a senior dog lies on green grass

Senior dog insurance
 

At Petplan, we understand that our dogs are part of our pack, no matter their age. So, if your loyal companion does get ill or injured, it can be a worrying time. 

As our dogs get older, they can become more prone to illness and injury. That's why it's wise to consider pet insurance for your pooch, if you don't already have a policy in place, to ensure you can get them the best care in their golden years.  

When choosing pet insurance, remember that not all policies are the same and some senior pet policies may not cover the things you need them to. Take the time to research your options carefully so you can protect your senior friend and your peace of mind.

Our Claims Pricing Guarantee means we'll never charge you more for claiming.

Learn about Claims Pricing Guarantee
Over £5 million paid every week to help pets get the veterinary treatment they need.

Learn more about 97% claims paid
We can pay your vet directly and you can claim online. We pay 90% of claims in 5 working days.

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Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy & pet therapies

Along with physiotherapy, which is covered within the Vet Bills benefit, we also cover Pet Therapies like herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. You can also claim for hydrotherapy, up to £500 per illness/injury in dogs and cats (no additional limit for rabbits).

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Dental illness & injury

Dental illness & injury

Our cover includes the cost of treating dental illnesses and injuries, you just need to make sure you keep up with your pets annual veterinary dental checks.

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Cancer treatments

Cancer treatments & injury

With our cover your vet can choose the most appropriate and successful treatment for the type of cancer your pet has such as surgical removal, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation.

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Diagnostic tests

Diagnostic tests

We cover the cost of MRI scans, CT scans and ultrasounds so your vet can diagnose problems quickly.

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Hereditary conditions

Hereditary conditions

A condition that your pet has inherited or is predisposed to such as hip dysplasia. We will cover conditions that haven't shown symptoms before the start of your policy.

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Physical & online consultations

Physical & online consultations

We cover the costs of telephone/video consultations as well as face to face vet consultations to give you the flexibility to choose how your pet is treated.

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Prescription medicine

Prescription medicine

We cover medicines that have been prescribed when your pet is unwell (doesn't include routine care like fleas or worming).

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Behavioural conditions

Behavioural conditions

Including therapy and drugs for behavioural problems such as separation anxiety or reactivity. We don't set hidden limits so you can claim up to the vet fees maximum benefit.

Surgery & specialised care

Surgery & specialised care

When needed for an injury or illness, we cover the cost of surgery and specialist procedures, like chemotherapy.

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Congenital conditions

Congenital conditions

An illness that exists since birth but doesn’t necessarily show symptoms right away. We will cover conditions that haven't shown symptoms before the start of your policy.

Senior dogs can be more prone to illness and injury than younger pets, meaning unexpected vet bills can be more likely. Dog insurance can help you cover the cost of vet bills, meaning you can focus on getting the best care for your pet when they're ill or injured.

The price of pet insurance can vary enormously and is dependent on a range of different things such as where you live and your pet's species and breed, as well as their age. Premiums are calculated based on what you tell your provider about your pet, meaning the cost of your policy will be unique to your dog. 

As senior dogs tend to be more likely to suffer illnesses or injuries, your premium will be higher than if you were to insure a younger pet. If you insure your dog with Petplan, our Claims Pricing Guarantee means that we’ll never charge you more for claiming so that you can focus on helping your dog recover. 

Vaccinations aren't just for puppies; your senior dog will still need annual vaccinations to keep them protected against common canine illnesses. Vaccinations aren't normally covered on pet insurance policies, so this is something you'll need to consider when budgeting for your pet. Vaccinations are important for insurance too; if your pet becomes ill with a condition that could have been prevented and their vaccines aren't up to date, any treatment for that condition may not be covered. When you take out a pet insurance policy, you should always check your Terms and Conditions and Certificate of Insurance carefully to understand what vaccinations your provider requires.

Senior dogs will generally receive the standard course of annual booster vaccines for adult dogs, so there shouldn't be any surprises! The cost of these vaccinations can vary based on a number of factors such as which vaccines you're offered, where you are in the UK and how much your vet charges. However, on average you can expect to pay around £70 - £100 for a course of annual booster vaccinations. This price might also include other essential preventative treatments such as worming and flea and tick treatments.

Petplan has been helping pet owners access the best care for their pets for over 45 years. Explore our award-winning pet insurance policies:
We also offer multipet discount if you have more than one furry friend
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It's important to compare the veterinary cover carefully when choosing pet insurance. We asked Professor Noel Fitzpatrick what to look out for.
Professor Noel Fitzpatrick in a black shirt gently holds a tabby cat
"Not all pet insurance is the same - choose wisely to get the best care for your animal."
Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick is kneeling on the ground, interacting lovingly with a golden retriever
"Every pet parent should ask these 3 questions before they insure their pet..."
In a veterinary clinic, Noel Fitzpatrick examines a dog.
"It's about value over many years rather than looking for a short-term deal"
Professor Noel Fitzpatrick in a veterinary clinic with an orange cat on a table.
"Cover restrictions can limit the diagnostic tools at your vet's disposal"
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Petplan is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited (Registered in England No. 1282939) and Allianz Insurance plc (Registered in England No. 84638), Registered office: 57 Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1DB.

Pet Plan Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 311969. Allianz Insurance plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register No. 121849. Pet Plan Limited is a subsidiary of Allianz Insurance plc.