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Protect your older dog’s health with a customized pet insurance policy

Select from plans that cover injuries, illnesses 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.

  • Older Dogs Insurance How Pet Insurance works for older dogs List Visit your vet Icon

    Visit your vet

    Visit any vet, including specialists and emergency providers.

  • Older Dogs Insurance How Pet Insurance works for older dogs List Submit your claim Icon

    Submit your claim

    Submit a claim along with your paid invoice.

  • Older Dogs Insurance How Pet Insurance works for older dogs List Get reimbursed Icon

    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.

Older dog insurance coverage highlights

Accident

When trouble comes looking for your pet, we've got you covered.

Pre-existing conditions are not covered.

Reimbursement example

Veterinary bill

$2,291

You pay only

$458

Reimbursement shown based on an 80% plan after the annual deductible has been met.

Broken bonesBroken leg with surgical repair

Reimbursement

$1,833

Reimbursement shown based on an 80% plan after the annual deductible has been met.

Illness

When trouble comes looking for your pet, we've got you covered.

Pre-existing conditions are not covered.

Reimbursement example

Veterinary bill

$126

You pay only

$25

Reimbursement shown based on an 80% plan after the annual deductible has been met.

Ear infectionsInfection in the outer ear canal

Reimbursement

$101

Reimbursement shown based on an 80% plan after the annual deductible has been met.

Wellness

When trouble comes looking for your pet, we've got you covered.

Reimbursement example

Veterinary bill

$56

You pay only

$16

Reimbursement shown based on schedule of benefits. No annual deductible.

Wellness examWellness exam (no medical issues)

Reimbursement

$40

Reimbursement shown based on schedule of benefits. No annual deductible.

Accident

When trouble comes looking for your pet, we've got you covered.

Pre-existing conditions are not covered.

Reimbursement example

Veterinary bill

$2,291

You pay only

$458

Reimbursement shown based on an 80% plan after the annual deductible has been met.

Broken bonesBroken leg with surgical repair

Reimbursement

$1,833

Reimbursement shown based on an 80% plan after the annual deductible has been met.

Illness

When trouble comes looking for your pet, we've got you covered.

Pre-existing conditions are not covered.

Reimbursement example

Veterinary bill

$126

You pay only

$25

Reimbursement shown based on an 80% plan after the annual deductible has been met.

Ear infectionsInfection in the outer ear canal

Reimbursement

$101

Reimbursement shown based on an 80% plan after the annual deductible has been met.

Wellness

When trouble comes looking for your pet, we've got you covered.

Reimbursement example

Veterinary bill

$56

You pay only

$16

Reimbursement shown based on schedule of benefits. No annual deductible.

Wellness examWellness exam (no medical issues)

Reimbursement

$40

Reimbursement shown based on schedule of benefits. No annual deductible.

Every Nationwide pet insurance member enjoys:

Some exclusions may apply. Certain coverages may be excluded due to pre-existing conditions. See policy documents for a complete list of exclusions. Plans may not be available in all states. New policies include a required waiting period. Policy eligibility may vary. Premiums vary based on the age of the pet, species, size (as an adult), plan type, deductible, and state of residence. Wellness plans not available in all states.

Having pet insurance means that we can provide the care that she needs without worrying about going broke. It’s good for her, it’s good for us.

- Melissa, pet parent of Freyja

Group 3125

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.

Top health issues affecting older dogs

Accident
Broken bonesBroken leg with surgical repair
$2,291
risk level
Illness
CancerCancer of the lymph nodes
$1,134
risk level
Illness
Hip dysplasiaDeformity of the hip requiring surgery

Hereditary & Congenital

$3,332
risk level
Wellness
Annual examWellness exam (no medical issues)
$56
risk level

We protect dogs and dog parents

FAQs about 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 a medical 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 plans generally don’t cover:

  • Pre-existing 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 $39/month.

As your dog ages, they are more and more likely to have health issues. As a pet parent, you want to make sure providing the best care possible for your dog doesn’t become a financial burden. Pet insurance policies reimburse you for your pet’s medical 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 for reimbursement depends on the product and coverage level selected. Medical insurance for accidents and illnesses often has an unlimited annual reimbursement option, while some wellness coverage plans have defined benefit amounts.

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 medical costs, wellness and even hereditary conditions. 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.

Yes, depending on the type of coverage you select.

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 your pet’s breed. Factors to consider include how much medical care is typical for your pet’s breed, 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.

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.