Pet insurance for older and senior dogs

Your peace of mind

Their forever happiness

  • 98% claims paid *
  • 24/7 vet video consultations
  • Claims paid directly to vets
  • Interest free payments
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Pet insurance for older and senior dogs from Purely Pets

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.

Select your level of cover

So you've decided to get your pet insured. That's great news! Here at Purely Pets, we offer 15 levels of Lifetime Cover - allowing you to choose the policy that suits your budget and requirements.

5* rating applicable to Cat vet fees £6000+ and Dog vet fees £8000+

The Purely Pet Promise

At Purely, we’re here to support you. That’s why we offer a 24 Hour Vet Helpline free of charge to all of our customers. Our easy to use online portal ‘Manage My Policy’, enables you to access to your policy 24hrs a day. This provides greater flexibility, allowing you to manage your policy at a time that suits you, so that you can spend more time with your furry friends, and less time managing your insurance. Get a quote

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Why choose Purely Pets?

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24 hour Vet Helpline for all customers

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There’s no upper age limit

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Easy online claims process

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Payments made direct to vet

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15 levels of Lifetime cover

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Lifetime Cover up to £15,000

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Flexible Excess Options

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Manage your policy online

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Award winning Pet Insurance!

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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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:

  • It’s included at no extra cost across all of our policies

  • There’s no excess to pay to use the 24/7 video vet consultations

  • 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:

  • Dental accidents from year one

  • 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:

  • Submit claims online in just a few minutes

  • 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.

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.

Pet advice & news

A Child And Dog Together

Are pets the new children?

13/05/26

Pets are not literally children, but for millions of UK households, they now occupy a remarkably similar emotional and practical space. Around three in ten couples in the mid-2020s are choosing pets instead of, or before, having human children, and surveys show over 61% of people under 40 agree that pets have become the new kids.

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Allergies in dogs

21/04/26

Allergies in dogs or allergic dermatitis is when a pet’s immune system is triggered by an allergen. To most dogs these allergens are harmless but a pet with allergies will have an extreme reaction to them.

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Why yelling at your dog can throw them off balance

08/04/26

If you’ve ever raised your voice at your dog, even unintentionally, new research suggests it may have more impact than you realise. Beyond emotional stress, a recent scientific study shows that yelling at your dog, or even speaking in an emotionally charged tone, can physically destabilise them. Insights from dog psychology help explain why dogs are so sensitive to our tone and emotional cues.

Our Pet Insurance awards

Bia award
British Claims award winner 2019
Defaqto award 2020
Insurance Choice Awards 2019
UK Broker Awards 2019
Moneyfacts Consumer awards 2019
Bia award
British Claims award winner 2019
Defaqto award 2020
Insurance Choice Awards 2019
UK Broker Awards 2019
Moneyfacts Consumer awards 2019
Bia award
British Claims award winner 2019
Defaqto award 2020
Insurance Choice Awards 2019
UK Broker Awards 2019
Moneyfacts Consumer awards 2019
Bia award
British Claims award winner 2019
Defaqto award 2020
Insurance Choice Awards 2019
UK Broker Awards 2019
Moneyfacts Consumer awards 2019

FAQs for older dog and senior dog pet insurance

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.

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.

The cost of insurance for an older dog varies depending on several factors, including your dog’s age, breed, location, previous claims (if you’re looking for a renewal), the level of cover you choose, and the general of veterinary treatment.

Purely Pets offers 15 levels of Lifetime Cover, giving owners flexible price points to suit different budgets.

While exact costs differ per pet, premiums generally increase as dogs age due to a higher likelihood of medical treatment. To find out more about how much senior dog insurance may cost, get a free quote through online from us here at Purely Pets

Senior dogs insured with Purely Pets may benefit from comprehensive lifetime protection. Depending on the level of cover you select, your policy can include:

  • Lifetime vet fee cover up to £15,000 per year.

  • Flexible cover options ranging from £1,000 - £15,000

  • 24/7 vet video consultations, offering immediate expert advice whenever and wherever you need it.

  • Dental cover (accidents in year one; accidents and dental illness from year two ).

  • Direct payment to vets, helping reduce upfront financial stress.

  • Flexible excess options

Policies also continue to cover ongoing and recurring conditions each year, as long as the insurance is renewed without a break in cover. For more information on which conditions are covered by your policy, please refer to our policy wording or speak to a member of our team*.

*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.