Accident-only
Covers treatment for accidental injuries, but not illnesses. It is usually the cheapest option, but may leave older dogs with less protection.
Typical monthly quote: £3.96[3]
Senior dog insurance
Compare pet insurance for older dogs.
Complete a purchase and earn a £10 reward with super save club logo
Can I get pet insurance for senior dogs?
Yes, you should still be able to find suitable pet insurance for an older dog, but prices are usually higher than they are for younger dogs. MoneySuperMarket data found that dogs over seven had a typical monthly pet insurance premium of £21.94[3], compared with £9.57[3] for dogs under one
Be sure to check any age rules, vet fee limits, excess payments, co-payment requirements and exclusions before buying cover
🚩 If you get paid to look after other people's dogs, you need dog walker insurance
Is pet insurance worth it for older dogs?
Pet insurance can be worth it for older dogs if you want help paying unexpected vet bills. Older dogs are more likely to need treatment for illness, injury or long-term conditions, so cover can cost more than it does for younger dogs.
However, insurance may still cost less than paying a large vet bill yourself - so before choosing a policy, check its vet fee limit, excess, co-payment and exclusions so you know what you're covered for.
💡Top tip: Standard policies do not usually cover pre-existing conditions, so it is particularly important to understand what your dog is already being treated for.
How much is pet insurance for older dogs?
Pet insurance for dogs over seven is typically more expensive than for younger dogs
Pet insurance offers for September
📣 Sainsbury's Bank: EXCLUSIVE prices for MoneySuperMarket customers. Defaqto Pet Insurer of the Year 25/26. Sainsbury's can pay your vet directly and 98% of claims paid in 5 working Days[5]
Scratch & Patch: Enjoy a 20%[6]discount when you insure two or more pets on the same policy.
Co-op: Price includes a 5% discount for Co-op members[7]
When is a dog considered old for insurance?
Many insurers treat dogs over seven as older pets, but the exact age can vary.
Your dog’s breed and size can also affect when they are considered senior:
Smaller breeds, such as terriers, are often considered senior at eight to 10 years.
Larger breeds, such as Labradors and Great Danes, may be classed as senior from six or seven years.
Once your dog is considered older, insurance may become more expensive and some insurers may limit the policies available to new customers.
What else affects the cost of insurance for older dogs?
Age matters, but it is not the only thing insurers consider.
-
Breed
Some breeds are more likely to develop health conditions, while pedigree dogs can also be more expensive to cover
-
Medical history
Previous illnesses, injuries and symptoms can affect the price you pay and what your policy covers
-
Where you live
The cost of vet treatment varies across the UK, so your postcode can also affect your premiums
-
Policy type
Broader cover usually costs more than basic cover, but may protect your dog for longer
-
Excess
Choosing a higher excess can reduce your premium, but means paying more towards a claim
-
Co-payment
Some pet insurance policies ask owners of older dogs to pay a certain percentage towards each eligible claim
What types of pet insurance can I get for an older dog?
There are four main types of pet insurance. The right one depends on your dog's health needs, the protection you want and what you can afford.
-
-
Time-limited
Covers each new illness or injury for a set period, usually 12 months. The condition is then usually excluded from future cover.
Typical monthly quote: £13.16[3]
-
Maximum benefit
Gives you a fixed amount to claim for each illness or injury. Once that limit is used, the condition is no longer covered.
Typical monthly quote: £15.45[3]
-
Lifetime
Can cover ongoing conditions that start after your policy begins, as long as you keep renewing each year.
Typical monthly quote: £13.42[3]
What cover should I look for for my older dog?
Illness cover is often particularly useful for older dogs, as many age-related health problems are illnesses rather than accidents. Be sure to check whether the policy includes the level of cover you need before buying.
-
Vet fees for illness and injury
Check the maximum amount your insurer will pay towards eligible treatment each year or for each condition
-
Ongoing condition cover
This can be important if your dog develops a long-term condition after your cover starts
-
Tests, scans and surgery
Check to see if your policy covers diagnostic tests, blood tests, X-rays, scans and surgery
-
Medication and treatment
Check whether prescription medication and emergency medical treatment are included in your cover
-
Co-payments and excesses
These can become more important as your dog gets older, as you may need to pay more towards each claim
-
Third-party liability
Usually only available for dogs, this can help with related costs if they injure someone or damage their property
What usually isn't covered by pet insurance for older dogs
-
Pre-existing conditions
Standard pet insurance usually excludes illnesses, injuries or symptoms your dog had before the policy started
-
Routine treatment
Routine care such as check-ups, vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, neutering or spaying is not usually covered
-
Missed vaccinations
Some insurers may not cover an illness that could have been prevented by keeping your dog’s vaccinations up to date
-
Elective procedures
Cosmetic or elective treatment that is not medically necessary is not usually covered by standard pet insurance.
-
Routine dental treatment
Routine dental check-ups, cleaning and maintenance are not usually covered unless needed because of an illness or injury
-
Waiting periods
Illnesses or injuries that happen or begin showing symptoms during your policy's initial waiting period may not be covered
Can I get cover if my older dog has a pre-existing condition?
Yes, but standard pet insurance will usually exclude conditions, injuries and symptoms your dog had before the policy began.
You might need specialist pre-existing condition pet insurance if your dog has an ongoing health issue. Standard policies can still cover new, unrelated conditions, but they won't usually pay for treatment linked to an existing problem.
It's also worth getting your dog checked if they have symptoms that haven't yet been diagnosed. For example, if they're lethargic, vomiting or limping before the policy starts, an insurer might treat the later diagnosis as pre-existing, even if you didn't know what was wrong at the time.
You should declare all illnesses, injuries, symptoms and treatment when asked - this gives you the clearest picture of what your policy is likely to cover.
What is a co-payment?
A co-payment is a percentage of an eligible claim that you pay yourself, on top of your excess. Some insurers introduce one when a dog reaches a certain age.
For example, on a £500 claim:
You would pay:
£100 excess
Plus
20%
of the remaining £400
That means you would pay:
£180 in total
Should I self-insure instead of buying pet insurance for an older dog?
Self-insuring means putting money aside for vet bills rather than paying an insurance premium.
-
Pros of self-insuring
You keep control of all the money you put aside for your dog, so any savings that you don't need for vet treatment remain yours to use
You avoid exclusions from a new policy, which can be particularly useful if your dog already has several conditions that a new insurer would not cover
-
Cons of self-insuring
A serious illness, surgery or ongoing medication can cost far more than you might've managed to save, particularly if it happens soon after you start putting money aside
With insurance, an insurer may contribute towards eligible treatment up to the policy limit, but when you self-insure you pay the full cost yourself
What limits apply to pet insurance for older dogs?
Some insurers accept dogs of any age, while others restrict new policies or change the terms for older dogs.
-
Age limits on new policies
Some insurers stop offering cover after a particular age, so look out forage limits before applying.
-
More limited cover choices
An insurer may restrict the types of cover available to older dogs, or offer lower vet fee limits.
-
Higher excesses or co-payments
You may need to pay more towards a claim once your dog reaches a certain age.
-
Higher premiums at renewal
Your premium may rise as your dog gets older, particularly if the insurer expects a greater chance of a claim.
What do I need to get an older dog insurance quote?
-
Tell us about your dog
You will usually need their age, breed, whether they have been neutered or spayed, and their postcode.
-
Share their medical history
Be ready to answer questions about previous illnesses, injuries, symptoms and any pre-existing conditions.
-
Choose the cover you need
Consider the policy type, vet fee limit, excess and whether you can afford a co-payment.
How can I reduce the cost of pet insurance for older dogs?
Compare quotes at renewal
Prices can vary between insurers, so be sure to compare quotes when your policy comes up for renewal. Check what cover is included as well as the price, particularly if your dog has developed a condition that a new insurer may treat as pre-existing.
Review the level of cover you need
More comprehensive policies usually cost more, so check whether you are paying for cover you do not need. However, cheaper accident-only policies usually do not cover illness, which can be an important consideration for an older dog.
Consider a higher excess
Choosing a higher excess may reduce your premium, but you will have to pay more if you make a claim. Some older-dog policies also use co-payments, so check how much you would need to contribute before choosing a cheaper policy.
Keep up with vaccinations and routine care
Keep your dog’s vaccinations and routine care up to date as routine treatment is not usually covered by pet insurance. Additionally, missing recommended vaccinations can affect your premium or whether certain illnesses are covered.
Help your dog stay healthy
A balanced diet and suitable exercise can help your dog maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of some health problems - regular vet visits can also help you keep on top of their weight, vaccinations and general health. This might not necessarily reduce your current premium, but your dog’s health and treatment history can affect insurance costs.
Why compare older dog insurance with MoneySuperMarket?
-
Compare policies in one place
See how quotes differ in price, policy type, vet fee limits, excesses and co-payments.
-
Find cover for your dog's needs
Compare the details that matter when your dog is older, including illness cover and exclusions.
-
Choose a policy that suits you
Looking beyond the headline price can help you find cover you can afford if you need to claim.
Can I insure a 10-year-old dog?
Can I get pet insurance for an older dog with arthritis?
Does pet insurance cover existing health problems?
Is lifetime pet insurance worth it for an older dog?
Can I get pet insurance for an older rescue dog?
Why is my older dog's pet insurance so expensive?
Can I keep my existing pet insurance when my dog gets older?
Does pet insurance for older dogs include legal liability cover?
Can I switch pet insurance for an older dog?
You can switch insurer at any age if another provider is willing to offer cover. However, a new insurer will usually treat illnesses, injuries and symptoms your dog had under the previous policy as pre-existing conditions.
That means switching can leave your dog without cover for the conditions most likely to need ongoing treatment. Before you change, compare the saving against any exclusions, lower vet fee limits or new co-payment requirements.
Top tip: If your current policy covers an ongoing condition, renewing it may protect that cover. A new policy is unlikely to take it on.
Will a previous illness or condition always count as pre-existing?
Not necessarily - insurers define pre-existing conditions differently, and may consider previous illnesses, injuries, symptoms or treatment when deciding what they will cover. Even if a problem has cleared up, you should declare your dog’s medical history when asked and check the policy wording carefully.
Can I switch pet insurance without losing cover for existing conditions?
You can switch insurer, but a new policy may treat conditions your dog has already developed as pre-existing and exclude them from cover. Before switching, compare what you could save against any cover you may lose for existing or ongoing conditions.
Will my older dog need a vet check before I get pet insurance?
You may not need to take your dog for a new vet check before getting a quote, but insurers can ask about their health and medical history. You should answer these questions accurately and provide further information if the insurer requests it.
Reviewed on 30 Sep 2026
Sources and supporting information
-
[1]
SuperSaveClub restrictions and T&Cs apply. Click here for details.
-
[2]
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).
-
[3]
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between June 2026 and August 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
-
[4]
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between June 2026 and August 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote and was more than 1 year old.
-
[5]
-
[6]
20% multi-pet discount for any additional cat or dog you choose to insure with Scratch & Patch on the same policy. Additional pets can be added once you have clicked through to the Scratch & Patch website.
-
[7]
-
[8]
Based on the 10 percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted less than £3.96 per month for puppy insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket in the month of August 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote and was less than 1 year old.
-
[9]
Based on the 10th percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for dog insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between June 2026 and August 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
