Senior pet insurance

As our companions grow, their needs change. At the RSPCA, we believe senior pets deserve the highest quality of care and the most dignified sunset years possible. With RSPCA Old Pet Insurance, your pet will receive that and more, including:

  • No upper age limit
  • Expert protection
  • 24/7 expert vet access
  • Specialised senior care
  • Direct vet pay
  • General pet insurance benefits

A policy with us not only protects your pet, but helps us to continue our work caring for all animals across the UK. We respect our elders; including older animals. Show them yours by starting your senior pet insurance quote now.

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defaqto

Expert rated

Applies to cover over £4,000. Time limited. Rabbit cover excluded.

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Pet insurance for older dogs

Dogs who are eight years old or older are classed as senior dogs. Though they may slow down as they age, their golden years are often incredibly rewarding.

Older dog insurance provides your dog with the care they need, and you with the peace of mind to help you enjoy the time you have together. Whether they’re over ten years old or just turning eight, pet insurance for dogs is a gift – for both of you. When you’re not worried about finding funds, you can concentrate on caring for your older dog.

The older your dog gets, the more likely they are to suffer from age-related and chronic conditions, which may include:

  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis 
  • Kidney disease
  • Dementia
  • Cancer
  • Blindness
  • Dental disease
  • Heart disease
  • Hearing loss

Pet insurance for senior dogs helps to cover unforeseen costs from these issues, such as:

  • Diagnostic scans and tests
  • Vet fees
  • Boarding costs
  • Therapies

Pet insurance for older cats

Cats who are ten years old or older are classed as senior cats. Sharing a cat’s later years is an honour (one they’ll most likely remind you of), and a big responsibility.

Senior cat pet insurance is a way to protect your cat and help provide them with the dedicated care they need as they age. Older pet insurance is peace of mind and the promise of support; for both of you.

As cats get older, they’re more likely to experience illnesses and ailments related to their age. These include:

  • Kidney disease
  • Arthritis
  • Dental disease
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Cancer
  • Dementia 
  • Hearing loss
  • Blindness

Pet insurance for senior cats can cover costs associated with these age-related conditions, such as:

  • Diagnostic scans and tests
  • Vet fees
  • Boarding costs
  • Therapies

Pet insurance for older rabbits

Rabbits who are five years old or older are classed as senior rabbits. Often still playful and curious, watching your rabbits enjoy their older years is a privilege – that may come with unexpected issues.

The best insurance for older rabbits is the one that can help you, help them; caring for all your ageing rabbits’ needs.

Like with any animal, as rabbits get older their risk of age-related illnesses increases. These might include:

  • Arthritis
  • Dental disease
  • Spinal degeneration (spondylosis)
  • Cancer
  • Overgrown nails 
  • Sore feet (pododermatitis)

Older pet insurance offers the financial support to cover fees that may arise from these conditions, such as:

  • Diagnostic scans and tests
  • Vet fees
  • Boarding costs
  • Therapies

As our pets enter their golden years, they can suffer from the effects of age-related conditions. Insuring them as they get older is reassurance that whatever happens, they're protected.

Rebecca Ashman, Head Vet – Operations, Partnerships And Prevention.
60%
Of cats over 6 show signs of arthritis¹
1/3
Of dogs aged 11 to 12 suffer from canine dementia²
7.5x
More likely to develop dental disease in rabbits aged over 5³

¹Pet MD, 2026. Arthritis in Cats: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.
²Vets for Pets. Dementia in Dogs.
³RVC, 2024. Dental disease in pet rabbits

Lifetime cover levels

Choose the level of protection that best supports your pet’s health and helps us continue our vital rescue work.

Feature Lifetime £1k Lifetime £4k* Lifetime £7k*
Defaqto rating No rating 5 Stars 5 Stars
Annual vet fees £1,000 £4,000 £7,000
Helping rescues Included Included Included
Dental illness & injury Included Included Included
24/7 Video Vets Free Free Free

Pet insurance product provided by Pinnacle Insurance PLC.
*Policy available to cats and dogs only.
**Third party liability available to dogs only.

Why choose RSPCA pet insurance for older pets?

Senior pets are family. The chances are you’ve shared a large portion of your loyal companion’s long life, and we promise to treat them with that same loyalty and dedication, providing Defaqto 5-Star rated protection.

What you can expect with RSPCA senior pet insurance:

No upper age limit

We don't believe in "too old". We offer lifetime cover for pets of all ages, ensuring they’re protected as long as the policy is renewed.

Direct vet pay

To make life easier, we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your pet’s recovery rather than the paperwork.

Specialised senior care

Our plans include support for dental illness, as well as complementary treatments like hydrotherapy and physiotherapy to keep older joints moving.

24/7 access to expert vets

Senior pets often need a little extra monitoring. Every policy includes unlimited, day-and-night video and phone consultations with UK-registered vets – perfect for checking on mobility or new lumps and bumps without a stressful trip to the clinic.

Holiday cover and more

Including holiday cover, expert vet protection and easy-to-make claims. Discover more benefits of RSPCA Pet Insurance here.

Protect your pet, fund a rescue

The most life-changing benefit of our older pet insurance, however, is the one that changes multiple lives. When you choose RSPCA Pet Insurance for your senior dog, cat or rabbit, you aren't just protecting your own best friend – you’re becoming a vital part of our mission.

A portion of every premium goes directly toward the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of vulnerable animals across England and Wales. Many of the animals in our centres are seniors themselves, waiting patiently for a forever home to spend their final years in comfort. By insuring your pet with us, you’re providing the financial support needed to give a second chance to an abandoned older animal who has nowhere else to turn. Not only are you caring for your pet with our policies; you’re helping us care for animals of every kind.

Protect your pet, and in doing so animals in our care, with our RSPCA Senior Pet Insurance.*

*RSPCA Pet Insurance is a trading style of and arranged, administered and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd. Defaqto 5 rating applies to Lifetime £4k and £7k policies.

Senior pet insurance exclusions

The following circumstances are not included in our pet insurance cover:

  • Certain dog breeds: See full details in our Pet Insurance FAQs.
  • Pre-existing conditions: Our policies don’t cover any condition that has been identified or investigated by a vet, or that has the same diagnosis, clinical signs or symptoms as a condition known to you, before you take out insurance.
  • The Accident Only policy doesn’t cover complementary treatments: Which are included as part of all other Pet Insurance policies.

Looking after your pet

Caring for older dogs

Read advice on caring for your older dog, helping to make their golden years are some of their best.

Find a vet

All pets need to be registered with a veterinary practice, for routine health care, advice, and emergency treatment.

Pet cost calculator

Bringing a pet into your life is one of the most priceless things you can do; but first, make sure you understand the costs.