Why Senior Pet Insurance Is So Frustrating
Nobody tells you that getting insurance for an older pet is like applying for a mortgage with bad credit. Possible, but expensive and complicated.
Age Limits Are Real
Most companies won't even quote you for a dog over 10. Cats get a little more leeway, maybe 12 or 14. But finding coverage for Molly at 10? I had three options, and none of them were great. Start early, people.
Pre-Existing Conditions Kill Everything
Molly's arthritis made her uninsurable for joint problems. Which is exactly what I needed coverage for. Once they have a condition, that condition is off the table forever. The timing has to be perfect.
The Premiums Are Brutal
The quotes I got for Molly were $150-200 per month. For a dog that might live three more years. But when her cancer treatment cost $8,000, I wished I'd been paying those premiums all along.
What Actually Happens to Old Pets
Senior pets don't just slow down. They break down. And each breakdown costs money. Lots of money.
Everything Hurts
Molly's arthritis started with a little stiffness in the morning. Six months later, she needed daily pain meds, joint supplements, and physical therapy. Monthly costs went from zero to $200 just for managing her discomfort.
Organs Start Failing
My neighbor's 13-year-old cat developed kidney disease. Now she gets fluids under the skin twice a week and blood work every month. It's like having a chronic illness patient, but furry. The costs never stop.
Cancer Comes for Everyone
Molly got lymphoma at 12. The oncologist presented treatment options ranging from $3,000 to $15,000. We chose the middle road and spent $8,000 to give her six more good months. Worth it, but devastating financially.