Find cover for older felines
Cats are part of the family and as they age have medical needs like all of us. Taking out pet insurance for your older cat can give you the peace of mind
Key takeaways
Most insurers consider cats aged eight years and above as senior and some insurers may have upper age limits or specific policies for older cats
Insurance premiums increase with age due to higher medical needs so make sure you compare quotes to find the best rates
Opting for lifetime policies when your cat is younger can be more economical, be sure to compare policies specifically for older cats and check for age restrictions
Senior cat insurance
As our feline friends enter their golden years, they become more susceptible to health issues and accidents that can lead to unexpected vet bills. Pet insurance for older cats can offer a financial safety net and peace of mind for pet owners as long as you have the right level of cover in place. In this article, we'll explore the ins and outs and help you make an informed decision on the best policy for your furry companion.
Defining a senior cat
Most pet insurance providers define a senior cat is aged eight years and above. If your cat is younger than eight years old, then check out our standard cat insurance. It's important to recognise when your cat falls into this category, as it can influence the type of insurance policy you should consider.
Age limit for pet insurance
While there's no official age limit for insuring pets, some insurers may be more cautious about insuring older cats. Some policies do specify an upper age limit and offer a separate policy for older pets. It's crucial to read the policy details carefully for any age restrictions and to contact insurers directly if you're unsure about their policies.
Continued coverage
For those who have insured their cats from a younger age, it's good to know that as long as you continue to pay your premiums annually, your coverage will persist even as your cat ages beyond the policy's maximum age limit.
Types of pet insurance for older cats
There are four types of insurance for older cats: accident-only, time-limited, per-condition, and lifetime insurance. Each type offers different levels of coverage and has its own set of pros and cons, depending on your cat's needs.
Accident-only insurance
This is the most basic and affordable option, covering only vet fees related to accidents and not illnesses or pre-existing conditions. However, given that older cats are prone to health issues, this may not be the most suitable choice for a senior cat.
Time-limited insurance
Time-limited policies provide insurance cover for a specific period, typically 12 months, which can be ideal for short-term illnesses or accidents. However, this type of insurance does not cover ongoing conditions.
Maximum benefit insurance
Per condition, policies allocate a fixed sum for treating individual illnesses or injuries. This can be beneficial if your cat has specific health needs, but it's important to consider any pre-existing conditions that may affect coverage.
Lifetime insurance
A lifetime policy is a comprehensive option that renews annually with a limit per condition. For instance, if the cover limit is £2,000 for asthma treatment, this amount resets each year, ensuring ongoing coverage for the condition.
Considerations when buying insurance for an older cat
When purchasing insurance for your senior cat, keep the following in mind:
Continuous policy renewal is vital to avoid the challenge of finding new coverage for an older cat.
Regular check-ups are often not included as part of your insurance, be sure to be aware of all exclusions in your policy.
Be clear about the excess, which is the amount you pay before the insurance kicks in, and ensure it's manageable.
Pre-existing health conditions may not be covered under new policies, although some insurers may offer specialised coverage.
Be aware of any breed-specific health conditions and ensure they are covered by the policy.
Cost of pet insurance for older cats
Insuring an older cat can be costlier than insuring a kitten, so it's worth shopping around for the best quotes. With MoneySuperMarket you can get your cat insured from £7.37
If you have more than one pet, a multi-pet policy can help you cover all your pets under one policy. Multi-pet insurance often rewards a discount for each additional pet you add to your policy.
Age | Monthly average price | Monthly price from |
|---|---|---|
Under 1 | £6.25 | £3.60 |
1-2 years old | £5.76 | £3.05 |
3-4 years old | £5.72 | £3.55 |
4-5 years old | £6.03 | £3.70 |
6-7 years old | £6.89 | £4.12 |
Over 7 years old | £12.08 | £5.78 |
Cost-effective lifetime policies
Opting for a lifetime policy when your cat is younger and maintaining annual renewals can be a more cost-effective approach in the long run.
Why insurance is more expensive for older cats
As cats age, they are more prone to developing medical conditions that require more medical care and attention, leading to higher insurance premiums. For example, the average annual premium for a 12-year-old cat can be more than double that for an 8-year-old cat.
Getting cheaper cover for an older cat
The best way to get cheaper pet insurance for your senior pet is to do your research and shop around. Make sure to compare policies that specifically cover older cats and check for any age restrictions.
Comparing policies with MoneySuperMarket
When you use MoneySuperMarket to compare policies, you can find the best pet insurance policy for your policy. you can easily view the cost, excess, and coverage details for each option, helping you make the best choice for your senior cat's needs.
MoneySuperMarket is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Author
Lauren Chong
Senior Commercial Manager | Vet
Dr Lauren Chong BSc BVSc PgCertVBM MRCVS is MoneySuperMarket’s pet expert with an extensive background of working across the veterinary and pet care industry for the past 12 years. She qualified as a...
