Pet insurance for senior dogs
Wondering whether it's too late to insure your senior dog? It usually isn't: most of the US policies we read set no maximum age to join. What changes as your dog gets older is the small print, such as a vet exam before cover starts, conditions that aren't covered from a certain age, and more of your dog's history counting as pre-existing. Here's what each insurer asks for.
What changes as your dog gets older?
These are the ages where the US policies we read add a rule for older dogs.
- 6years old
Healthy Paws asks for a full vet exam
If your dog is 6 or older when you join, they need a full vet exam within 30 days before cover starts or 15 days after. Hip dysplasia also isn't covered for dogs who join at 6 or older.
- 8years old
Figo asks you to follow senior testing advice
When you renew for a dog aged 8 or older, you need to follow your vet's advice on senior preventive tests: it's a condition of the policy.
- Anyage
Lemonade keeps renewing older dogs
Lemonade has an age limit for new sign-ups that it doesn't publish, but it never turns a dog away at renewal because of age.
What does each insurer ask for older dogs?
- Healthy PawsNo maximum age stated. Dogs 6 or older need a full vet exam within 30 days before cover starts or 15 days after, and hip dysplasia isn't covered for dogs who join at 6 or older
- FigoNo maximum age stated. When renewing for a dog aged 8 or older, you must follow your vet's advice on senior preventive testing
- NationwideNo maximum age stated for dogs; older dogs may have more pre-existing exclusions
- LemonadeThere is an age limit to sign up (the FAQ doesn't give it); dogs enrolled younger are never declined at renewal because of age
- EmbraceNo maximum age stated in the sample policy
- Pets BestNo maximum age stated in the sample policy
- PumpkinNo maximum age stated in the sample policy
- SpotNo maximum age stated in the sample policy
Your questions answered
Can I get pet insurance for an older dog?
Yes, and you have plenty of choice. 7 of the 8 US policies we read state no maximum age to join. Some add extra steps for older dogs instead, such as a vet exam before cover starts.
Is there an age limit for pet insurance?
Not in most of the US sample policies we read. Lemonade says it has an age limit for new sign-ups but doesn't publish it, and it never turns a dog away at renewal because of age.
Can I get pet insurance for an older dog with pre-existing conditions?
Yes, you can insure your dog, but anything they already have will be excluded as pre-existing. Some insurers will cover a curable condition again once your dog has been free of it for a set time, so it's worth checking those if your dog has had something in the past that has now cleared up.
From each insurer’s own sample policy or FAQ, read in October 2026. US terms vary by state (the sample policies we read are for Texas) and change over time, so check the policy before you buy. We haven't read Trupanion's age rules yet.
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