Cat insurance
Compare cat insurance quotes.
What is cat insurance?
Pet insurance for cats offers financial protection and peace of mind to cat owners.
It can cover some or most of your costs if your cat is ill, injured, lost, stolen or needs to be put down.
Do I need pet insurance for cats?
Pet insurance is not a legal requirement in the UK.
But without it you could be responsible for some very big bills if your cat develops a chronic condition or needs surgery.
What types of cat can cat insurance cover?
As well as adult cats, you can get cat insurance for kittens, older cats, pedigree cats and cats with pre-existing conditions.
What do I need to consider when choosing cat insurance?
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Claim limits
Pet insurance comes with a cover limit, which is the maximum you can claim for vet fees each year.
You can generally choose from a range of cover limits.
Choosing a higher limit will increase the cost of your policy.
Check whether there are separate limits for individual conditions or treatments.
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Excess and co-payments
Pet insurance policies generally require you to contribute towards any claim.
Excesses are fixed amounts that stay the same regardless of claim size.
Copays require you to pay a percentage of the final bill. They are common on senior pet policies.
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Exclusions
Pet insurance doesn't cover everything, and exclusions can vary between providers.
Most pet insurance policies will not cover pre-existing conditions, which is anything your pet showed symptoms of before the policy started.
Other common exclusions include routine treatments, vaccinations and neutering.
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Add-ons
You can generally upgrade your pet insurance with specific add-ons, but these can also vary between insurers.
Common optional extra are dental treatment, overseas cover and cremation costs.
You can sometimes add these extras mid-policy, or you may have to wait until renewal.
What are the different types of cat insurance?
💡Top tip: Lifetime cover is the most popular type of pet insurance for cats. 84%
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Lifetime cover
Protects your pet for life, as long as the policy is renewed each year.
Average cost: £7.81
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Maximum benefit
Sets limits on how much you can claim for any given illness or injury.
Average cost: £7.46
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Time limited cover
Covers your pet for a specific period of time (usually 12 months).
Average cost: £7.30
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Accident only cover
Only covers your pet for accidents, not illnesses.
Average cost: £3.11
^
Which type of cat insurance should I get?
Most pet owners, including 84%
Cover for conditions is continuous, so long-term or chronic illnesses can be covered year after year, provided they developed after you first took out the policy
Vet fee limit resets each year, giving you a fresh allowance if your cat needs ongoing treatment or develops multiple conditions
Both illnesses and accidents are covered, and having illness cover is valuable considering 88%
^ of cat insurance claims are for illnesses rather than accidents
1. It is usually the most expensive type of cat insurance.
2. Switching insurers can be difficult because a new provider will usually treat any past illness or injury as pre-existing and exclude any future claims that could be related.
3. Insurers can raise the price each year and make changes to your policy terms. (You can always choose not to renew the policy.)
Can I get cat insurance that covers pre-existing conditions?
Yes, but to cover previously diagnosed illnesses you generally need specialist pet insurance for pre-existing conditions.
These policies will almost certainly be pricier than standard policies and usually come with limits and restrictions. For example, your cat may need to have shown no symptoms for several months. Maximum claim payouts may also be lower than for new illnesses.
What does lifetime cat insurance cover?
Cover varies by provider and policy, so always check your insurance documents.
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Typically covered
✔ Vet bills e.g. medicines, therapies and prescriptions
✔ Hospital visits
✔ Diagnosing illnesses e.g. consultations, X-rays, MRIs
✔ Alternative therapies e.g. hydrotherapy or acupuncture
✔ Euthanasia (putting your pet down)
✔ Lost and stolen pets e.g. advertising, rewards, cost of animal
✔ Emergency boarding fees e.g. while you are hospitalised
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Not typically covered
✖ Routine care e.g. pet vaccinations, boosters, regular check-ups
✖ Routine dental treatment including routine check-ups
✖ Elective or cosmetic treatments
✖ Cremation and burial
✖ Unvaccinated or unmicrochipped animals
✖ Third-party liability cover (cat owners are not held legally liable in the same way dog owners are)
How much is cat insurance?
The average price of cat insurance is currently £7.39
Cat insurance costs by cat age:
The older your cat is, the more you will usually pay for cat insurance.
Cat age | Monthly average price |
|---|---|
Under 1 | £5.72 |
1-2 years old | £5.35 |
3-4 years old | £5.72 |
4-5 years old | £6.06 |
6-7 years old | £6.61 |
Over 7 years old | £11.77 |
💡 Top tip: Once your cat is 8 years old, most pet insurers will switch you over to senior pet insurance.
This usually comes with extra limitations and conditions. In particular, you often have to pay a portion (often about 20%) of any claims yourself.
Cat insurance costs by cat breed:
Pedigree cats are generally more expensive to insure than moggies.
Cat Breed | Average Monthly Price |
|---|---|
£7.38 | |
£5.45 | |
£7.46 | |
£9.82 | |
Moggie | £6.75 |
£5.11 | |
£3.71 | |
£6.84 | |
£7.51 |
What impacts my cat insurance price?
Insurers set their prices based on risk. The more likely they think you are to claim, or the more expensive it would be for them if you did claim, the higher your price is likely to be.
The key factors pet insurers will look at are:
Cat age
Cat breed
Cat medical history
Policy type
Where you live
How can I make my cat insurance cheaper?

Compare quotes
Shopping around is the best way to find a deal that suits your needs and budget.
MoneySuperMarket can do the hard work for you. With our price comparison tool you can compare quotes from 38
Choose an accident-only policy
The type of pet insurance you choose will impact the price of your policy.
Accident-only pet insurance policies are usually the cheapest. The downside is they also provide the least amount of cover.
Increase your excess
The excess is the amount of money you pay before the insurance covers the rest.
The higher the excess, the lower your premiums can be. The downside is that it makes claims less affordable.
Insure multiple pets under one policy
If you have other animals you can insure them all together under a multi-pet policy, which can be cheaper than individual policies.
Remove extra policy features
Pet insurance policies often offer optional extras, such as cover for marketing and rewards if your animal is lost, or cover for dental treatments.
Adding these will give you better protection, but make your policy more expensive.
Neuter, worm and vaccinate your cat
Since neutering reduces the risk of several health and behavioural issues, including aggression and pregnancy, you may find your cat insurance premium is lower after your cat has been neutered.
Your policy is also likely to require your cat to be up to date with its flea and worming treatments and recommended vaccinations. If they aren't, your insurer may refuse a claim if it believes the condition could have been prevented through routine care.
Is it worth taking out pet insurance for cats?
Cat insurance can cover vet bills that are significantly more expensive than the premiums you pay. It is a way to reduce the risk of being unable to afford the best care for your cat.
From prices paid by our customers
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI)
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI)
What are the most common cat insurance claims?
Most cat insurance claims are for illnesses rather than accidents. The Insurance Emporium's claims data shows that 88%
Lifetime pet insurance offers the most protection for illnesses, especially for chronic conditions that can flare up year after year.
📍 Treating hyperthyroidism in British Shorthair cats cost an average of £237
📍 The average cost of vet care for Bengal cats involved in a road accident was £613
Cat insurance and illnesses
According to The Insurance Emporium, the three most common cat insurance claims in 2025 were for:
Hyperthyroidism
^ Arthritis
^ Diabetes
^
💡Top tip: Accident-only pet insurance would not cover any of these conditions, and time-limited insurance would only cover them for the first year they were diagnosed in.
Cat insurance and accidents
Cats are less prone to many accidents than dogs. For example, cats make up just 5.2%
Road accidents
72.9%
Poisoning from plants or animals
Cats make up 66.1%
How likely is my cat insurance claim to pay out?
Most pet insurance claims are paid, providing the claim meets the terms of the policy.
However, insurers can reject claims for excluded treatments or conditions, so it’s important to understand what your policy won’t cover.
Based on latest Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) data.
Common reasons pet insurance claims are rejected
Pre-existing condition – symptoms were present before cover started, even if the condition was diagnosed later
Policy exclusions – claiming for something specifically excluded by the policy
Claim limits – exceeding the time, financial or treatment limit
Waiting periods – claiming within the first 14 days of the policy
Routine or cosmetic treatment – such as check-ups, preventative care or non-accident dental treatment
Missing information – such as no diagnosis, supporting evidence or purchase receipt
Optional benefits – claiming for euthanasia or cremation when these aren't included
Lapsed policies – the policy was no longer active
Behavioural history – exclusions relating to vicious or aggressive tendencies
Our expert says…
Over a quarter of cat owners say their pet is a financial burden, according to a 2025 YouGov survey. And while almost three-fifths of owners give their cat gifts, the biggest expense is likely to come from vet bills, which can run to thousands of pounds.
Buying pet insurance may save you a lot of money - whether you spend the extra cash on more pet presents is up to you.
Lauren Chong Pet Insurance Expert
Does my cat's breed impact my pet insurance?
Your cat's breed can affect the cost of pet insurance, although usually less than a dog's breed. Pedigree cats and breeds prone to health conditions often have higher premiums.
How do I make a cat insurance claim?
How do I make a cat insurance claim?
Contact your insurer as soon as possible and follow its claims process. You’ll usually need to provide details of your cat’s illness or injury, along with their medical history and the vet’s invoice. Your vet may be able to submit the claim for you.
Will my cat insurer pay my vet directly?
Some cat insurers can pay your vet directly, meaning you don’t have to pay the full bill and claim it back. However, not all vets accept direct payments, so check with both your insurer and vet before treatment where possible.
How much will I have to pay towards a claim?
You’ll usually need to pay an excess towards each claim. Some policies also have a co-payment, where you pay a percentage of the remaining vet bill. These contributions can increase as your cat gets older, so check your policy documents.
Can I change cat insurance providers?
Yes, you can switch cat insurance providers, but consider any conditions your cat has developed before moving. A new insurer will usually class these as pre-existing conditions and is likely to exclude them from future claims.
What happens to my cat insurance if I switch providers?
Your old policy ends and your new insurer's terms, limits and exclusions apply. Any illnesses or injuries your cat developed under your previous policy may be treated as pre-existing conditions, even if you never claimed for them.
What do I need to get a cat insurance quote?
You’ll need the following to get a quote:
✓ Pet’s age
✓ Pet's breed or size
✓ Pet's health
✓ If they have been neutered/spayed
✓ Price you paid for them
✓ Behavioural history
✓ Medical history
Animal Friends
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Monthly Cost
£4.79
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Third Party Liability Cover
£2m
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Vet Fee Limit
£1,000 each year
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Annual Policy Limit
£1,000
Great for
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Third party liability cover
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Cover if pet is lost or stolen
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Illness or accidental death cover
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If you need a vet advice service
But be aware that
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Legal advice not covered
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No bereavement counselling cover
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No cover for pre-existing medical conditions
Why compare cat insurance quotes with MoneySuperMarket?
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^ pet insurers are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). -
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Does cat insurance cover dental treatment?
Cat insurance can cover some dental treatment, but policies vary.
Emergency treatment following an accident is more commonly covered than routine dental care, such as check-ups and cleaning. Some policies also cover dental illnesses if certain conditions are met.
Some cat insurers only cover dental treatment if you select it as an add-on.
Does cat insurance cover vaccinations?
No, cat insurance does not usually cover routine vaccinations or boosters.
Insurers may require you to keep your cat's vaccinations up to date and could reject a related claim if your cat becomes ill with a condition that vaccination could have prevented.
Does cat insurance cover neutering or spaying?
No, routine neutering and spaying are not usually covered by cat insurance. However, treatment for unexpected medical complications from the procedure may be covered, depending on your policy.
Does cat insurance cover prescription medication?
Yes, cat insurance will usually cover prescribed medication when it forms part of eligible treatment for an insured illness or injury. Your policy's vet fee limits, excess and other restrictions will still apply.
Does cat insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Standard cat insurance usually excludes pre-existing conditions, but specialist policies can cover some existing illnesses and injuries. These insurers may apply additional limits or require your cat to have been symptom-free for a set period.
Does cat insurance cover the death of my cat?
Some cat insurance policies provide a payment if your cat dies or needs to be put down because of a covered illness or injury. Age limits and other restrictions can apply, and cremation or burial costs may require separate cover.
Does cat insurance cover my cat if they go missing or are stolen?
Some policies cover lost or stolen cats. This can include advertising and reward costs and, if your cat isn't found, compensation based on their purchase price or market value. Limits and conditions vary between policies.
Am I responsible if my cat injures someone or damages their property?
Cat owners are not generally held legally responsible for their pet's actions in the same way as dog owners, which is why cat insurance doesn't normally include third party liability cover. However, you could still be liable in some circumstances, particularly if you knew your cat was likely to cause harm.
What are cat insurance cover limits?
Every cat insurance policy has a maximum amount it will pay towards vet fees, known as the cover limit. How this limit works depends on the type of policy you choose.
For example, a lifetime policy resets your vet fee limit each year when you renew, so you can continue claiming for long-term conditions. Time-limited and maximum benefit policies stop paying for a condition once you reach a time or monetary limit, while accident-only policies only cover injuries caused by accidents and not illnesses.
Choosing the right limit depends on your cat and your budget. Younger cats may need less cover in the short term, but lifetime policies offer the greatest protection against expensive long-term conditions that can develop as your cat gets older.
Why does my location affect my cat insurance cost?
Your postcode can affect your premium because vet fees and other risks vary around the UK. If treatment tends to cost more where you live, your insurer may charge more because claims from that area are likely to be more expensive.
Do I need insurance for an indoor cat?
You don't legally need to insure an indoor cat, but pet insurance can still be beneficial since indoor cats can still become ill or have accidents at home, and therefore require expensive or long-term treatment that could be financially difficult to pay for yourself.
Can I insure a rescue cat?
Yes, you can usually insure a rescue cat in the same way as any other cat. You'll need to provide the information you know about them, including their age, breed and medical history. Any known pre-existing conditions may be excluded.
Can I insure a foster cat?
You may be able to insure a foster cat, but you should check who is responsible for their veterinary care first. The rescue organisation or charity may already provide insurance or pay vet bills, and some insurers require the policyholder to own the cat.
Can multi-pet insurance cover dogs and cats?
Yes, many multi-pet policies let you insure dogs and cats with the same provider. Each pet will normally have their own cover and claim limits, and insurers can offer a discount for insuring multiple pets.
Is it illegal to not microchip my cat?
Yes. Since June 2024, pet owners in England are legally required to microchip all cats that are over 20 weeks old. There is a £500 fine for owners who don’t comply.
A microchip is a tiny electronic chip which is permanently implanted under your cat's skin. The procedure doesn’t hurt your cat. The chip links your cat to you and your address - in case your pet is lost or stolen.
All details are held on a database. If you need to change the contact detail on the database, for example because you've moved house, there could be additional fees. These costs aren’t usually covered under cat insurance.
Is it illegal to not vaccinate my cat?
No, there is no legal requirement to vaccinate your cat.
But you may find it harder or more expensive to get pet insurance if your cat's shots are not up to date.
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Is pet insurance eligible for SuperSaveClub and rewards?
Yes, you can earn SuperSaveClub rewards when you buy pet insurance through MoneySuperMarket.
This includes:
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Is pet insurance eligible for Price Promise?
Yes, pet insurance is included in our Super Save Price Promise.
If you buy through us then find the same deal for less we will:
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Terms and conditions apply. More information can be found on our Price Promise page.
Reviewed on 17 Aug 2026 by
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).
SuperSaveClub restrictions and T&Cs apply. Click here for details.
Percentage of sold polices where the user searched for a covertype of LIFETIME. Using Moneysupermarket policies sold between May 2026 and July 2026.
Based on The Insurance Emporium's claims data, January to December 2025
Based on the 51 percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted less than £7.39 per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket in the month of May 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote and the pet didnt have pre-existing medical conditions
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on The Insurance Emporium's claims data, January-December 2025
Based on The Insurance Emporium's claims data, January-December 2025
Based on The Insurance Emporium's claims data, January-December 2025
Based on The Insurance Emporium's claims data, January to December 2025
Based on The Insurance Emporium's claims data, January to December 2025
Based on The Insurance Emporium's claims data, January to December 2025
Based on The Insurance Emporium's claims data, January to December 2025
Based on The Insurance Emporium's claims data, January to December 2025
Based on The Insurance Emporium's claims data, January to December 2025
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Based on the 51st percentile of monthly premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote.
Accurate as of 07 August 2026.
Based on 1 visit per month – average ticket value £15.30 (Oct 24)
T&Cs and restrictions apply, see here for more information
Source: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), 2025. 'General insurance value measures data 2024' https://www.fca.org.uk/data/general-insurance-value-measures-data-2024#revisions
Based on the 10th percentile of annual premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote and was more than 1 year old.
Based on The Insurance Emporium's claims data, January to December 2025
Based on the Insurance Emporium's claims data, January-December 2025
ABI data 2022. Average cost of treating a fractured femur in pedigree cat.
Source: Association of British Insurers (ABI), 2025, 'Insurance payouts for ‘pawly’ pets top £1 billion for third year in a row' https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2025/5/insurance-payouts-for-pawly-pets-top-1-billion-for-third-year-in-a-row/
Based on the 51st percentile of annual premiums our customers were quoted per month for cat insurance based on quotes created on MoneySuperMarket between May 2026 and July 2026 where only 1 pet was included in the quote and was more than 1 year old.
Based on the Insurance Emporium's claims data, January-December 2025
T&Cs and restrictions apply, see here for more information
T&Cs apply, click here for more information



