How Does Cost of Pet Insurance Change as Pets Get Older?

Introduction

Pet insurance is becoming a standard part of responsible pet ownership, offering financial protection against unexpected veterinary bills. However, one important factor that can influence your decision to purchase a plan is the cost — and how that cost changes as your pet ages.

Many pet owners are surprised to find that premiums increase over time, especially once their dog or cat reaches senior status. But why does that happen? And how much more can you expect to pay as your pet grows older?

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore how pet insurance costs change with age, why older pets are more expensive to insure, and how to plan ahead to keep coverage both effective and affordable.

Do Pet Insurance Premiums Increase With Age?

Yes, they do. The cost of pet insurance increases as your pet gets older — often rising significantly after age 5 to 7, depending on the breed and species. This is because older pets are more likely to:

• Develop chronic health conditions
• Require ongoing treatments
• Need frequent vet visits and medications
• Experience emergencies like organ failure or cancer

Since insurance is designed to share financial risk, insurers raise premiums to offset the growing likelihood of expensive claims from aging pets.

Average Cost of Pet Insurance by Age

While exact prices vary by provider, coverage level, and location, here’s a general estimate of monthly premiums for accident and illness plans in 2025:

These estimates reflect standard accident and illness coverage with moderate deductibles and 80% reimbursement rates. Premiums may be higher for purebred animals or those in large metropolitan areas.

Why Older Pets Cost More to Insure

1. Higher Risk of Illness

As pets age, they are more likely to develop medical conditions such as:

• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Cancer
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Heart disease

These conditions often require long-term management, including tests, prescriptions, and specialist visits — which increase the insurer’s cost.

2. Increased Frequency of Claims

Younger pets typically visit the vet only for vaccinations and minor injuries. In contrast, senior pets may have multiple health issues that require frequent vet visits, lab work, medications, and monitoring.

This increased usage of the policy leads insurers to adjust premiums annually to reflect the growing likelihood of claims.

3. Lifespan Expectations

Most pets experience the bulk of their health issues in the final few years of life. Insurance companies calculate premium rates based on life stage and breed. As pets move into their senior years, the chances of a high-cost emergency (like cancer surgery or organ failure) go up, and so does the premium.

How Much Does the Cost Increase Year Over Year?

Most pet insurance plans are age-rated, meaning your premium will automatically adjust every year. On average:

• Dogs see an annual increase of 10% to 20%
• Cats may experience a 5% to 15% increase
• In senior years, increases may exceed 30% per year, depending on breed and health

For example, a policy that cost $40/month when your dog was 3 years old might rise to $85–$100/month by the time they reach age 10.

Do All Insurance Companies Raise Rates the Same Way?

No — each provider has its own approach to pricing. Some insurers increase premiums more sharply than others. There are generally three pricing models:

1. Age-Based Increases: Rates rise yearly as your pet ages
2. Flat Rate at Signup: Some providers lock in your rate when you enroll (rare)
3. Community Rating: Premiums may rise based on the insurer’s overall claim costs across all pets (less common)

Before enrolling, read the fine print and ask the provider:

• How rates change over time
• Whether there are caps on annual increases
• How pre-existing conditions affect renewals

Does the Cost Always Reflect Your Pet’s Health?

Interestingly, your pet’s personal health history doesn’t always affect your premium directly — unless you switch providers. Most pet insurers base increases on age and breed rather than individual claims history.

However, if your pet has a pre-existing condition and you cancel or change providers, the new insurer will likely exclude that condition from coverage. This means staying with your original provider can be financially safer in the long run, even if premiums rise.

Is Pet Insurance Still Worth It for Older Pets?

Yes — in many cases, pet insurance is still a wise investment for senior pets, especially if:

• You already have a policy in place from a younger age
• Your pet is prone to age-related health conditions
• You want financial help with medications, diagnostics, and chronic care
• You don’t want to make difficult decisions based on cost during an emergency

However, if your senior pet already has several pre-existing conditions, new policies may offer limited value. In that case, consider alternatives like wellness plans or pet savings accounts for predictable expenses.

How to Manage Pet Insurance Costs as Your Pet Ages

If you’re concerned about rising premiums, here are a few strategies to keep insurance affordable:

1. Enroll Early

Getting insurance while your pet is still young and healthy locks in lower rates and ensures more conditions are covered.

2. Adjust Deductibles or Reimbursement Rates

Many providers let you choose:

• A higher deductible (e.g., $500 instead of $250)
• A lower reimbursement rate (e.g., 70% instead of 90%)

These adjustments can significantly reduce your monthly cost while still offering helpful protection for large expenses.

3. Choose a Budget-Friendly Plan

Some providers offer accident-only plans for senior pets, which are cheaper and can still help cover emergencies like falls or injuries.

4. Look for Multi-Pet Discounts

If you have more than one pet, bundling their policies may save you 5% to 10% per month.

Conclusion

So, how does the cost of pet insurance change as pets get older? Simply put, it increases — sometimes gradually, sometimes sharply — depending on your pet’s breed, age, and insurance provider. The reason is straightforward: older pets are more likely to need expensive, ongoing veterinary care, and insurance pricing reflects that risk.

While rising premiums can feel frustrating, having a solid insurance plan in place can make all the difference when it comes to giving your pet the best care without financial stress. If you’re already insured, consider sticking with your provider to avoid exclusions. And if you’re just getting started, the earlier you enroll, the better.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your pet’s needs, your financial situation, and your desire for peace of mind in the face of unexpected veterinary costs.