Pet insurance for older dogs and cats
Pet insurance for older pets is harder to find, but it does exist. You'll generally pay a bit more and have more exclusions after your pet turns 8 or 9.

We currently don't have a partnership for that product, but we have other similar offers to choose from (how we picked these ):
Generally, pet insurance is only available to pets younger than 9 years old, although there are still some options for older pets. Every pet insurance company will have a maximum age it will accept, and they will charge you more for older pets. This is because older pets are more likely to get sick, so you're more likely to make a claim.
Provider | Age | Annual cost | Age | Annual cost | Age | Annual cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Medibank | 9 | N/A | 12 | N/A | 15 | N/A |
Fetch | 9 | $3,233.40 | 12 | N/A | 15 | N/A |
PIA | 9 | $1,228.37 | 12 | N/A | 15 | N/A |
PD | 9 | TBD | 12 | TBD | 15 | TBD |
Everyday | 9 | $1,525.73 | 12 | $1,543.88 | 15 | $1,547.51 |
Pet Circle | 9 | N/A | 12 | N/A | 15 | N/A |
Guardian | 9 | $818.51 | 12 | $1,261.02 | 15 | $2,148.06 |
Real | 9 | $825.91 | 12 | $1,260.41 | 15 | $2,147.19 |
RSPCA | 9 | $744.30 | 12 | $1,143.42 | 15 | $1,948.03 |
Australian Seniors | 9 | $861.27 | 12 | $1,314.47 | 15 | $2,239.23 |
*The above prices reflect quotes for a comprehensive policy for a Cavoodle dog. This should be used as a guide only as your own quote will differ depending on your pet’s age and needs. Quotes collected in February 2025.
Provider | Age | Annual cost | Age | Annual cost | Age | Annual cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Medibank | 9 | N/A | 12 | N/A | 15 | N/A |
Fetch | 9 | $729.12 | 12 | N/A | 15 | N/A |
PIA | 9 | $772.59 | 12 | N/A | 15 | N/A |
PD | 9 | TBD | 12 | TBD | 15 | TBD |
Everyday | 9 | $692.60 | 12 | $966.56 | 15 | $1,183.20 |
Pet Circle | 9 | N/A | 12 | N/A | 15 | N/A |
Guardian | 9 | $770.45 | 12 | $1,186.35 | 15 | $2,020.06 |
Real | 9 | $777.41 | 12 | $1,185.78 | 15 | $2,019.23 |
RSPCA | 9 | $700.59 | 12 | $1,075.73 | 15 | $1,831.98 |
Australian Seniors | 9 | $810.63 | 12 | $1,236.57 | 15 | $2,105.70 |
*The above prices reflect quotes for a comprehensive policy for a Domestic shorthair. This should be used as a guide only as your own quote will differ depending on your pet’s age and needs. Quotes collected in February 2025.
to save on your pet insurance bills for an older pet, you've got a couple of options. In some cases you'll need to make some compromises:
"My 8 year old rescue greyhound hasn't had much luck - a broken foot, bitten by another dog, probably $15k in claims over the years. So her insurance is expensive - renewal was $200 a month this year, up from $150 last year - but one accident and it pays for itself. I emailed the insurer about the cost of the renewal and they were able to give me 3 months free, since I'd been with them for years. Literally 2 emails and $600 saved."
Pet insurers typically won't cover your pet with their most comprehensive plan. This is if because older dog and cats are more prone to illnesses.
However, there might be some circumstances where you can still get cover – especially if they're still under 9 years old. There are generally 3 levels of insurance you can choose from:
There isn't an age limit for pet insurance as long as your pet is insured and you keep paying your premium. But if you don't have pet insurance, you generally need to take a policy out before your dog or cat turns 9 or you won't be able to get comprehensive cover.
If your furry friend is over 9, don't worry. You should still be able to get a policy; you just won't be able to get comprehensive cover.
It's still possible to get pet insurance for a 9-year-old or older dog, but there are a couple of caveats:
Pet insurance doesn't cover everything, and there are some specific exclusions relevant to older pets. These exclusions include:
Gap only pet insurance makes it easier to pay for vet bills. Here's how and who offers it in Australia.
Exotic pets such as reptiles, birds and small mammals get sick and injured too. Learn what's covered by exotic pet insurance.
Ever wondered how much it would cost to insure your dog? We've crunched the numbers so you can easily compare pet insurance prices between breeds.
We've rounded up the cost of surgeries for pets as well as pet insurance options to save you money if your pet needs surgery.
Is pet insurance worth it or a waste of money? Find out in this comprehensive guide.
Accident only pet insurance will protect your pet from a range of accidents including getting hit by a car, being bit by a snake and even eating things they shouldn’t be eating.
Compare pet insurance deals and discounts available from Australian brands and save further on your policy.
Find out what will impact your pet insurance premium and receive quotes from Australian pet insurance brands. Key steps to reduce what you pay for cover.
Complete guide to finding the right pet insurance with a side-by-side comparison of major brands.
is there any information/opinion on Pawtal pet insurance available?
Hi, Pawtal isn’t actually an insurer – it’s a community and service focused on pet travel. You can compare pet insurers in our main guide.
I have a dog who is nearly 15. Each claim that I put in, I am charged an age contribution. Is this with all Pet Insurers? I am with Pet Plan.
Hi Jill,
Unfortunately, insurance is based on risk and as our dogs age, the risk of them requiring medical treatment increases. Many pet insurers charge higher premiums and/or age contributions as a result. With most pet insurers, this kicks after your pet’s 9th birthday.
Hope this helps.