Can you get insurance for older pets?

Why is it more expensive?

As your pet ages they are more likely to fall ill or suffer an injury that could lead to an expensive claim.

If you already have cover, the cost will go up as your pet gets older, so you could save by comparing pet insurance quotes to find a better deal.

Be careful before you cancel your existing policy though, because not all insurers cover pets over a certain age, especially if they have existing medical conditions.

At what age is your pet old?

For pets like rabbits it will be lower, usually five years old, but for horses the maximum age can be as high as 20 years old.

What cover can you get?

You should be able to get cover for things like:

• Veterinary fees

• Third party liability*

• Loss or theft

• Boarding fees if you are taken to hospital

• Death by illness or injury

* Dogs only

Check the policy documents carefully for any exclusions before you buy. Here is what can be excluded from a pet insurance policy and what could stop your insurer paying a claim.

Here is more information on what is covered by a pet insurance policy.

Contributing to claims

Some insurers insist you contribute towards the cost of the claim above the excess once your pet reaches a certain age. This is called co-insurance.

For a claim to cover vet fees of £350, you might have to pay:

This means insurers can offer you lower premiums because you cover some of the cost yourself. Check the policy carefully to see if co-insurance is included before you buy cover.

How can you get cheaper cover?

The best way to find cheaper cover for your old pet is to compare as many policies as you can. You need to look for:

• Insurers that offer cover for your pet's age

• What cover is offered and what the claim limits are

• Any exclusions like death by illness

Once you have found policies that can cover your pet and offer the protection they need, you should look at the price to find the best possible deal.

Are there any alternatives?

If you cannot find affordable cover for your older pet, or other exclusions prevent you from finding insurance, there are other things you can do:

• Use a savings account to pay in as much as you can afford to each month to pay for unexpected vet fees. You can compare savings accounts here.

• Charities can help with your vet bills if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits. This guide explains which charities could help you

However, you might face other costs that only pet insurance can cover.

For example, if your dog causes injury to someone you could face bills of thousands of pounds.

Third party liability in a pet insurance policy is designed to cover these risks, so it may be worth paying the extra cost to protect against them.

Here is how you can get help with your vet bills