What is the best pet insurance for my cat?
Key takeaways
The best cat insurance policy is the one that gives your cat enough cover at a price you can afford
Lifetime cover usually offers the most protection, but accident-only, time-limited and maximum benefit policies can cost less
Your cat’s age, breed, health, medical history and chosen level of cover can all affect the price of insurance
What is the best cat insurance for me?
The best cat insurance depends on your cat, your budget and how much cover you want for vet bills. A good cat insurance policy should give you enough cover for unexpected illness or injury, while keeping the price manageable.
But you shouldn't automatically choose the cheapest available policy - instead, check what it covers, what it excludes and how much you could claim. MoneySuperMarket works with 38
What should I look for in a cat insurance policy?
When you compare cat insurance policies, you should keep an eye out for the following:
Vet fee limit: The maximum amount your insurer will pay towards treatment
Policy type: Whether it is accident-only, time-limited, maximum benefit or lifetime cover
Excess: The excess is the amount you pay towards a claim
Waiting period: How long you need to wait before you can claim
Exclusions: Anything the policy will not cover, such as pre-existing conditions
Extras: Cover for dental treatment, lost or stolen cats, advertising costs or treatment abroad
A cheaper policy may suit a young, healthy cat, but it might not give enough cover if your cat develops an ongoing condition.
Do I need cat insurance for a holiday or trip to Europe?
No, cat insurance is not usually a legal requirement for taking your cat abroad, but it can be useful if your cat becomes ill, is injured or needs emergency vet treatment while you’re away. Some pet insurance policies include travel cover as standard, while others offer it as an optional extra - before you travel, check whether your policy covers:
Vet treatment abroad
Emergency care
Holiday cancellation if your cat becomes ill before the trip
Lost or stolen pets
Quarantine costs
Your destination country
If you’re taking your cat from Great Britain to the EU, you’ll usually need an animal health certificate, a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination.
What types of cat insurance can I choose from?
There are four main types of cat insurance: accident-only, time-limited, maximum benefit and lifetime cover.
Policy type | Average monthly pricing | How it works |
|---|---|---|
Accident only | £3.02 | Covers injuries from accidents, but not illness |
Time limited | £8.24 | Covers each illness or injury for a set time, usually 12 months |
Max benefit | £7.95 | Covers each condition up to a fixed claim limit |
Lifetime | £7.49 | Covers ongoing conditions as long as you renew each year |
Is lifetime cat insurance best?
Lifetime cat insurance usually gives you the most comprehensive cover, but it isn't always the cheapest option. A lifetime policy can cover long-term conditions if your cat develops them after the policy starts - for example, if your cat develops diabetes or arthritis, your cover limit can reset each year when you renew.
This can make lifetime cover useful for cats that may need treatment over several years. But it usually costs more than accident-only or time-limited insurance, so check whether the extra cover is worth the higher premium.
How much does cat insurance cost?
Cat insurance can start from £3.29
Your cat’s age: Older cats usually cost more to insure because they are more likely to need veterinary treatment
Your cat’s breed: Some breeds are more prone to certain health conditions, which can increase insurance costs
Where you live: Insurance prices can vary depending on your location and local veterinary costs
Your cat’s medical history: Previous illnesses or health issues may affect the price you pay for cover
Whether your cat has been neutered: Some insurers take this into account when calculating premiums
The policy type and vet fee limit: More comprehensive cover and higher claim limits will generally cost more
Does my cat’s breed affect insurance costs?
Yes, your cat’s breed can affect how much you pay for insurance - some pedigree cats can be more expensive to insure because certain breeds are more likely to develop inherited health problems. MoneySuperMarket data shows that the 51st percentile monthly quote for pedigree cats was £8.58
Breed | Monthly average price | Monthly price from |
|---|---|---|
Bengal | £9.19 | £3.71 |
Birman | £7.27 | £3.22 |
British shorthair | £8.11 | £3.55 |
Maine coon | £10.71 | £3.44 |
Persian | £6.46 | £3.02 |
Ragdoll | £7.70 | £3.32 |
Russian blue | £8.41 | £3.71 |
Siamese | £3.71 | £3.02 |
Is cat insurance worth it?
Cat insurance can be worth it if you want help paying unexpected vet bills - vet treatment can be expensive, especially if your cat needs surgery, emergency care or treatment for a long-term condition. According to the Association of British Insurers, cats accounted for £232m of pet insurance claims in 2024, and the average pet insurance claim cost was £685.
Insurance will not cover everything - routine care, vaccinations, neutering and pre-existing conditions are often excluded unless you buy specialist cover or add extras.
How can I find cheaper cat insurance?
You can often find cheaper cat insurance by doing the following:
Compare quotes from different insurers before you buy
Choose a policy type that matches your cat’s needs
Avoid paying for extras you do not need
Consider a higher excess, but only if you could afford it when claiming
Keep your cat vaccinated, microchipped and neutered if your vet recommends it
Buy cover while your cat is younger and healthier, before any conditions develop
What do I need to get a cat insurance quote?
Your cat’s details: Insurers will usually ask for your cat’s age, breed and how much you paid for them.
Health and medical history: You may need to provide information about vaccinations, whether your cat has been neutered or spayed, and any past or existing health conditions.
Pre-existing conditions: Be prepared to disclose any illnesses, injuries or ongoing conditions your cat has had before taking out cover.
Your cover requirements and location: Insurers will typically ask for your postcode and the level of vet fee cover you want so they can calculate your quote.
Be honest when answering these questions - if any details are wrong, your insurer may reject a claim later.
Ready to save on your pet insurance? Or need to know more before you get a quote? We’re here to help.
Author
Mehdi Punjwani
Insurance specialist
Mehdi is a financial writer and editor with over six years of experience in personal finance. He has written for organisations and publications including Equifax, The AA, and USAToday, covering a...
Reviewer
Lucas Mansilla
Senior Commercial Manager
Lucas oversees the Life, Health, and Niche Insurance channels as Senior Commercial Manager at MoneySuperMarket. With a background in tech and digital marketplaces across the UK and EU, Lucas brings a...
