Although people of all ages have a lot of information to mull over when researching pet insurance, there are specific things seniors should consider.
The following article will list just a few of the specific things seniors should look for in an affordable pet insurance provider.
What does the policy cover?
Crystal Litzenberger, a veterinary technician, currently working at LolaHemp, said that in general, the best types of pet insurance “cover a large range of health care as well as a broad age bracket.”
“Anything from diagnostics, rehabilitation, to holistic care are major selling factors for pet parents,” Litzenberger added. “If the pet insurance is flexible and transparent on the pet’s age and their preexisting conditions, it also gives the client more trust with who they spend their money with.”
Does the pet insurance cover aging pets?
As Litzenberger pointed out, good pet insurance will cover older pets. And unfortunately, some pet insurance providers have upper age limits, meaning that the provider won’t cover a pet’s illnesses after a certain age. There are plenty of providers who cover pets—no matter their age—so don’t feel like your options are limited because your pet is older.
Does the pet insurance offer a discount?
Many pet insurance brands offer a variety of discounts. The following are just a few of the discounts I came across while doing research:
- A discount for seniors. (In my research, I found that Petplan offers a discount to AARP members. You can find out more about the discount and how to get it in our Best Pet Insurance Options for Seniors guide.
- A discount for veterans
- A discount if you pay quarterly or yearly
- A multi-pet discount
Does the pet insurance consider seniors’ needs?
Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, a veterinarian in the United Kingdom and head of the veterinary team at Breed Advisor, explained that seniors should consider investing in pet insurance that covers an animal’s boarding fees.
“In my experience, senior citizens need insurance that covers boarding fees more than the average pet owner,” Woodnutt stated. “While some insurance policies will cover boarding fees, others will not. Find a company that will insure your pet for staying in the hospital if you can’t give the medication prescribed. Even better, find a company that will pay for emergency boarding for your pet should you end up in hospital and unable to care for them for a period.”
What does your Vet think about the pet insurance brand?
Woodnutt mentioned that although there’s no “one” pet insurance brand that vets think is the best, a vet will have opinions on which insurance providers to avoid.
Vets will also provide counsel on what they think your pet needs and how much you need to spend to maintain your pet’s health.
How can you submit an insurance claim?
Although plenty of seniors are computer literate and have smartphones, some would prefer to communicate via traditional mail services or fax. Although most pet insurance offers multiple ways to submit claims—including online, via an app, conventional mail, and fax—some have limited options.
