Cat Insurance Northern Ireland

Cat insurance is a policy that helps cover unexpected veterinary bills for accidents, illnesses, and sometimes routine care. You pay a monthly or annual premium, and if your cat needs medical treatment, the insurer reimburses a percentage of the vet costs, depending on your policy.

Most insurance plans work as follows:
You visit a vet for treatment.
You pay the bill upfront (unless your vet accepts direct payments from the insurer).
You submit a claim with receipts and medical reports.
The insurer reimburses you based on your coverage terms.

Vet bills in NI can be expensive. A routine checkup might cost £40-£60, but emergency surgery could cost £2,000+. Having cat insurance ensures that you can afford top-quality care without financial stress.

Key benefits include:
Covers vet fees for illnesses, injuries, and accidents.
Prevents high out-of-pocket expenses for emergency treatments.
Provides lifetime care for chronic conditions if you choose lifetime cover.
May include third-party liability if your cat causes damage or an accident.
Peace of mind knowing your pet is protected at all times.

Coverage depends on the type of policy you choose. Most comprehensive policies cover:

Accidents & injuries – Broken bones, cuts, burns, poisoning, etc.
Illnesses & infections – Respiratory infections, kidney disease, diabetes, etc.
Chronic conditions – Arthritis, allergies, hyperthyroidism, and other long-term conditions.
Surgeries & hospitalization – Operations, overnight stays, and aftercare.
Diagnostic tests – Blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds.
Prescription medications – Including long-term treatments.
Alternative therapies – Hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture (depending on the insurer).
Lost or stolen cover – Some policies help with advertising and offer a payout if your cat isn’t found.
Euthanasia & cremation – Covered by some plans to ease financial burdens during difficult times.

While insurance offers great protection, most policies exclude:
Pre-existing conditions – Illnesses or injuries diagnosed before purchasing the policy.
Routine checkups & vaccinations – These are typically not covered, unless you buy a wellness add-on.
Dental treatments – Unless required due to an injury or illness.
Pregnancy & breeding-related issues – Most insurers exclude complications related to pregnancy.
Behavioral problems – Anxiety, aggression, and other behavioral treatments often require a separate add-on.

Tip: Always read the policy exclusions before purchasing insurance to understand what is and isn’t covered.

The price of cat insurance in Northern Ireland depends on factors like age, breed, and coverage level.

Accident-Only Cover: £5 – £10 per month
Time-Limited Cover: £10 – £20 per month
Maximum Benefit Cover: £15 – £30 per month
Lifetime Cover: £20 – £50+ per month

Older cats tend to have higher premiums due to increased health risks.
Indoor cats may cost less to insure than outdoor cats.
Pedigree breeds often have higher premiums due to hereditary conditions.

Tip: Compare quotes from multiple insurers to get the best deal for your cat’s needs.

Yes, but premiums tend to be higher for senior cats. Some insurers won’t offer new policies for cats over 8-10 years old, but others provide special senior cat insurance.

Things to look for in senior cat insurance:
Lifetime cover – Ensures ongoing treatment for chronic conditions.
Higher vet fee limits – Older cats may need more frequent care.
Shorter waiting periods – Some insurers offer faster coverage for older pets.

If your cat is already insured before reaching old age, their coverage will usually continue as long as you renew.

Most standard policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, meaning anything diagnosed before taking out the policy won’t be eligible for claims.

However, some insurers, like ManyPets, offer special plans that may cover past conditions if your cat has been symptom-free for a certain period (e.g., 12+ months).

Tip: If your cat already has a medical condition, consider a specialist insurer that offers limited pre-existing condition coverage.

Indoor cats are generally less risky to insure as they have fewer accidents. Some insurers offer lower premiums for indoor-only pets.

Outdoor cats are at higher risk of:
Traffic accidents – Getting hit by a car is a common claim.
Fights with other animals – Can lead to wounds, infections, or abscesses.
Parasites & infections – More exposure to fleas, ticks, and diseases.
Getting lost or stolen – Outdoor cats are harder to track.

Outdoor cat owners should look for policies with higher accident coverage and lost pet compensation.

Yes! Many insurers offer multi-pet discounts, making it cheaper to insure multiple cats under one policy. This is a great option if you have:
Two or more cats in the same household.
A mix of cats and dogs (some insurers offer combined pet policies).
Senior and younger cats needing different levels of care.

Tip: Always check if the discount still provides full coverage for each cat individually.

Claiming is simple and usually follows these steps:
Take your cat to the vet and pay for treatment.
Collect all necessary paperwork – Vet invoices, medical reports, and receipts.
Submit a claim form to your insurer (online or via post).
Wait for reimbursement – Most insurers process claims within 7–14 days.

Some vets directly bill insurers, meaning you don’t have to pay upfront—ask your vet if they offer this service!