No, they're not covered, as we don't include routine care like vaccinations, flea treatments, or spaying/neutering in our policies. But please don't worry – we're genuinely here to help you navigate all the important bits of your pet's health, making sure you have the support you truly need when it really matters most.
Protecting your furry friend's well-being with Senior Pet Insurance
Your pet is an essential part of the family, providing companionship and love.
Unforseen accidents and illnesses can strike at any time, and senior pet insurance provides financial assisstance during those moments, allowing you to focus on your pet's recovery rather than worrying about the costs.
Select your level of cover
So you have 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.
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
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Lifetime Silver
- Lifetime cover
- Vets fees from £6,000-£10,000
- Flexible Excess Options
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Lifetime Gold
- Lifetime cover
- Vets fees from £11,000-£15,000
- Flexible Excess Options
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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
24/7 unlimited video calls with a vet
Online claims management
Direct payment to vet
Lifetime cover up to £15,000
No upper age limit
What is considered an older pet?
Every pet grows older in their own way, shaped by their breed, size, and individual personality. Generally, pets are considered seniors as they move into the later stages of their expected lifespan.
For dogs, this often means slowing down somewhere between the ages of 7 and 10, although many breeds stay lively and full of character well into later life. Cats usually enter their senior years around 10 to 12 years old, with plenty quite content to snooze their way into their late teens and beyond.
Recognising when your pet is entering their golden years means you can offer a little extra comfort, care, and support when they need it most. Common signs of ageing include reduced activity levels, greying fur, changes in appetite, increased stiffness or joint niggles, and subtle changes in behaviour, sometimes just not quite acting like their usual selves.
A little understanding goes a long way, and with the right care, senior pets can continue to enjoy happy, contented lives.
Why insure an older pet?
Take a look at what you can expect to have covered when taking out Purely Pets Lifetime Gold:
Senior pet insurance exclusions
When you're thinking about senior pet insurance, it's really helpful to understand the typical exclusions that might apply to these policies. Like most insurers out there, we're unable to cover conditions your pet already had before your policy began. But we're absolutely here to help you manage everything else that comes along, and we'll always be completely transparent about what's included so there are never any unwelcome surprises.
Similar to many policies, everyday routine care such as vaccinations, dental cleanings, and preventative treatments like flea and worming medications typically aren't covered. Some of our more comprehensive plans might offer limited support for complementary therapies like physiotherapy or acupuncture, though these lovely extras aren't always part of standard policies. We want to be completely upfront with you, so you can make the very best decisions for your beloved pet's care and comfort.
How much does insuring an older pet cost?
The cost of insuring an older pet can vary quite a bit depending on a few important things, like:
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Your pet’s species
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Their breed
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Their age
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Overall health
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Where you live
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And the level of coverage you choose
It's completely natural that insurance for our older furry friends tends to cost a little more than for younger ones, simply because our senior companions often need that extra bit of care when dealing with age-related niggles or injuries.
They might also pop to the vet a bit more frequently, which can nudge up the cost of your premiums. But having that insurance there means you can simply focus on showering your beloved pet with all the love and attention they deserve, without those worries about unexpected vet bills hanging over you.
Why is pet insurance for older dogs important?
As dogs grow older, they can become a little more prone to health problems, things like stiff joints, dental issues, diabetes or heart concerns. These changes are perfectly normal, but they often mean more visits to the vet and ongoing care to keep them feeling their best. Pet insurance can really help here, giving you support with those vet bills so you can focus on keeping your dog comfortable and happy.
It’s also there for the unexpected, Senior dogs can be more vulnerable to sudden illnesses or accidents, and having insurance in place means you never have to hesitate about getting them the treatment they need. It’s all about giving you peace of mind and helping your best friend enjoy a relaxed, loving retirement by your side.
Why is pet insurance for older cats important?
As cats get older, they can become a little more vulnerable to long‑term health conditions things like kidney issues, hyperthyroidism or stiff, achy joints. These changes are completely normal, but they often mean more trips to the vet and regular check‑ups to keep them feeling their best. That’s where pet insurance becomes really helpful. It can take the pressure off worrying about vet bills, so you can focus on giving your feline friend the comfort and care they deserve.
Insurance also gives you peace of mind if something unexpected happens, like an accident or a sudden illness. Knowing your senior cat has support in place means you can get them the treatment they need without hesitation. It’s all about helping them stay happy, healthy and enjoying life’s cosy moments well into their golden years.
What if my senior pet has a pre-existing condition?
Pre‑existing conditions are health issues your pet had before your insurance policy started, or that showed signs during the waiting period. We know this can feel disappointing, but most senior pet insurance policies don’t cover pre‑existing conditions.
So, if your older pet was already diagnosed with a long‑term condition such as diabetes or arthritis before being insured, treatment for that condition usually won’t be included. Being open and honest about any known health issues when you apply helps avoid unexpected surprises when it comes to making a claim later on.
If you’re ever unsure, we’re here to guide you through the process with care, clarity, and understanding, so you know exactly where you stand.
Managing pre-existing conditions in older pets
While pre-existing conditions are generally excluded from coverage, there are still plenty of wonderful ways to proactively care for your senior pet's wellbeing:
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Regular check-ups with your friendly vet
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Keeping up a nutritious, balanced diet
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Following your vet’s advice on medications and lifestyle to help manage any chronic conditions with love and care
It's also really worth having an open, honest chat with your vet about treatment options that work beautifully for both your pet's comfort and your family budget. When you're well-informed and prepared, you can truly give your older companion the wonderful care they deserve, even when insurance might not stretch to cover absolutely everything. And remember, we're right here beside you, ready to help at every step of the journey.
How to choose the right senior pet insurance?
Choosing the best cover isn’t just about price, it’s about finding the right protection that truly cares for your beloved pet. Here’s how to discover the perfect policy for your older companion, so you can enjoy many happy, healthy years together with peace of mind.
1. Focus on policies tailored for senior pets
Take time to explore a lovely variety of senior pet insurance plans that fit comfortably with both your budget and your pet's unique health needs.
Here are some things to look out for:
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Policies specially designed with older dogs or cats lovingly in mind
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Generous coverage limits, especially for ongoing and chronic conditions that matter as your pet grows older
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Extra benefits like dental care, support for euthanasia, or handy access to vet helplines with Joii when you need a little reassurance
And remember, always take a moment to read the fine print carefully—especially around any exclusions for pre-existing conditions or age limits—so you can choose the best care for your beloved companion with complete confidence.
2. Understand excess and co-payment details
Every policy includes an excess which is the amount you pay upfront when making a claim. Many senior pet insurance plans also have a co-payment, which means you’ll cover a small percentage of the remaining vet fees after the excess is paid.
This lovely approach helps keep your premiums really affordable whilst making absolutely certain your treasured companion receives all the wonderful care they truly deserve. We're right here with you at every single step, so you can simply relax and savour all those beautiful moments with your furry friend, knowing their health is being looked after brilliantly.
How can you get cheaper cover for an older pet?
Insuring an older pet can sometimes feel a bit more expensive, but don’t worry—there are genuinely loads of ways to help keep those premiums nice and manageable. A big part of this comes down to showing insurers just how well you care for your furry friend, helping you both enjoy many happy, healthy years together. Here are some helpful tips:
How do I get a quote to insure my senior pet?
To get a senior pet insurance quote, we'll need some information about you and your pet, including:
Your pet's age and breed
Your personal details, such as your postcode
The level of cover you prefer
You can get an online quote for your pet in just a few minutes. We understand how much your furry friend means to you, so we provide a variety of lifetime coverage options with vets fees cover ranging from £1,000 to £15,000, along with flexible excess choices to suit your needs and budget.
If you'd prefer a friendly chat about the best plan for your beloved companion, our caring Pet Insurance team is always ready to help—just give us a ring on 0330 102 5748. We're genuinely excited to support you and your pet every step of the journey!
Pet advice & news
How to care for an elderly dog
20/05/26
Has your old dog started slowing down, sleeping more, or seeming a bit stiff after walks? You should know this: dogs over seven can be considered senior, while those over 12 are classified as geriatric. The average life expectancy of a dog is 12 years, so understanding their changing needs becomes significant for their quality of life.
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.
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.
Our Pet Insurance awards
Frequently Asked Questions
You can find out more about our Senior Pet insurance product below and there’s more help available on our FAQs page.
Yes, switching pet insurers for an older pet is absolutely possible, though it can sometimes feel just a little bit complicated.
When you move to a different provider, you might unfortunately lose coverage for any existing health conditions, even if your current insurer has been caring for them beautifully. This happens because a new insurer will treat your policy as completely fresh, and typically, pre-existing conditions won't be included in the cover.
Before you decide to make the switch, it's really worth taking a moment to think about a few important things:
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Does the new policy offer the same kind of coverage your pet currently enjoys?
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Have you made claims for any long-term conditions that might now be considered ‘pre-existing’?
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Will switching actually save you money, or could it mean losing some really important protection?
So whilst switching can definitely still be a brilliant option, particularly if your pet is in good health, it's so important to carefully check all the details before you go ahead. That way, you can feel completely confident your older companion keeps receiving all the support they need as they carry on enjoying life right by your side.
Yes, we absolutely provide cover for euthanasia and end-of-life care because we truly understand just how deeply important it is to be there for your beloved companion during their final moments.
If your vet recommends euthanasia to ease incurable and inhumane suffering, we'll help with up to £100 towards the cost, so you can simply focus on comforting your precious pet.
What's more, when your policy has been active for at least 36 months, we'll also cover cremation costs up to £100, helping to ease some of the emotional and financial burden during this incredibly difficult time.
We're genuinely here to support both you and your furry friend every single step of the way with warmth, care and compassion.
Watching your pet grow older can be emotional, but with a bit of forward planning, you can make their senior years wonderfully comfortable. A few small changes can help keep your cat or dog happy, healthy and enjoying life’s slower moments. Here’s how you can support them as they move into their golden years:
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Pop in for those yearly senior health checks: Regular visits to your vet are absolutely brilliant for spotting any little niggles early on and making sure your pet's care stays perfectly suited to their changing needs as they get older.
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Watch out for those subtle little changes: Keep a gentle eye on things like a bit less bounce in their step, slight shifts in how much they're eating, or small changes in their usual behaviour that might be whispering about age-related health concerns.
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Gently adjust their daily routine: A few thoughtful tweaks like softer exercise, wonderfully cosy bedding, and perhaps some gentle changes to their diet can make an absolutely enormous difference to how comfortable and content your pet feels.
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Have another look at your insurance: It's really worth taking a quiet moment to review your policy and double-check it's still giving your senior companion all the lovely coverage they truly need and deserve.
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Think ahead for those unexpected moments: It's such a comfort to have a trusted friend or family member who's ready and willing to step in and look after your precious furry companion if you ever need to be away unexpectedly.
Starting these simple steps early helps you enjoy your pet’s golden years with peace of mind and lots of love.
Yes, quite a few insurers do set an upper age limit when it comes to starting brand new policies, particularly for certain breeds or our larger furry friends.
But here's the lovely news, if your pet already has an active policy and you're keeping up beautifully with the premiums, your coverage will usually carry on even after your companion passes that age limit.
We'd always suggest having a friendly chat with your insurer just to be absolutely certain, so you can feel completely confident that your beloved pet stays wonderfully protected every single step of the way.
As pets grow older, they become more susceptible to chronic conditions and age-related health issues. It’s a good idea to visit your vet if your senior cat or dog shows signs like:
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Noticeable weight loss
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Changes in appetite or thirst
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Frequent urination
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Increased tiredness or low energy
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Changes in mood or behaviour
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Unusual smells in their coat
Spotting these little signs early means you can help your furry friend stay comfortable and healthy for much longer, and it can also help you avoid those unexpected vet bills further down the road. Remember, we're genuinely here to support both you and your beloved companion every single step of the way.
Yes, while your senior dog won’t be covered for any existing health issues, we’re here to support you and your furry friend every step of the way, helping you provide the best care possible for their golden years.
Yes, just like with dogs, your senior cat won’t be covered for any health issues they already had before getting insured. We know this can be tough to hear, but we’re here to support you and your furry friend every step of the way, helping you give them the best care and comfort in their golden years.
Maximum benefit policies provide a fixed amount per condition. Once this limit is reached, you won’t be able to claim for that condition again.
Lifetime cover renews your allowance each year, making it a wonderful choice for managing ongoing conditions like diabetes or arthritis, so you can keep your beloved companion comfortable and cared for year after year.