Pet insurance for older dogs

What are the different types of pet insurance for older dogs? 

We know that as your dog gets older they may need additional care. We offer dog insurance that works for you and your companion, even in their old age.

There are three main policy types to choose from. These are:
 

Time limited

Time limited cover from Sainsbury’s Bank may help pay towards treatment for your pet for up to 12 months or £3,000 worth of vet fees – whichever comes first. This short-term cover could help you to provide your precious pooch with the care their need.
 

Maximum benefit

Maximum benefit insurance allows you to claim for the same condition multiple times until you reach the full limit of cover. You can choose a level of cover from £3,000 to £6,000 – whatever amount works for you and your furry friends.
 

Lifetime insurance

Lifetime insurance means that you can sit back and relax without having to take out a new policy each year. Enjoy an unlimited treatment period with cover up to £10,000 each year you renew your policy.

Why choose our dog insurance for your older dog?

We offer dog insurance plans that work for you and your companion. Our selection of insurance cover provides protection when your dog needs it most. Here are just some of the reasons why you should choose Sainsbury’s Bank dog cover: 

• Award-winning
  We’re proud to be named Defaqto’s Pet Insurer of the Year 2025/26

• 5 star rated cover
  Our cover over £4,000 is Defaqto 5* expert rated (Time Limited cover excluded)

• No upper age limit
  Cover from 8 weeks for dogs - with no upper age limit

• Flexible insurance, your way
  Choose from three levels of cover – plus, get vet fee cover up to £10,000

• 24/7 Vet Assistance
  Speak to our UK-based vet nurses any time, online or on the phone, about your dog's health queries
• Insure more than one pet for less
  Get a discount of £1 per pet per month with our multi-pet insurance †
• Save more with Nectar
  Get a discount on your dog insurance if you’re a Nectar member Δ
• Manage your policy online
  Get claims information and make changes to your policy on My Pet Portal
• 98% of claims paid within 5 working days ^
  We can also pay your vet directly so you're not out of pocket 

Do you need pet insurance for older dogs?

As your dog ages they become more susceptible to many health conditions and their health can change rapidly in some cases. These changes often mean that the dog insurance you have needs to be amended to reflect the new needs of your pooch.

Pet insurance for older dogs can mean restrictions or higher premiums. It’s also worth remembering the new policies will not include cover for any pre-existing conditions. It is important that your policy covers everything you think you need and more before they get older.

This is why it’s key to insure your dog from a young age while they are fit and healthy, to avoid facing this issue later down the line when they’re more likely to develop conditions associated with ageing.

Why is pet insurance for older dogs more expensive?

Unfortunately, the age of your pet does have an impact on price – just the same as it does with any type of insurance for an older human. The cost of your premiums can be affected by your dog’s breeding – some pedigrees are more likely to develop particular genetic illnesses. The cost of pet insurance for an older dog also depends on the excess you want to pay. It’s important to choose a policy that works both for your wallet and your ageing pooch.

Health conditions or dental issues are more likely to appear in older dogs, as things naturally start to deteriorate with age. Some age-associated conditions to be aware of include:

• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Dementia
• Blindness
• Cancer
• Kidney disease
• Gum disease

Benefits of taking out insurance for older dogs with Sainsbury’s Bank

There are many advantages to making sure you have pet insurance for your senior dog in place.  

Here are some of the main benefits of taking out pet insurance for senior dogs: 
 

Higher possibility of developing conditions

As mentioned above, elderly dogs need insurance too – if not even more so. The chances of developing certain conditions like cancer, dementia and arthritis are much more common with a senior dog and will need to be considered as your dog ages.
 

Feel supported if you need it the most 

It can be upsetting when an older dog takes a turn for the worst. Having a form of cover in place may help to take the stress away and give you one less thing to worry about – so you can spend your time with your precious pooch.
 

Help relieve financial pressure 

Having a senior dog comes with added financial costs to consider. They may need a specialist diet to support them with age related conditions, or just added nutrients to keep them in tip top shape. If your dog does need to go to the vet, your cover may help towards treatments.

Eligibiltiy criteria and conditions apply. There are some breeds that we won't cover under our Lifetime cover £10,000 limit which you can find details of in our FAQ section. Please note that we won't cover any pre-existing conditions and that terms, conditions, excesses and limitations apply. You can find out more about the terms of our cover in our policy documents.

Terms and conditions

Δ The discount is based on information related to you and the Sainsbury’s and Sainsbury’s Bank transactions linked to your Nectar account. For more information on how we use your data, go to sainsburys.co.uk/privacy

† Multi-pet discount is a minimum of £24 when insuring more than one pet as this is worked out at £1 per pet per month for each pet on a policy. Pets can have different cover levels. Discount deducted separately from any other offer.

^ Based on Sainsburys Bank Pet Insurance claims data from February 2024 to March 2025.
 

Important information 

Sainsbury's Bank plc, Registered Office, 33 Charterhouse Street, London, EC1M 6HA (registered in England and Wales, no 3279730) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (register no. 184514). Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd is an appointed representative of Sainsbury's Bank plc. Sainsbury's Bank plc acts as an introducer to Pinnacle Insurance Ltd who is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (register number 110866). Registered office: 4th Floor, Limelight, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JH. Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd. Sainsbury's Bank plc and Pinnacle Insurance Ltd are not part of the same corporate group.

We do not provide personal recommendations to customers.