverage. So, the best time to purchase pet insurance for your pet is when he or she is younger and healthy.
Therefore, an older pet is likely to have a history of previous illnesses which may be considered pre-existing by the insurance company when you apply for coverage. You will have to answer several questions about your pet's previous medical history and whether your pet has any known - about problems at the time of application. The insurance company may also request a copy of your pet's medical records from any veterinarian you've visited in the past. Some companies may require a physical examination and/or lab tests (at your expense) to see if any medical problems are uncovered that may be pre-existing. Once you determine which policies your older pet is eligible for, you can call and talk with a company representative about what they would require to insure your pet.
I would also recommend (even with younger pets too) that you request a medical history review whether the insurance company requires one or not and ask that they let you know on the front end (during the underwriting process) if there will be any exclusions due to pre-existing conditions. This is especially important when trying to obtain coverage for an older pet and could have an impact on whether you elect to insure your pet with that company or not. Usually, you will have an opportunity to cancel your policy and get a refund of your premium (if you haven't filed any claims yet) if you don't like the results of the review.
So, insuring an older pet is possible, but as you do your research, you need to pay special attention to these issues that are peculiar to insuring an older pet.
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