Pet insurance for older dogs.
Learn about pet insurance for older dogs. Find out what kind of care they need when they get older. And what the options are with Tesco Pet Insurance.
Published: 14 January 2026
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Finding the best pet insurance for older dogs
If your best friend’s getting a little grey around the muzzle, it’s worth thinking about your pet insurance. As dogs get older, they often need a bit more care - and vet bills can add up fast.
We explain how Tesco Pet Insurance can help with those costs. Plus, what to look out for with senior dogs. And how to find the best pet insurance for older dogs based on your budget.
What is older dog pet insurance?
For pet insurance, a senior dog is usually around 8 years old, but it depends on the type of dog you have.
With Tesco Pet Insurance, your dog’s overage when they reach either 5 or 8 years old, depending on their breed. After that, your premiums and excess are likely to change.
To learn more about different breeds of dog, check out our breeds guide - Dog and cat breeds guide.
Do you need pet insurance for older dogs?
As your dog gets older, their health, energy levels and behaviour might change. As a result, they’ll probably need a bit more looking after. And if they need to see a vet, it can end up being very expensive.
Having pet insurance can give you some financial protection in case your dog needs treatment. And with cover in place, you won’t have to worry about paying the vet bills all by yourself.
The right cover can also give you peace of mind, knowing your four-legged friend will be well looked-after as they head into old age.
For more info on pet insurance, see our guide - Why should I get pet insurance?
It’s worth noting that not all insurance providers offer cover for older dogs. Some pet and dog insurance policies have an upper age limit. And when your dog reaches that limit, your cover will end.
What to think about for older dogs
Here are a few things that can affect the health and wellbeing of an older dog. It could help you when thinking about your pet insurance.
- Age-related conditions: arthritis, dental issues, heart conditions and diabetes are more common as dogs get older.Age-related conditions: arthritis, dental issues, heart conditions and diabetes are more common as dogs get older.
- Ongoing treatment: long-term medication, repeat tests and referrals can make pet insurance more important - and vet bills more expensive.Ongoing treatment: long-term medication, repeat tests and referrals can make pet insurance more important - and vet bills more expensive.
- Your budget now and later: premiums and contributions can increase as your dog gets older, especially if you make a claim.Your budget now and later: premiums and contributions can increase as your dog gets older, especially if you make a claim.
- The right level of vet fee cover: some treatments can run into thousands of pounds. Choose a limit that suits your needs.The right level of vet fee cover: some treatments can run into thousands of pounds. Choose a limit that suits your needs.
- Pre-existing conditions: these aren’t covered by most policies, including Tesco Pet Insurance.Pre-existing conditions: these aren’t covered by most policies, including Tesco Pet Insurance.
For some tips on looking after older dogs, see our guide - Caring for older pets.
Is pet insurance for older dogs more expensive?
The short answer is yes. Unfortunately, as your dog gets older, they’re more likely to get unwell. Just like us. So it usually costs more to insure an older dog.
If you have Tesco Pet Insurance, your premium and the way your excess works will change as your dog gets older. When your dog turns either 5 or 8 years old, depending on their breed:
- an Overage Excess will apply to your policyan Overage Excess will apply to your policy
- you'll have to pay 20% of any claim you make from then onyou'll have to pay 20% of any claim you make from then on
If your dog’s already overage, your excess will be higher when you take out a policy.
For full details of our cover, it’s always best to read the policy booklet.
Types of pet insurance for older dogs
We know how important it is to find the right senior dog insurance as your pup gets older and needs more care. That’s why Tesco Pet Insurance provides cover for your dog in their twilight years. So you can give them the care they deserve at that age.
You can choose from 3 different types of cover:
Lifetime Pet Insurance
Covers vet fees up to £3,000, £5,000, £7,500 or £11,000, depending on the limit you choose.
Your vet fees limit will be reinstated each year, as long as you renew your policy and there’s no break in cover.
Maximum Benefit
Covers vet fees for new illnesses and accidental injuries up to the maximum amount on your policy. This amount is known as your vet fees limit and can be either £5,000 or £7,500 per condition.
Time Limited
Covers short-term treatment for your cat or dog, if they get sick or have an accident.
The benefits of Tesco Pet Insurance for older dogs
These are just some of the benefits with Tesco Pet Insurance.
- Cover for any age of dog. We provide dog insurance from 8 weeks old to very old. There’s no upper age limit.Cover for any age of dog
We provide dog insurance from 8 weeks old to very old. There’s no upper age limit. - 24/7 vetfone helpline. Get advice for your dog by phone or video call, whenever you need it. From behavioural and nutritional issues to age-related medical problems.24/7 vetfone helpline
Get advice for your dog by phone or video call, whenever you need it. From behavioural and nutritional issues to age-related medical problems. - Multi pet discount. Take out cover for more than one cat or dog and get a discount on each pet insurance policy you buy. Terms and conditions apply.Multi pet discount
Take out cover for more than one cat or dog and get a discount on each pet insurance policy you buy. Terms and conditions apply. - Clubcard Prices. Save money on all Tesco Pet Insurance policies with your Clubcard.Clubcard Prices
Save money on all Tesco Pet Insurance policies with your Clubcard.
A pet insurance checklist for older dogs
Here are a few quick checks to help you choose pet insurance for your older pooch.
- 1. Cover type - Do you want ongoing help, year after year (Lifetime). Are you happy with a limit per condition (Maximum Benefit). Or would you be fine with a time limit (Time Limited)? 1. Cover type - Do you want ongoing help, year after year (Lifetime). Are you happy with a limit per condition (Maximum Benefit). Or would you be fine with a time limit (Time Limited)?
- 2. Vet fee limit - If your dog has a known condition, or is a higher-risk breed, you might want to choose a higher limit.2. Vet fee limit - If your dog has a known condition, or is a higher-risk breed, you might want to choose a higher limit.
- 3. Excess and share of claim - Make sure you understand the fixed excess on your policy. And find out what you’ll have to pay towards a claim when your dog reaches a certain age.3. Excess and share of claim - Make sure you understand the fixed excess on your policy. And find out what you’ll have to pay towards a claim when your dog reaches a certain age.
- 4. Dental cover - If dental cover matters to you, make sure it’s included.4. Dental cover - If dental cover matters to you, make sure it’s included.
- 5. Budget for the future - Your premium and share of any claim is likely to go up as your dog gets older and after you make a claim. Make sure your cover’s affordable, now and in the future.5. Budget for the future - Your premium and share of any claim is likely to go up as your dog gets older and after you make a claim. Make sure your cover’s affordable, now and in the future.
Refer a friend - and get a Tesco Gift Card
Refer a friend if you’re a Tesco Pet Insurance customer. And you’ll both get a £30 Tesco Gift Card as part of our pet insurance rewards. T&Cs apply.
Help for Pet Insurance customers
Find out how to manage your policy or make a claim if you have Tesco Pet Insurance.
Important information
Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.
vetfone is provided by Vetsdirect Ltd.
You'll find complete details of the cover, monetary limits, exclusions, excesses and terms in our policy documents.
Learn more about Pet Insurance for older dogs
Find cover for the older dog in your life and save money with your Clubcard. Choose Lifetime, Maximum Benefit or Time Limited.