Advantages of insurance for older cats

• Financial protection: financial assistance for vet bills, which can be particularly helpful as cats get older and are more prone to health issues.
• Peace of mind: knowing that you have insurance can bring peace of mind, allowing you to make decisions based on your cat's health rather than financial concerns.
• Chronic conditions: chronic conditions that may develop with age, like arthritis or kidney disease, can be costly to manage. Insurance could help with ongoing treatment expenses.

Disadvantages of insurance for older cats

• Higher premiums: as your furry friend gets older, the cost of insurance is typically higher because of the higher risk of age-related health issues.
• Pre-existing conditions: insurance policies don’t tend to cover pre-existing conditions which older cats are more likely to have. This can make it harder to insure your old friend.
• Exclusions and restrictions: there may be more exclusions in your policy as your cat gets older. it’s important to check your policy wording.

What type of pet insurance is available for older cats?

Different insurance providers offer different types of insurance for older cats. Asda Pet Insurance offers these types of pet insurance:

• Time Limited
• Lifetime

Time Limited Pet Insurance is where each illness or injury your pet is suffering from is covered for a set amount of time – usually 12 months. This type of pet insurance policy offers a fixed amount for illness or injury your cat gets covered under the policy during this time. It’s also one of the cheaper types of pet insurance, as there are limits on how much and how long you can claim.

As soon as the fixed period of cover ends, your pet will no longer be covered for any illness or injury. In addition, they won’t be covered if that same specific illness or injury occurs again. You will then be expected to cover the full cost of any vet fees or medical treatment and expenses yourself.

Lifetime Pet Insurance is the most comprehensive level of cover available for your cat. It keeps them protected and covered for life – as long as you renew the policy every year – and helps to pay towards health conditions that develop or worsen during the time of cover.

It also covers both accidents and illnesses. The amount of money you’re able to use on claims each year resets every time you renew your policy, too. It’s the highest level of cover designed for your pet and is often seen as a premium insurance cover option as it protects your cat from conditions covered under the policy for life. As your cat gets older, the amount you pay for their lifetime cover pet insurance increases. This is because as your pet ages, there’s more chance of them becoming injured or ill, meaning you’re more likely to make a claim.

Common conditions in older cats

As your cat gets older they can be more susceptible to certain health conditions. This can push up your insurance premiums as they may need more care than a younger cat. Below you’ll find a list of the most common health conditions for cats:

• Arthritis: just like us, older cats can feel the creaks and cracks in their joints, making them a bit less agile and their movements slower.
• Dental issues: your cat’s teeth might need some extra attention with age.
• Weight management: keep an eye on their weight to avoid extra stress on their joints and organs.
• Vision and hearing loss: fuzzy vision and selective hearing might become more apparent, so be patient with your older cat.
• Skin problems: older cats might develop dry skin or lumps and bumps, which are worth keeping an eye on.
• Kidney disease: unfortunately, it's not uncommon for older cats to face kidney issues, so a kidney-friendly diet might be needed.

What is excluded in pet insurance for older cats

Whilst Pet Lifetime Insurance is highly comprehensive, there are a few things that aren’t covered in these policies:

• Dental treatment: pet insurance policies don’t cover the cost of routine dental check-ups and treatment. The only dental cover you’ll receive is following an accident or injury.
• Cremation and burial: the cost of cremation and burial isn’t covered by a Lifetime Insurance Policy
  
  
• Pre-existing conditions: you’re not covered for treatment and medical care for a condition your cat already has when you take out your policy. This is why it can make sense to get insurance for your cat as soon as possible when they’re young and healthy, especially if you have a breed that’s more likely to suffer problems and diseases in the long run.
• Excess and co-payment: with Lifetime Pet Insurance policies, you’ll need to pay towards the sum of the claim yourself, which is called an excess. Some policies also have what is called a “co-payment”, which is essentially another excess where you pay a percentage of the full cost.

Our Time Limited pet insurance policy typically doesn’t cover:

• Routine check-ups
• General treatments such as worming
• Vaccinations
• Pregnancy
• Preventative treatments
• Dental care
• Pre-existing conditions

Always check your insurance policy wording carefully to fully understand what is and isn’t covered, choosing the best policy for you and your feline friend.

What is the cost of pet insurance for my older cat?

The cost of pet insurance for older cats is more expensive than insuring a young cat. As your cat gets older, they’re more likely to develop health conditions that need vet treatment which pushes up your insurance premiums.

The average annual premium for a 12-year-old cat can be more than double that for an eight-year-old cat. Choosing a Lifetime policy when your cat is still young and keeping up with the annual renewals can work out cheaper as it will cover any ongoing illnesses that crop up. 

How do I protect my cat and how can Asda Money help?

Cat insurance can offer financial protection and peace of mind in the event of unexpected vet expenses. Explore Cat Insurance at Asda Money and protect your pet today. Choose the right insurance for you and your feline friend by comparing our different cover types without any of the confusing insurance jargon.