What is pet insurance for older cats?
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
Can I get pet insurance for my older cat?
Yes, you can get pet insurance for an older cat, as many providers offer specialised senior policies or have no upper age limits, allowing you to cover cats often considered "senior" (aged 7–10+).
While premiums are higher and pre-existing conditions are usually excluded, insurance helps manage costly, unexpected illnesses like diabetes or kidney disease common in older felines.
What age is a senior cat?
Most pet insurance providers define a senior cat is aged seven years and above. If your cat is younger than seven 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.
Is there an 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 really important to read the policy details carefully for any age restrictions and to contact insurers directly if you're unsure about their policies.
What types of pet insurance can I get for my older cat?
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
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 cover.
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.
What do I need to consider when buying senior cat insurance?
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.
How much is 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 £8.02
Pedigree cats typically have higher insurance costs due to the risk of inherited diseases, while mixed-breed cats may be slightly less expensive to insure.
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 | £6.61 | £4.03 |
1-2 years old | £6.29 | £3.56 |
3-4 years old | £6.14 | £3.62 |
4-5 years old | £6.46 | £3.74 |
6-7 years old | £7.04 | £4.26 |
Over 7 years old | £12.73 | £6.14 |
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.
How do I get cheaper insurance for my senior 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...
Reviewer
Collette Shackleton
Content Writer
Collette Shackleton is a highly skilled Content Writer who has over nine years’ experience creating helpful and engaging personal finance content for consumers. Collette shares her experience as a...
