Pet Insurance for Older Pets

Age is Just a Number

Over the course of their lives, dogs and cats provide their owners with a wealth of love, loyalty, and high-energy moments that are unforgettable. As your pet ages, you will want to ensure that it’s comfortable and in good health.

Unfortunately, advancing age brings with it the risk of health problems that may threaten the quality of your pet’s life. The advanced state of veterinary care, however, is helping more pets live longer and have healthier lives. The ability to provide proper medical care allows you to detect problems earlier and provide the necessary care for your senior pet. Insurance is crucial, as it reimburses a percentage of the cost of your pet’s care so that it is more affordable. As a result, money is less likely to be a factor when it comes to treating your older pet.

Owning pets is an expensive game, research shows that Americans spend $70 billion on their furry friends each year. A large proportion of that spending comes from vet bills and other medical expenses. These quickly start to add up as your pet gets older, so should you consider pet insurance?

Many owners don’t bother, and this comes back to bite them when their pet develops health complications or lives longer than expected. Keep reading to find out why pet insurance is just as important for your senior animals.

Why Do Older Pets Need Insurance?

As your pet ages, its body is undergoing changes that cause it to function less efficiently than when it was younger. Older pets are more prone to weakness and weight gain, a risk that is greater in more sedentary dogs and in cats. Changes in their immune system can make it more difficult for them to combat diseases. If your pet was not spayed or neutered, it is at a higher risk for diseases such as testicular or mammary cancers.

Other concerns such as glaucoma and cataracts that affect sight, hearing loss, arthritis, and hip dysplasia are common and may also affect your senior pet. Insurance for your pet can also be helpful for the treatment of diabetes and heart and joint diseases.

Age Restrictions and Pre-Existing Conditions

It’s important to be aware of age restrictions if your pet isn’t already enrolled in an insurance plan. Some pet insurance providers place a maximum age limit on enrollment, which is generally around 10 to 12 years old. Because large dogs are considered old or geriatric by the age of six and smaller dogs and cats by the time they are 7 years old, you may feel that there is plenty of time to buy pet insurance for older pets before you are hindered by these restrictions.

Unfortunately, if you wait too long, there is another obstacle that you may encounter: If your pet develops an illness before you are able to purchase insurance, that condition is considered to be a pre-existing one. None of the insurance companies offer policies that cover the treatment or care of pre-existing conditions.

Cost of Insurance for Older Animals

Age affects more than your ability to purchase pet insurance for older pets. It also increases your premium for a policy that you might purchase or one you already have. This increase occurs because older pets are at a greater risk for illness, injury, or disease and are more likely to need veterinary care. You can also expect annual price increases once you buy coverage, as your pet’s insurance cost will go up due to the potentially increasing need for health care.

As your pet ages, the need for health care may become more important than ever. Ensure that your older pet gets the type of coverage that can make it easier to manage expensive veterinary bills. Compare plans and prices at PetInsuranceQuotes.com and then complete our simple online form for free quotes. Once you’ve read reviews and browsed the insurer information, make your selection and sign up for senior pet health insurance today.

5 Reasons to Insure Older Pets

1. They’re More Likely to Have Health Issues

It’s a sad fact that as your animal friends get older, they’re more likely to suffer from health issues. Cats and dogs are affected by many of the same ailments as humans in old age, hearing loss, arthritis, and eyesight problems. Pre-existing health conditions can also become more pronounced as your pet gets older, meaning you might need to purchase special equipment or pricey medication.

Taking out pet insurance as soon as you can means that your pet will be covered for any issues that arise during their twilight years. Older animals cost more to insure but they’re a lot more likely to need expensive care.

2. They Might Need Movement Aids

Dogs in particular often struggle to move easily as they get older and this can be heartbreaking for owners. However, if you have pet insurance, you’ll be able to purchase movement aids to help your dog enjoy their later years as much as possible.

Harnesses and slings help dogs whose back legs are weak or tire quickly. Dog carts and wheelchairs make life easier for pups with degenerative disc disease, taking the pressure off their problem areas and keeping them moving for longer. Aids like this can cost a fortune, especially if they’re custom-made for your pet. Taking out pet insurance means you’ll be able to afford the very best for your friend.

3. They Could Require a Special Diet

Did you know that pet insurance isn’t just for vet bills and medical devices? That’s right, most policies will also help cover the cost of any special food your pet needs as they get older. You’ll be covered for food that’s prescribed by a vet for example, to treat issues like bladder stones or crystals. If your pet has surgery and needs liquid food, that will be covered too.

Food prescribed to manage long-term conditions, like diabetes, should also be included. Conditions like this are more likely to arise in older pets so it’s worth taking out a policy even if your pet doesn’t have any issues right now.

4. They’re Likely to Need Dental Treatment

It’s easy to forget that pets aren’t just affected by medical issues, they can also suffer from serious dental problems. Cats and dogs are often struck with gum disease as they get older, and dental conditions like this tend to be progressive.

Procedures like tooth cleaning and dental surgery can be expensive, so it’s smart to look for a pet insurance policy that includes full dental coverage.

5. Most Policies Cover Cremation After Your Pet Passes

When you’re dealing with grief after the loss of your pet, the last thing you want to worry about is paying to have their remains taken care of. The best pet insurance policies will cover the full cost of cremation after your pet passes on, giving you one less thing to worry about at this difficult time.

Thought that it wasn’t worth getting pet insurance for your elderly pet?

Think again. With elderly pets more likely to suffer from costly medical and dental issues, getting insurance is a smart way to save money and give your pet the best possible care, right until the end. Don’t be put off by the fact that insurance is more expensive for senior pets, it’s still miles cheaper than paying out of pocket to deal with unexpected issues.

Best Companies for Older Pets

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