Perhaps you and your four-legged friend have been together for years, or maybe you just took in an older pet. Either way, you want to provide the best care for your pet in this season of its life. Like people, pets have different needs as they age and become more prone to accidents, injuries, and illness. Many veterinarians recommend more frequent vet checkups once your pet reaches 7 years of age.
We at the This Old House Reviews Team spent hours researching the best pet insurance providers. In this guide, we rounded up the pet insurers offering exceptional coverage for conditions senior pets experience. See our picks for the best pet insurance for older pets below.
Top Pet Insurance Companies for Older Pets
Here are our top pet health insurance providers based on our in-depth review:
- Spot: Most Customizable Plans
- Embrace: Best Deductibles
- Healthy Paws: Best Coverage Limit
- Figo: Best Extra Coverage Add-On
- Fetch: Best Holistic Coverage
| Provider | Our Score (out of 100) | Upper Age Limit | Preventive Coverage | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spot | 91 | No | Yes | A- |
| Embrace | 93.5 | No | Yes | A+ |
| Healthy Paws | 93.5 | Yes | No | A |
| Figo | 93 | No | Yes | B+ |
| Fetch | 91.5 | No | No | A+ |
*All BBB ratings are current as of January 2023.
Spot: Most Customizable Plans
Spot is one of the few providers with an accident-only plan. The provider offers pet parents two base plans plus two options for preventive care add-ons.
- Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
- Annual coverage limits: $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, unlimited
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%
Provider Pros and Cons
✔ Has no upper age limit
✔ Provides unlimited coverage option
✔ Offers preventive care add-ons
✘ Doesn’t cover prescription pet food
✘ Has a 14-day waiting period for accidents
Why We Chose Spot
We rated Spot 91 out of 100 for its customizable pet insurance policies. Spot is one of the most affordable pet insurance providers for the coverage you get. You can choose between an accident-only or accident-and-illness plan to cover treatment, emergency care, prescription medications, and procedures for injuries and illnesses.
In addition, Spot offers two add-on options for preventive care that you can combine with your base plan to cover wellness checkups, vaccinations, grooming, dental cleanings, and more. Spot has no upper age limit, so your pet won’t be denied coverage as it ages.
Get a quote: Get a quote from Spot.
Learn more: Spot Pet Insurance Review
Embrace: Best Deductibles
Embrace offers five deductible options, with its lowest being $200. Plus, qualifying customers can save money with multiple discount offerings, such as a 10% discount for each additional pet policy you purchase, a 5% military discount, and an employee benefit program that offers 10% off to employees of companies that offer Embrace pet insurance.
- Deductibles: $200, $300, $500, $750, or $1,000
- Annual coverage limits: $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, $30,000
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%
Provider Pros and Cons
✔ Offers dental coverage in base plan
✔ Has no upper age limit
✔ Provides preventive coverage
✘ Has limited customer service availability on weekends
✘ Caps annual limit at $30,000
Why We Chose Embrace
We gave Embrace a 93.5 out of 100 because of its five deductible options. Embrace has an accident-and-illness plan with no age cap, plus a wellness rewards plan to help cover routine preventive care. Embrace is one of the few providers that covers dental care in its base plan, which is a plus given that most dogs and cats have some form of periodontal disease by age 3. Embrace covers breed-specific, congenital, and genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease, both of which many pets suffer from as they age.
Get a quote: Get a quote from Embrace.
Learn more: Embrace Pet Insurance Review
Healthy Paws: Best Coverage Limit
Though this provider has limitations for older pets, Healthy Paws rates well with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Most customer reviews reflect that it takes good care of its users, so it may be a good option to consider for your pet.
- Deductibles: $250 or $500
- Annual coverage limits: Unlimited
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%
Provider Pros and Cons
✔ Provides unlimited annual, lifetime, and per-incident coverage
✔ Has quick reimbursement turnaround times
✔ Offers low deductibles
✘ Has upper age limit of 14 years
✘ Does not offer preventive coverage
Why We Chose Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws earned a 93.5 out of 100 for its unlimited coverage option. The provider doesn’t insure pets over 14 years old. It increases deductibles and lowers reimbursement rates for pets over 6 years old. However, the provider is worth considering for its unlimited coverage, quick turnaround times, 30-day, money-back guarantee, industry reputation, and coverage of congenital, chronic, and hereditary conditions.
Get a quote: Get a quote from Healthy Paws.
Learn more: Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review
Figo: Best Extra Coverage Add-On
Figo customers can choose from three accident-and-illness base plans, plus additional coverage options geared toward preventive care, cremation and burial, lost pet advertising, pet theft or loss, vacation cancellation due to pet emergencies, and vet exam fees.
- Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500 (depending on your pet’s age and location)
- Annual coverage limits: $5,000, $10,000, unlimited
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Provider Pros and Cons
✔ Provides 100% reimbursement rate option
✔ Offers multiple add-ons, including for end-of-life care
✔ Has no upper age limit
✘ Charges transaction fees in some states
✘ Has a six-month waiting period for orthopedic issues unless your vet signs a waiver
Why We Chose Figo
Figo scored 93 out of 100, in part due to its add-ons that provide extra coverage. Figo has lifetime coverage for pets, so you don’t have to worry about your policy ending when your pet reaches a certain age. It isn’t fun to think about your older pet dying, but Figo has an add-on that covers expenses related to cremation and burial to help with the costs when the time comes. The provider offers a 100% reimbursement rate, meaning it will reimburse all out-of-pocket expenses on approved claims.
Get a quote: Get a quote from Figo.
Learn more: Figo Pet Insurance Review
Fetch by The Dodo: Best Holistic Coverage
Fetch’s standard accident-and-illness policy covers sick-visit exam fees and provides dental benefits covering every tooth, which is rare among pet insurance providers. Fetch’s holistic and alternative therapy coverage is what sets it apart. Your pet is covered for acupuncture, chiropractic care, and treatment for behavioral needs, such as anxiety and aggression.
- Deductibles: $250, $300, $500
- Annual coverage limits: $5,000, $10,000, $15,000
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%
Provider Pros and Cons
✔ Provides coverage for behavioral issues
✔ Does not terminate based on age, health, or claim history
✔ Covers sick visits and exam fees in base plan
✘ Requires annual checkups and dental exams
✘ Has no preventive coverage option
Why We Chose Fetch
We gave Fetch a 91.5 out of 100 for diverse coverage in its base plan. Illnesses and injuries, or even a general decline in health, can cause your pet to experience behavioral challenges and anxiety. Fetch will reimburse you up to 90% for behavioral and holistic treatments to help your pet feel at ease. Fetch also covers common breed-specific issues many older dogs face, such as hip dysplasia and breathing problems.
Get a quote: Get a quote from Fetch.
Learn more: Fetch Pet Insurance Review
What Is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance works similarly to human health insurance. One positive difference is that most pet insurance providers allow you to take your pet to any licensed vet in the country. When you take your pet to the veterinarian for an issue covered under your plan, be it an accident, illness, or wellness checkup, you’ll pay out of pocket. Then, you’ll file a claim with your pet insurance provider. If your provider approves your claim, meaning that your policy covers the vet service your pet received, your provider will reimburse you at your chosen rate via direct deposit or a mailed check.
Most providers have a base accident-and-illness plan that covers treatments, prescription medications, surgeries, X-rays, emergency care, specialist care, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, ultrasounds, and other common needs related to accidents and illnesses. Routine care, such as annual checkups and dental cleanings, are covered under preventive coverage plans you can choose as add-ons to your base plan. Some providers have restrictions for older pets or may not cover pets over a certain age. Check policy details before enrolling in a plan.
Learn more about how pet insurance works.
How Much Does Pet Insurance for Older Pets Cost?
Under most provider terms, your premium depends on your pet’s age. Providers often charge higher monthly premiums for older pets. Older pets are more vulnerable to accidents, illnesses, and conditions that require more frequent and expensive medical care. Expect to pay anywhere from $90–$230 per month for dogs 10 years and older, depending on your provider and plan. Cats over 7 years old will cost you $30–$110. See below for sample quotes from common providers.
| Provider | Monthly Cost for Puppies (6 weeks to 1 year)* | Monthly Cost for Adult Dogs (1 to 10 years)* | Monthly Cost for Senior Dogs (10+)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot | $32.02 | $33 | $128.32 |
| Embrace | $36.02 | $37 | $91.85 |
| Healthy Paws | $38.22 | $49.84 | $232.67 |
| Figo | $29.71 | $31 | $112.73 |
| Fetch | $27.87 | $40 | $163.87 |
*Based on sample quotes for a mixed-breed male dog in Cincinnati (ages 8 months, 4 years, and 12 years)
| Provider | Monthly Cost for Kittens (0 weeks to 1 year)* | Monthly Cost for Adult Cats (1 to 7 years)* | Monthly Cost for Senior Cats (7+)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot | $17.35 | $19 | $62.28 |
| Embrace | $16.15 | $22 | $36.74 |
| Healthy Paws | $17.96 | $23.44 | $109.05 |
| Figo | $18.47 | $16 | $33.39 |
| Fetch | $20.16 | $21 | $55.34 |
*Based on sample quotes for a mixed male cat in Cincinnati (8 months, 4 years, and 10 years)
See our list of cheapest pet insurance companies for other options.
Factors To Consider Before Buying Pet Insurance
Think about the following before enrolling in a pet insurance plan:
- Budget: Pet insurance is supposed to help you financially. Don’t overextend with a premium that drains your wallet.
- Fine print: Most providers have a sample policy on their sites. Read it carefully to understand providers’ policies on preexisting conditions, exclusions, age limits, claim requirements, and more.
- Plan types and add-ons: If you want accident-only coverage, preventive coverage, or add-ons for vacation cancellation fees and other extras, read coverage details to ensure you get what you want.
- Your pet’s needs: If your pet doesn’t need it, don’t pay for it. Look for a provider and plan that caters to your pet’s needs and any extras you prefer.
Our Conclusion
Older pets may need more health care, but it’s worth it after the years of care they’ve shown you. The right pet insurance plan can help you save on your aging pet’s medical care. Spot, Embrace, and Fetch are all good options for preventive coverage. Healthy Paws is a favorite among pet owners for its unlimited coverage. Figo is known for its 100% reimbursement rate and end-of-life coverage.
All of the providers will help you offset the cost of vet bills. We recommend getting sample pet insurance quotes from any providers you’re considering to see which company offers the best pet insurance premium for your pet and budget.
FAQ About Pet Insurance for Older Pets
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team is dedicated to thorough, in-depth reviews of each product or service that we detail in our content. Determined to build trust with our readers through transparency, accuracy, and accountability, we’ve built a detailed rating system to score pet insurance brands. Included in this methodology are the following six factors with their respective scoring weights:
- Coverage (25)
- Plan options (20)
- Monthly cost (20)
- Company reputation (15)
- Customer service (10)
- Species eligibility (10)
Our researchers keep all data in each company’s score up to date, making any changes to our content when necessary to provide our readers with the most accurate information on relevant metrics, such as plan options, customer service, reputation, and monthly cost.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.