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.
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Key takeaways
- Older pets are harder to insure. When you can find cover, it will be more expensive.
- Every pet insurance policy has a maximum entry age — for the policies we compare, that's generally 8 or 9 years.
- Any pre-existing conditions won't be covered at all.
Does pet insurance cover older dogs and cats?
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.
Cost of pet insurance for older dogs
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The above prices are annual quotes for accident and illness policies for a 5-year-old male desexed Cavoodle, from 3 Australian brands with a $0 excess. 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 March 2026.
Cost of pet insurance for older cats
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The above prices are annual quotes for accident and illness policies for a 6-year-old male desexed Domestic shorthair cat, from 3 Australian brands with a $0 excess. 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 March 2026.
How to save money on older pet insurance
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:
- Ask for a discount: This works surprisingly well. If you've received a renewal notice from your current insurer, give them a call (or email them) and see if they can do something about the price. This is more effective if you've been with the insurer for a while, but it can work any time.
- Compare your options: Look for alternative pet insurance providers - you might find another company that has a better offer for your pet. If you do find a cheaper price, you can always use that as leverage for your current provider before you make the switch.
- Downgrade your cover: It might be that comprehensive pet insurance is getting too expensive for your older pet, but accident only is still affordable. Have a look at what other options offered from your current insurer, as well as others on the market - you might find one that suits you at a lower price.
- Cancel your cover: This leaves you open to some potentially big vet bills, but it is an option. If you do decide to cancel your pet insurance, we'd recommend making a rainy day fund, specifically for unexpected pet expenses. A good place to start would be to save the same amount you're currently paying for your policy.
Asking for a discount on pet insurance
"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."
Insurance options for older dogs and cats
Pet insurers typically won't cover your pet with their most comprehensive plan. This is 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:
- Accident-only insurance. This is the lowest level of cover, and therefore usually the cheapest. It covers injuries caused by an accident including broken bones from a car accident, scratches, burns and snake bites. It won't pay for all types of accidents though.
- Accident and illness cover. This protects your four-legged friend against accidents, sickness and disease. This can include cancer, infectious diseases, hereditary illnesses and skin conditions.
- Comprehensive cover. If you're able to get comprehensive cover, you usually get similar protection against the accidents and illnesses outlined above, but they come with a higher benefit limit. This is the amount you can claim back for treatment. On top of that, you often get routine care, which can reimburse you for expenses like training, prescription diets, deworming and desexing.
Is there an age limit for pet insurance?
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.
Pet insurance for dogs over 9
It's still possible to get pet insurance for a 9-year-old or older dog, but there are a couple of caveats:
- You probably won't be covered for illnesses. Most insurers won't cover your pet for illnesses once they're over the age of 9 so if you're able to, take out a policy before your pet turns 8. If you do that, they'll usually cover you past the age of 9 as long as you keep paying your premiums.
- Pre-existing conditions won't be covered. If you are able to take out illness cover, note that you won't be able to get cover for any pre-existing conditions. This sometimes means that you won't be covered for all conditions related to those illnesses and injuries. So if your pet shows any signs of a skin condition, all skin conditions will be excluded.
Exclusions for older dogs and cats
Pet insurance doesn't cover everything, and there are some specific exclusions relevant to older pets. These exclusions include:
- Pre-existing conditions that your pet was showing signs of or has been diagnosed with before you got insurance
- Organ transplant surgery, artificial limbs or prosthetics
- Dental procedures or dental diseases
- Treatment for diseases for which there is a known vaccine, including kennel cough and parvovirus
- Preventative treatments and vaccinations like flea/tick control, unless you can get routine cover
- Behavioural problems, or conditions that were caused by behavioural problems
- Grooming, including shampoos, baths, dips or any cosmetic surgeries
- Pet food or supplements, even ones recommended by your vet
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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.