Cat insurance can take some of the sting out of costly vet bills if your cat is hurt or falls sick. Allowing you to truly be there for your pet when they need you the most.

But what you might not know is that it can cover other unexpected shocks too. From cattery fees if you’re taken into hospital, to the cost of finding your pet if they go missing – there’s plenty more that cat insurance can do to turn a difficult time into a slightly easier one.

But what does it actually cover? Is it right for you? And what should you know before you dive in and buy a policy? Read on for the ins and outs, and find the best deal for you.

Cat insurance policies will often cover:

• Accident and injury to help you cover the vet bills if your cat is hurt
• Unexpected illnesses to help you with treatment costs if your cat falls sick
• Holiday cancellations is offered on some policies to cover the cost if you need to cancel a holiday after your pet falls ill
• Cattery fees in case you spend more than four consecutive days in hospital. Cat insurance can cover your cattery fees
• Liability cover to help with the costs if a third party takes legal action against you for damage caused by your cat
• Advertising and reward if the worst happens and your cat goes missing or is stolen, the costs of finding them can be covered too

 

Typically, policies won’t cover:

• Preventative treatments like vaccinations and neutering that stop your cat falling sick in the first place
• Dental treatment or more generally, any work on your cat’s teeth
• Routine check-ups such as health checks and other routine vet visits
• Behavioural problems - treatment for behavioural issues your cat or kitten may have
• Pre-existing conditions - treatment for any illness or injuries your cat already has. While a standard policy won’t cover such conditions, our pre-existing conditions cover does offer cat insurance covering already diagnosed conditions. To find out more, simply select this option when you get a quote     

Yes, there’s no age limit for cat insurance, but your premiums may be higher depending on how old your cat is. Take a look at our section on cat insurance costs above for a rough idea of how much you’re likely to pay.

Currently, cats don’t have to be microchipped under UK law. But it’s still worthwhile to get your pets chipped – if only to make finding them a little less painful if the worst happens and they go missing.

Yes, our partner Scratch & Patch offer cover for pets already diagnosed with medical conditions. Just select this policy type when you get a quote.

This is usually an illness or injury your cat has suffered prior to you taking out cat or kitten insurance. Insurers may have their own definitions of what constitutes a pre-existing condition, so it’s worth checking this out before taking out a policy.

In short yes, cat insurance is a good idea - even if your furry friend won’t be venturing outdoors.

While keeping your cat indoors may protect it from obvious outdoor dangers like busy roads and injury from other animals, indoor cats are prone to their own risks too.

Obesity and diabetes from a more sedentary lifestyle can both take their toll on your cat’s health. And uniquely indoor risks like ingesting houseplants can cause issues too!

While accidents and injuries may be less common in housecats, keeping your cat indoors doesn’t protect it from illness and other health issues than can rack up a hefty vet bill.

For more information, take a look at our guide on keeping your pet safe indoors.