Rainwalk provides the best pet insurance for senior dogs in MoneyGeek's analysis, delivering affordable rates and excellent customer experience. AKC, Lemonade, Nationwide and Pets Best are also great alternatives worth considering for older dogs.
Best Pet Insurance for Senior Dogs
Updated: August 11, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Rainwalk offers the best pet insurance for senior dogs among the providers we analyzed, with a 4.7 out of 5.0 score.
Rainwalk is the cheapest company for senior dog insurance, providing rates at $74 monthly on average.
To get the best value for your older dog, compare multiple quotes, read customer reviews and understand the terms and conditions before signing up for a policy.
What Are the Best Senior Dog Pet Insurance Companies?
| Rainwalk | 4.7 | $893 | 1 | 4 |
| AKC | 4.4 | $1,319 | 3 | 1 |
| Lemonade | 4.35 | $1,007 | 3 | 6 |
| Nationwide | 3.8 | $1,284 | 4 | 9 |
| Pets Best | 3.7 | $1,712 | 5 | 2 |
Best Pet Insurance for Senior Dogs by State
Rainwalk is the best provider for senior dog insurance in 37 states, while AKC is the top choice in 10 states and Lemonade wins 3 states. Your annual premiums may range from $602 to $1,625, depending on your location.
| Alabama | Rainwalk | $616 |
| Alaska | AKC | $1,279 |
| Arizona | Rainwalk | $1,106 |
| Arkansas | Rainwalk | $602 |
| California | AKC | $1,625 |
| Colorado | Rainwalk | $1,161 |
| Connecticut | AKC | $1,473 |
| Delaware | Rainwalk | $931 |
| Florida | Rainwalk | $1,142 |
| Georgia | Rainwalk | $778 |
| Hawaii | AKC | $1,314 |
| Idaho | Rainwalk | $870 |
| Illinois | Rainwalk | $938 |
| Indiana | Rainwalk | $792 |
| Iowa | Rainwalk | $854 |
| Kansas | Rainwalk | $731 |
| Kentucky | AKC | $1,037 |
| Louisiana | Rainwalk | $780 |
| Maine | AKC | $1,579 |
| Maryland | Rainwalk | $943 |
| Massachusetts | Lemonade | $1,296 |
| Michigan | Rainwalk | $849 |
| Minnesota | Lemonade | $1,044 |
| Mississippi | Rainwalk | $790 |
| Missouri | Rainwalk | $704 |
| Montana | Rainwalk | $728 |
| Nebraska | Rainwalk | $849 |
| Nevada | Rainwalk | $1,038 |
| New Hampshire | Rainwalk | $1,062 |
| New Jersey | Rainwalk | $1,095 |
| New Mexico | Rainwalk | $824 |
| New York | AKC | $1,400 |
| North Carolina | Rainwalk | $816 |
| North Dakota | Rainwalk | $761 |
| Ohio | Rainwalk | $839 |
| Oklahoma | Rainwalk | $856 |
| Oregon | AKC | $1,605 |
| Pennsylvania | Rainwalk | $963 |
| Rhode Island | AKC | $1,085 |
| South Carolina | Rainwalk | $861 |
| South Dakota | Rainwalk | $918 |
| Tennessee | Rainwalk | $763 |
| Texas | Rainwalk | $882 |
| Utah | Lemonade | $960 |
| Vermont | Rainwalk | $869 |
| Virginia | Rainwalk | $883 |
| Washington | AKC | $1,440 |
| West Virginia | Rainwalk | $868 |
| Wisconsin | Rainwalk | $1,021 |
| Wyoming | Rainwalk | $806 |
Rainwalk
Best Overall
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ of 5
5/5Affordability
5/5Customer Experience
3.6/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Rate
$74Overall Reddit Sentiment
71% positiveMaximum Annual Limit
$20,000Most Unique Coverage Inclusion or Add-On
Curable conditions coverage
AKC
Best Pet Insurance Coverage Options
MoneyGeek Rating
4.4/ of 5
4.2/5Affordability
4.4/5Customer Experience
5/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Rate
$110Overall Reddit Sentiment
86% positiveMaximum Annual Limit
$10,000Most Unique Coverage Inclusion or Add-On
Pre-existing conditions coverage
What Are the Cheapest Senior Dog Pet Insurance Companies?
Rainwalk also offers the cheapest pet insurance for senior dogs at an average of $74 monthly, based on our analysis of major providers. We also recommend Lemonade, Nationwide, AKC and Pumpkin as other cost-effective options for senior dog coverage.
| Rainwalk | $74 | $893 | 49% |
| Lemonade | $84 | $1,007 | 42% |
| Nationwide | $107 | $1,284 | 26% |
| AKC | $110 | $1,319 | 24% |
| Pumpkin | $129 | $1,549 | 11% |
Cheapest Pet Insurance for Senior Dogs by State
Rainwalk dominates the market for affordable senior dog coverage, offering the lowest premiums in 34 states. Average rates vary from $50 to $135 monthly, based on where you live.
| Arkansas | Rainwalk | $50 | $602 |
| Alabama | Rainwalk | $51 | $616 |
| Missouri | Rainwalk | $59 | $704 |
| Montana | Rainwalk | $61 | $728 |
| Kansas | Rainwalk | $61 | $731 |
| North Dakota | Rainwalk | $63 | $761 |
| Tennessee | Rainwalk | $64 | $763 |
| Georgia | Rainwalk | $65 | $778 |
| Louisiana | Rainwalk | $65 | $780 |
| Mississippi | Rainwalk | $66 | $790 |
| Indiana | Rainwalk | $66 | $792 |
| Wyoming | Rainwalk | $67 | $806 |
| North Carolina | Rainwalk | $68 | $816 |
| New Mexico | Rainwalk | $69 | $824 |
| Ohio | Rainwalk | $70 | $839 |
| Michigan | Rainwalk | $71 | $849 |
| Nebraska | Rainwalk | $71 | $849 |
| Iowa | Lemonade | $71 | $854 |
| Oklahoma | Lemonade | $71 | $856 |
| South Carolina | Rainwalk | $72 | $861 |
| Idaho | Rainwalk | $72 | $870 |
| Vermont | Rainwalk | $72 | $869 |
| West Virginia | Rainwalk | $72 | $868 |
| Virginia | Rainwalk | $73 | $883 |
| Texas | Rainwalk | $73 | $882 |
| South Dakota | Rainwalk | $76 | $918 |
| Delaware | Rainwalk | $77 | $931 |
| Illinois | Rainwalk | $78 | $938 |
| Maryland | Rainwalk | $79 | $943 |
| Utah | Lemonade | $80 | $960 |
| Pennsylvania | Rainwalk | $80 | $963 |
| Wisconsin | Rainwalk | $85 | $1,021 |
| Nevada | Rainwalk | $86 | $1,038 |
| Kentucky | AKC | $87 | $1,037 |
| Minnesota | Lemonade | $87 | $1,044 |
| New Hampshire | Rainwalk | $88 | $1,062 |
| Rhode Island | Lemonade | $90 | $1,085 |
| New Jersey | Rainwalk | $91 | $1,095 |
| Arizona | Rainwalk | $92 | $1,106 |
| Florida | Lemonade | $95 | $1,142 |
| Colorado | Rainwalk | $97 | $1,161 |
| Alaska | Nationwide | $107 | $1,279 |
| Massachusetts | Lemonade | $108 | $1,296 |
| Hawaii | Nationwide | $110 | $1,314 |
| New York | Lemonade | $117 | $1,400 |
| Washington | Lemonade | $120 | $1,440 |
| Connecticut | Lemonade | $123 | $1,473 |
| Maine | Nationwide | $132 | $1,579 |
| Oregon | Lemonade | $133 | $1,605 |
| California | Lemonade | $135 | $1,625 |
How Much Is Pet Insurance for Senior Dogs?
The average cost of pet insurance for a 7-year-old dog is $61 per month. However, rates increase significantly as your dog ages, reaching $186 per month for a 20-year-old dog.
Dogs are considered senior around age 7, but this varies by size and breed. Large breeds may be senior as early as 6 years old, while smaller breeds might not reach senior status until 8 to 10 years old.
| 7 | $61 | $730 |
| 8 | $67 | $809 |
| 9 | $76 | $908 |
| 10 | $85 | $1,024 |
| 11 | $97 | $1,161 |
| 12 | $104 | $1,252 |
| 13 | $115 | $1,384 |
| 14 | $123 | $1,477 |
| 15 | $136 | $1,635 |
| 16 | $145 | $1,735 |
| 17 | $158 | $1,891 |
| 18 | $170 | $2,036 |
| 19 | $176 | $2,114 |
| 20 | $186 | $2,226 |
*Rates are based on our standard Labrador Retriever profile with a $5,000 annual limit, $500 deductible and 80% reimbursement rate.
What Factors Affect Senior Dog Pet Insurance Costs?
Premiums increase substantially each year as dogs age, making senior dogs significantly more expensive to insure than younger ones. Several other factors drive the higher cost of insuring senior dogs, including your pet's profile, location and coverage level.
Age
Your dog's age significantly impacts insurance costs, with premiums doubling or tripling between ages 7 and 15. Insurance companies use age-based pricing because older dogs require more frequent veterinary care and develop chronic conditions that require ongoing treatment.
Breed
Certain breeds face higher premiums due to genetic predispositions to specific health conditions that become more pronounced in senior years. Large breeds like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers often cost more to insure since they're prone to hip dysplasia and joint problems as they age. Mixed breeds have lower premiums than purebreds due to fewer breed-specific health risks.
Size
Larger dogs generally cost more to insure than smaller dogs, especially as seniors, because they face higher risks for joint problems, heart conditions and shorter lifespans. Small dogs, on the other hand, often maintain more stable premium increases throughout their senior years.
Medical history
Your dog's veterinary records and health history also affect premium pricing, with providers reviewing past treatments, medications and diagnosed conditions. Senior dogs with fewer health problems may pay less, while those with previous illnesses or injuries may have higher rates or limited coverage options.
Location
Geographic location significantly impacts senior dog insurance costs, with urban areas and states having higher veterinary costs leading to higher premiums. Your ZIP code can influence rates even within the same city due to local veterinary pricing and claim frequency.
Coverage level
Choosing higher annual limits, lower deductibles and higher reimbursement rates can increase premiums, but these upgrades become more valuable for senior dogs who typically need more expensive care.
How to Get the Best Cheap Pet Insurance for Senior Dogs
Finding quality senior dog insurance at a reasonable price takes some smart shopping. Here's how to get the best value for your older dog.
- 1
Know your coverage needs
Determine how much you can afford for a deductible and monthly premium before shopping, as older dogs often need expensive treatments that make higher deductibles risky. Consider your dog's breed, current health and age when selecting annual limits since some senior dogs may need $5,000 to $10,000 in coverage annually for chronic conditions.
- 2
Compare multiple quotes
Get quotes from at least three insurance providers, as premium differences for senior dogs can vary widely between companies. The same coverage that costs $60 per month with one insurer might cost $120 with another. Enter the same details on each provider's quote tool to ensure you're comparing equivalent coverage levels.
- 3
Research customer reviews
Look beyond star ratings to read specific reviews about claims processing and customer service, particularly for senior dog-related conditions like arthritis, cancer or heart problems. Check multiple review platforms and focus on recent feedback to accurately understand each company's current performance.
- 4
Read the fine print
Carefully read what's covered and what isn't, plus how long you'll wait for coverage to kick in. Hip problems, arthritis and breed-specific issues often get excluded or have really long waiting times. Understanding the terms helps you avoid surprises when your senior dog needs expensive care.
- 5
Review annually before renewing
Check your policy each year instead of auto-renewing, since your senior dog's health and your finances can change quickly. Your dog might need more coverage now or you might want to raise your deductible to lower monthly costs. Some companies raise rates significantly for senior dogs, so use renewal time to shop around and ensure you're still getting the best value.
Best Pet Insurance for Senior Dogs: Bottom Line
Based on our analysis, Rainwalk provides the best and cheapest pet insurance for senior dogs, starting at an average of $74 per month. That said, always compare quotes from multiple providers, read customer reviews and understand policy terms to ensure you get the best coverage for your senior dog's specific needs.
Best Pet Insurance for Senior Dogs 2025: FAQ
Below, we answered some of the most frequently asked questions about senior dog pet insurance:
What is the best pet insurance for senior dogs?
Rainwalk is the best overall pet insurance company for senior dogs, ranking first for affordability and customer experience in MoneyGeek's analysis.
What is the cheapest pet insurance for senior dogs?
Rainwalk offers the cheapest pet insurance for senior dogs, with rates starting at $74 monthly on average.
How much does pet insurance for senior dogs cost?
Pet insurance for senior dogs starts around $61 monthly for a 7-year-old dog but increases dramatically with age, reaching $186 monthly for a 20-year-old dog. Your actual costs depend on multiple factors, including your dog's breed, size, location and coverage level.
Why does senior dog insurance cost so much more than regular pet insurance?
Older dogs require more frequent veterinary care, develop chronic conditions needing ongoing treatment and face higher risks for expensive procedures like joint surgery or cancer treatment. Insurance companies use age-based pricing that reflects these increased claim probabilities.
Can I still get pet insurance if my senior dog has pre-existing conditions?
Most insurers exclude pre-existing conditions, but you have options. AKC is the only company in our analysis that covers pre-existing conditions after one year of continuous enrollment. Rainwalk, on the other hand, provides a "curable conditions" clause where previously treated conditions become eligible for reimbursement if your pet remains symptom-free for 180 days.
How We Found the Best and Cheapest Senior Dog Insurance
We analyzed 20 major pet insurance companies across the United States to identify the best and most affordable options for senior dogs. Our analysis focused on quotes, customer satisfaction and coverage details to tailor our recommendations.
To ensure accurate comparisons, we obtained quotes using identical policy parameters:
- Annual limit: $5,000
- Reimbursement rate: 80%
- Deductible: $500
- Sample pet profile: 10-year-old Labrador Retriever
How We Rated Each Provider
Affordability (50% of score): We gathered quotes for senior dogs from all providers and compared them across all states. Our analysis also factored in available discounts, though these represented a minor component of the overall affordability score due to limited variation between companies.
Customer Experience (30% of score): We collected and analyzed customer ratings from multiple online platforms, particularly Trustpilot and Reddit, to calculate customer experience scores.
Coverage Options (20% of score): We conducted detailed reviews of policy terms from every provider across all states, examining add-on options, standard inclusions, coverage exclusions and policy restrictions.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.