Protect your older dog’s health with a pet insurance policy
Select from plans that cover injuries and wellness care.
How pet insurance works for older dogs
Dog insurance for senior pets helps you provide the best care possible for your dog.
Visit your vet
Visit any vet, including specialists and emergency providers.
Submit your claim
Submit a claim along with your paid invoice.
Get reimbursed
Receive reimbursement for eligible vet expenses.
More coverage for your older dog than you’ll find anywhere else
With nearly four decades of experience protecting senior dogs, we know that coverage counts. Compare us to other pet insurance companies and you’ll understand why.
Every Nationwide pet insurance member enjoys:
Always There Pet CareSM
Use any vet, anywhere
VetHelpline®
Unlimited, 24/7 virtual pet telehealth
Nationwide PetRxExpress®
Save money on pet meds
Important Disclosures: Some exclusions may apply. For example, certain coverages may be excluded due to pre-existing or chronic conditions, or hereditary or congenital disorders. Other exclusions may apply. Please refer to the exclusions section of the policy for more information. Coverage limitations from waiting periods, deductibles, coinsurance, or policy limits may also apply. Premiums may increase at renewal based on various factors like a pet’s age, breed, location, or claim history depending on the plan selected. Wellness plans not available in all states.
Example reflects Modular Plan Accident only with $5,000 annual limit with 80% reimbursement and $250 annual deductible. This plan may not be available in all areas. Pre-existing conditions are not covered. Veterinary bill amount is based on expenses incurred in the first 30 days after initial diagnosis.
[1] Rate based on a 8 year old mixed (Medium 21-50lbs) dog in 60615 (Chicago, IL) for the Modular Pet Insurance plan with Accident only coverage, $5,000 annual limit with 80% coinsurance and $250 annual deductible.
Had we not had [Nationwide] insurance when the accident happened, it would have been thousands of dollars out of pocket.
- Mark and Annie, pet parents of Grayson Haze
Health & wellness for senior dogs
At this age, it’s all about quality of life. Your dog may walk a little slower, but that tail still wags at lightning speed. Monitor your senior dog’s health with routine wellness check-ups.
FAQs about older dog pet insurance
Different breeds age at different rates, but on average, a dog is considered “senior” after their 8th birthday.
It’s always a good idea to have a pet insurance plan, no matter your dog’s age. If you’re enrolling your older dog in an accident plan for the first time, certain things may be excluded from coverage as pre-existing. However, preventive care coverage is available without exclusions and is a great way to keep up with your older dog’s annual checkups and wellness care.
We want to make care accessible to as many pets as possible, which is why we try to keep exclusions to a minimum. Please see your policy for full details.
Our older dog plans don’t cover:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Illness
- Congenital & hereditary conditions
- Waste disposal
- Boarding/grooming
- Tax
The monthly premium for a dog insurance plan for an older dog depends on the type of coverage selected but starts at around $10/month.
As a pet parent, you want to make sure providing the care your dog needs doesn’t become a financial burden. Pet insurance policies reimburse you for your pet’s care so you can focus on keeping your pet healthy—not on what it costs.
Unfortunately, pet insurance companies don’t generally cover pre-existing conditions. However, Nationwide does allow members to request reviews of pre-existing conditions that have been cured, in which case an exception may be added so the condition would be covered.
The annual limit depends on the pet health insurance coverage you select for your dog. See your policy documents for details.
A lot of pet insurance companies have come and gone. The key to picking one you can count on is stability and experience. Some insurance companies pay to use the names of well-known organizations. With Nationwide, what you see is what you get: one of the largest and most trusted financial services companies in the world.
Pet insurance policies reimburse you for your dog’s veterinary care—including costs for accidents and wellness care. With Nationwide, you’re free to use any licensed veterinarian.
Prescription food is covered under certain plan types or can be added to other plans with the purchase of an optional rider. Call our sales team to learn more about prescription food coverage options.
Unfortunately, dogs that are 8 years and older are not eligible to enroll in hereditary coverage.
You’re free to use any licensed veterinarian, including specialists and emergency providers.
Wellness coverage for routine care is available, including physical exams, vaccinations, flea/tick preventives and more.
The amount of coverage you choose depends on your budget and whether you want wellness coverage for expected costs like checkups and vaccinations.
You can add or reduce coverage during your annual policy renewal period. Note: Certain coverage or product upgrades may require underwriting review.