Pet insurance for older and senior dogs for Britain’s most popular pet
As your dog gets older, you might notice a few little changes. They may take longer to get comfy, move a bit more carefully, or pause before climbing the stairs. That’s all part of growing older and it’s also a sign that their care needs are changing too.
Choosing the right insurance can help you stay one step ahead, giving your dog the support they need throughout their golden years, without the worry of unexpected vet bills.
We have a dedicated team based in the UK who aim to make insuring your pet easy, simple and transparent. We offer a range of Lifetime policies, unlimited 24/7 Video Consultations with a Vet and an online policy management portal which all give you greater flexibility in managing your policy, as well as the opportunity to earn £15 every time you refer a friend or family member.
Our Dog insurance cover levels
Your peace of mind and your dog's happiness is at the heart of everything we do. With our range of 15 levels of lifetime cover, you have the freedom to select the policy that best suits you and your pet. You know them best!
Our Defaqto 5 Star Rating applies to our Silver and Gold cover levels providing vet fees of between £6,000-£15,000.
Lifetime Bronze
- Lifetime cover
- Vets fees from £1,000-£5,000
- Flexible Excess Options
Lifetime Silver
- Lifetime cover
- Vets fees from £6,000-£10,000
- Flexible Excess Options
Lifetime Gold
- Lifetime cover
- Vets fees from £11,000-£15,000
- Flexible Excess Options
The Purely Pets Promise
At Purely Pets, we understand the importance of pet health. Our insurance policies are designed to give pet owners peace of mind, ensuring that your pets receive the highest standard of care when they need it the most.
Why choose Purely Pets
See the most popular breeds that we cover
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.
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:
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Submit claims online in just a few minutes
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Or ask your vet to handle everything through our portal
It’s quick, simple, and designed to take the pressure off when you need support most.
Ready to protect your ageing companion? Get a quote for senior dog insurance that covers the health challenges ahead.
How can I get cheaper Pet insurance for older and senior dogs?
If you’re looking to get cheaper insurance for older and senior dogs, you may want to consider these things:
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Keep your dog healthy
Providing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and ensuring your dog's vaccinations are up to date can help reduce the likelihood of health issues and vet visits. This not only benefits your dog's wellbeing but can also help keep your insurance premiums lower by reducing the chances of making a claim.
*It is important to note that preventative treatments such as vaccinations, neutering and spaying will not be covered by our insurance policies.
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.
How do I get a quote to insure my senior dog?
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:
At Purely Pets, you can get an online quote in minutes. We offer a variety of lifetime cover options with vet fees coverage ranging from £1,000 to £15,000, along with flexible excess choices, so you can find a policy suited to your needs and budget. If you'd like to speak with someone, our dedicated dog insurance team is available to help. Simply call us at 0330 102 5748 to discuss your options or get a quote.
Insuring an older and senior dog
Jennifer Macindoe, BVMS MRCVS
Veterinary SurgeonThe benefits of insuring a dog include financial protection, access to necessary treatments and specialist care, and peace of mind. Insurance provides reassurance that you’re prepared for unforeseen medical costs, allowing you to focus on your dog’s well-being.
Pet advice & news
What pet owners get wrong about dog insurance (And what’s actually true)
08/06/26
Dog insurance is one of the most misunderstood parts of responsible pet ownership. Many owners skip it, delay it, or buy the wrong policy simply because of myths they’ve heard online. Many pet owners worry about unexpected vet bills and the financial strain they can cause.
Common health conditions in senior pets and how insurance helps
05/06/26
Cancer and arthritis create the most important health challenges in older dogs. Cancer affects 18.2% of senior dogs. Senior pet care is an ongoing process that focuses on maintaining your senior pet's wellbeing, with regular veterinary care and insurance working together to support their health and happiness. Arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease appear more frequently in older pets. These conditions require ongoing medical attention that can strain your budget.
Do senior dogs need senior dog food?
03/06/26
As your faithful companion begins to age, you might start wondering whether their nutritional needs are changing. Is your pet getting everything they need from their current dog's diet? Or is it time to transition to a diet specifically formulated for senior dogs?
Frequently Asked Questions
You can find out more about our Pet insurance for older and senior dogs product below and there’s more help available on our FAQs page.
Yes — with Purely Pets, you can insure an older dog. There is no upper age limit for taking out a new policy, which means senior dogs can still benefit from comprehensive lifetime cover. This ensures your older companion continues to receive the care they need, even as age‑related health issues become more common*.
*Pre-existing conditions and conditions which have shown signs or symptoms before a new business policy starting, or within the waiting period are not covered. For more information on what may be covered by your policy, please refer to our policy wording documents or speak to one of our team.
Senior dogs may experience arthritis, dental problems, diabetes, and heart conditions more so than when they were in their heyday. These issues may require ongoing treatment and management.
Lifetime cover renews the benefit limit each year upon policy renewal. This may assist with chronic conditions requiring long-term management remain covered throughout your dog's life, providing financial support for ongoing health issues.
As all pet owners know, dogs are constantly getting themselves into trouble. So it comes as no surprise that dogs are quite prone to the odd bump and scratch.
The most common health problems seen in dogs include:
- Skin issues e.g. rashes and dermatitis
- Digestive problems e.g. vomiting and diarrhoea
- Ear infections
- Intestinal parasites
- Bacterial or yeast infections
- Gum disease
For possible exclusions to Purely Pets insurance policies, please refer to our policy wording.
No, at Purely Pets, you cannot cover more than one dog on the same insurance policy.
However, multiple pets can be insured but each pet will have their own benefit limits. Therefore, any claims that may happen will not impact the other pets policy.
Teeth cleaning or dental prophylaxis is important for your dog's oral health but is not covered by our dog insurance policies, as routine and preventative care is generally excluded. However, dental treatment due to accidents or illness may be covered, depending on your policy's terms and cover limit.
Purely Pets offers up to £2,000 cover for dental treatment on Gold & Silver Lifetime plans, and £500 on Bronze. Accident-related dental cover applies from year one, while dental illness cover starts after 12 months*. Coverage limits and exclusions, including pre-existing conditions, vary by policy. Please read the policy terms carefully when choosing your plan.
*Subject to evidence of annual dental check-ups, and any treatment recommended by the vet has been carried out at your own expense.
Yes, dog bites are generally covered under third party liability cover*. This protection helps if your dog injures someone or causes damage to another person's property. It can assist with legal expenses and compensation claims resulting from a dog bite incident. Our lifetime pet insurance policies include third party liability cover up to £2 million as part of our packages.
*If your dog has shown any aggressive tendencies prior to having cover on our policies, they will be excluded from cover.
Whether prescription dog food is covered by pet insurance depends largely on the terms and conditions of your specific policy. So it is important to review your policy details for further information.
No, we do not cover the costs associated with service dog training. This is because training expenses are generally considered separate from veterinary treatment or medical care, which pet insurance typically covers.
Yes, dog cataract surgery is often covered by our lifetime insurance policies. Cataracts can cause significant vision impairment or blindness in dogs, and surgery is typically the most effective treatment to restore sight.
Coverage for cataract surgery usually falls under veterinary treatment for illnesses or conditions that develop during the policy period, provided the condition is not pre-existing.
No, vaccinations will not be covered as they are considered routine treatment.
Emotional support dogs (ESAs) play a vital role in providing comfort and companionship to individuals dealing with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. While these dogs are not classified as service animals under the law, their importance to their owners is undeniable.
When it comes to pet insurance, emotional support dogs are generally covered in the same way as any other pet. This means that if your emotional support dog requires veterinary treatment due to illness or injury, your pet insurance policy should cover the costs according to the terms and conditions of your plan.
Yes, if it's medically necessary it might be covered, provided no signs or symptoms of the condition were present prior to policy inception. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a common condition for flat-faced pets, like French Bulldogs. You can find out if surgery for it is covered by calling us on 0330 102 5748 or checking the policy details.
Yes, our pet insurance policies do cover the treatment for cherry eye, provided that it is not a pre-existing condition or hereditary (inherited from the dog's parents). Cherry eye is a condition where the gland of the third eyelid prolapses and becomes visible as a red, swollen mass in the corner of the eye.
No, we do not offer cover for working dogs.
We will not cover the following breeds:
- African Crested dog
- Akita
- American Bulldog
- American Bully
- Australian Dingo
- Boar Hounds
- Bullmastiff
- Canadian Eskimo Dog
- Canadian Inuit
- Cane Corsos
- Chinese Shar Pei
- Chow Chow
- Cirenco Dell'etna
- Danish Pointer
- Dogo Argentinio / Argentinian Mastiff
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- English Pointer
- Eskimo Dog
- Fila Braziliero
- French Mastiff
- German Longhaired Pointer
- German Pointer
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- German Wire Haired Pointer
- Grand Bleu de Gascoigne
- Inuit
- Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Japanese Akita
- Japanese Tosa / Tosa Inus
- Mexican Hairless
- Northern Inuit
- Perro de Presa Canario
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Pocket Bully
- Pointer
- Pointer - German
- Pointer - German - Short
- Pointer - German - Wire
- Pointer Shorthaired
- Pointer Wirehaired
- Portuguese Podengo
- Portuguese Warren Hound
- Rottweiler
- Rottweiler (German)
- Segugio Italiano
- Shar Pei
- Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Tamaskan
- Utonagan
- Working Sheepdog
- XL Bully Type
- Any dogs listed under the Dangerous Dog Act 1991