Last updated: September 2026
Quick answer: Cat insurance in the UK typically starts at around £13 to £21 a month for lifetime cover on a healthy one-year-old, depending on the breed, and accident-only cover starts at about £5 to £14 a month. Cats cost roughly half as much to insure as dogs. Pedigree breeds with known hereditary conditions cost more than moggies, premiums rise with age, and the cheapest policies usually come with low vet fee limits or no dental cover.
This guide sets out what cat owners pay, what drives the price and how to choose cover that still pays when your cat needs it.
What cat insurance costs
| Cover | Typical monthly premium | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Accident-only | £5–£14 | NimbleFins |
| Basic lifetime cover | From around £15 | NimbleFins |
| Lifetime, £2,000 annual limit, one-year-old cat | £13–£21 depending on breed | NimbleFins |
| Average across all pets (dogs and cats) | £389 a year, about £32 a month | ABI |
Comparison sites advertise lower entry prices: MoneySuperMarket quotes cat cover from £5.84 a month. Those are the cheapest quotes in the market rather than typical ones, and usually mean accident-only or low-limit cover. Excesses have risen too: NimbleFins puts 2026 fixed excesses at £85 to £195.
What drives the price
- Breed. Moggies are cheapest. Pedigrees with hereditary conditions, such as Persians, Maine Coons and British Shorthairs, cost more.
- Age. Premiums climb every year, and many insurers add a co-payment once a cat reaches about 10; see excess and co-payment explained.
- Indoor or outdoor. Outdoor cats face road accidents, fights and abscesses, which shows up in claims.
- Postcode. Vet fees vary by region, and premiums follow.
- Policy type and limit. Lifetime cover with a decent limit costs more than accident-only or time-limited cover; see lifetime vs time-limited vs maximum benefit cover.
Why the cheapest cat policy is often the wrong one
Cats develop expensive chronic conditions: kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes and dental disease all need treatment for years. A time-limited policy stops paying after 12 months per condition, and a £2,000 annual limit disappears quickly on a blocked bladder or a course of investigations. Two checks before you buy:
- Is dental illness included? Cheap policies often exclude it, and dental disease is very common in cats. See does pet insurance cover dental treatment?
- Is the annual limit enough? See how much vet fee cover you need.
Is cat insurance worth it?
Only about 12% of UK cats were insured in 2023, far fewer than dogs, so most cat owners carry the risk themselves. The ABI’s average claim across pets is £685, and a single blocked bladder or a course of treatment for hyperthyroidism can cost far more. Our guide is pet insurance worth it? runs the numbers, including the option of saving instead.
How to pay less
- Insure while your cat is young, before anything appears in the vet notes; see pre-existing conditions.
- Raise the voluntary excess rather than lowering the limit.
- Pay annually if you can.
- Budget routine care separately. Vaccinations, neutering and parasite treatment are never covered: see cat vaccination costs and cat neutering costs.
- Check the price at renewal, but be careful if your cat has been treated for anything; read switching pet insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How much is cat insurance per month in the UK?
Lifetime cover typically starts at £13 to £21 a month for a healthy young cat, and accident-only from about £5 to £14.
Is cat insurance cheaper than dog insurance?
Yes, usually around half the price, because treatment for cats tends to cost less.
Do indoor cats need insurance?
Indoor cats still develop illnesses such as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and dental problems, which are what most cat claims are for.
Does cat insurance cover vaccinations or neutering?
No. Those are routine costs; see does pet insurance cover routine care?
Which cat breeds cost most to insure?
Pedigrees with hereditary conditions, including Persians, Maine Coons and British Shorthairs, cost more than moggies.
Key takeaways
- Lifetime cat cover starts around £13–£21 a month; accident-only from £5–£14.
- Cats cost roughly half as much to insure as dogs.
- Chronic conditions make lifetime cover and dental cover worth checking.
- Premiums rise with age, and co-payments often start around age 10.
Related guides
- Pet insurance cost UK by breed and age
- Cat neutering and spaying cost UK
- Does pet insurance cover dental treatment?
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Prices are typical ranges, not quotes.