Best cat insurance policies 2024

How to choose the best cat insurance

The best cat insurance helps you cover the cost of veterinary treatment if your cat is ill or injured. Some policies also pay out if your cat is lost or needs to go to a cattery because you're in hospital. But there is a difference between the best and worst.

To find out, in December our experts analysed 150 cat insurance policies, and picked out several Which? Best Buys which you can read more about below,

We've also looked more closely at the best pet insurance providers, surveying 1,300 customers to find out about their customer  service, and reviewing the key companies- click the link to find out more.

Please note that the information in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. Please refer to the particular terms and conditions of an insurer before committing to any financial products.

Compare pet insurance deals

Check Which? insurance ratings and compare deals using the service provided by Confused.com

Get a quote

Best Buy cat insurance policies

Agria Lifetime Premium

• 83% policy score for cat cover, the highest-scoring Best Buy and second highest-ranking overall of 150 cat policies we reviewed
• 70% customer score, placing it first of the 10 insurers we had customer scores for

We like: one of the highest vet fee limits available - £20,000 a year. The cap includes costs for scans and £750 for therapy provided by a behaviourist.

We don't like: like most (but not all) policies, it excludes conditions that started before the policy was taken out.

• Read our expert review of Agria pet insurance

John Lewis Lifetime £12,000

• 79% policy score for cat cover, ninth of 150 cat policies we reviewed
• 62% customer score, placing it third of the 10 insurers we had customer scores for
• 72% claims score, placing it second of the six insurers we had claims scores for

We like: Alongside a high £12,000 annual limit for vets fees, this John Lewis policy includes dental cover for accident and illness, and 24/7 veterinary support by phone.

We don't like: comparatively low limits (£300) for behavioural therapy.

• Read our expert review of John Lewis pet insurance

Best UK cat insurance policies compared

We've divided the tables by the type of policy (see below for explanations) and ranked them by policy score.

Only annual lifetime and lifetime per-condition policies can be Best Buys.

How can you save money on cat insurance?

1. Find out the needs of your cat breed

According to the Association of British Insurers, the value of the average pet insurance claim in 2022 was £771. Factoring in the possibility of you needing to make multiple claims, and the fact that vets prices are rising, we wouldn't recommend polices that would pay less than £2,000 annually.

But all pets are different, so it's important to understand your pet's needs to be sure you get adequate cover.

Cats are generally cheaper to insure than dogs, but can still be prone to chronic conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, later in life. And certain breeds can have more expensive health needs than others.

Talk to your vet about common conditions and what level of cover they recommend.

2. Buy insurance when your cat is healthy

This might seem counterintuitive, but as most policies exclude pre-existing conditions, buying early means you're maximising the cover your pet will get.

3. Make sure your cat is up to date on its jabs

Make sure your cat gets the appropriate inoculations and injections, including boosters, to minimise the chance of getting an illness that could lead to expensive premiums.

4. Get your cat microchipped

Microchipping is set to become a legal requirement for cats. It could also reduce your premiums from some insurers.

5. Pay annually (if you can)

Your insurer may charge you interest if you pay monthly, rather than annually, which can be surprisingly expensive.

6. Haggle at renewal

If the insurer increases your cat's premiums without good reason, call it to discuss. It might be open to negotiation. 

• Find out more: how to find cheap pet insurance

Do you need cat insurance?

Dean Sobers, Which? insurance expert says:

'You're not legally required to own cat insurance, so it's your choice as to whether you want to fork out on premiums.

'With no NHS for cats - and some vets procedures costing thousands of pounds - insurance means you'll have significantly less to worry about should your cat require expensive medical treatment.

'The main downside is cat cover can also be fairly pricey (especially for older cats), and exclusions or high compulsory excesses can chip away at the policy's value.

'One alternative to owning insurance is 'self-insuring' - in other words, paying for your cat's medical needs from savings. If you choose this option, it's worth putting aside regular amounts into a savings account, so you have a growing fund to help pay for steep vet bills.'

• Find out more: pet insurance alternatives
  
• Also check our cat food reviews and cat litter reviews to get the best for your feline friend.

 Types of cat insurance

 About Which? cat insurance research

In December 2023, we analysed 150 cat insurance policies. We examined the amounts they paid out in vet fees and other benefits they provide, including costs for holiday cancellation, dental cover, and advertising and reward costs to help find your cat if it goes missing.

To create a policy score, we compared 31 policy features, plus the amount each pays in vet fees. The higher the score, the more comprehensive the policy's cover.

Our Best Buys are all lifetime policies that did well in our analysis, scoring at least 67%. In addition:

• each will pay out a minimum of £2,000 a year in vet fees 
• each will pay out a minimum of £1,000 for any single condition in a year, if an annual condition limit applies
• they all provide dental cover for both accidents and illnesses.