What to consider when choosing insurance for older dogs
Vet bills for senior pets
Older dogs often need a little extra medical care to stay happy and healthy. What may start as a routine check-up can sometimes turn into an ongoing treatment plan and costs can add up faster than you expect.
Some of the most common health issues seen in senior dogs include:
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Arthritis and joint problems - Most dogs deal with some joint discomfort as they age. The stiffness and pain can affect their daily life, and treatment might involve medications, supplements, or even physiotherapy sessions.
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Dental disease - Those pearly whites need extra care as dogs get older. Dental problems can snowball into bigger health issues, often requiring professional cleanings or tooth extractions.
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Chronic conditions - Things like kidney disease, heart problems, diabetes, and cancer become more common. These conditions need ongoing monitoring and treatment.
Regular blood tests, medications, and specialist visits add up quickly. Without preparation, these costs may catch you off guard.
How Purely Pets helps senior dogs
At Purely Pets, we understand just how special senior dogs are and our cover is designed to support them through every stage of life. Our policies may be able to help take the financial stress out of caring for your dog, so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your time together.
Lifetime cover up to £15,000
We offer 15 levels of lifetime cover, so you can choose the protection that best suits your dog’s needs and your budget.
Our Gold level gives you our highest level of cover, with up to £15,000 per year towards vet fees. Because our lifetime cover refreshes every year when you renew, long‑term and recurring conditions which are more common in older dogs can continue to be covered year after year.
24/7 vet video consultations
Health concerns arise outside of normal office hours, especially for senior dogs. To address this, Purely Pets offers unlimited 24/7 video consultations with qualified veterinarians through Joii.
You can access professional guidance at any time, eliminating unnecessary travel to a clinic (unless required, Joii will advise if a vet visit is needed). This service is particularly useful for dogs with mobility issues, health concerns late at night, if you’re on holiday and away from your usual veterinary practice, for pets who are particularly distressed about vet visits and are simply in need for general advice, or if you simply need some reassurance.
Best of all:
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It’s included at no extra cost across all of our policies
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There’s no excess to pay to use the 24/7 video vet consultations
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It doesn’t count as a claim on your policy
Dental cover for accidents and illness
Dental problems are common in older dogs and can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.
Purely Pets covers:
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Dental accidents from year one
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Dental illness for new conditions from year two, as long as you keep up with routine dental check-ups
This gives you added peace of mind when it comes to your senior dog’s oral health.
Direct payment to vets
Large vet bills can be stressful especially when payment is needed upfront. With Purely Pets, we can pay your vet directly, helping to reduce the financial pressure at a time when you have enough to think about already.
This can be particularly helpful for senior dogs who may need ongoing or specialist treatment.
Flexible excess options
Every owner’s budget is different. That’s why we offer flexible excess options, allowing you to shape your policy around what works for you.
You can balance your monthly premium with an excess level that feels comfortable while still making sure your older dog gets the care they deserve.
*A 20% co-payment is applicable for pets aged 6 and over. For more information about co-payments, please refer to your policy wording or speak to one our team.
Simple claims process when your dog needs treatment
When your dog needs treatment, the last thing you want is a complicated claims process.
With Purely Pets, you can:
It’s quick, simple, and designed to take the pressure off when you need support most.
How can I get a quote?
Getting a quote for an older dog is quite simple and straightforward. You will need to provide certain information about yourself and your pet. This includes details such as:
- Your personal details (name, address and contact information)
- Your pet's age and breed
To get a pet insurance quote for senior dogs, you can get a quote through our website. If you would like to talk to one our pet insurance specialists, you can get in touch with us on 0330 102 5748.