Best Pet Insurance for Cats in the UK

Types of Pet Insurance Cover for Cats

Before diving into the best deals, it’s important to understand the different types of coverage available for cats. Pet insurance policies in the UK typically fall into four main categories:

• Accident-Only Insurance: This is the most basic type of cover. It only covers accidents, such as injuries caused by road accidents or falls. While this is cheaper than other types of coverage, it doesn’t include illnesses or diseases, so it may not provide full protection.
• Time-Limited Insurance: This covers illnesses or accidents for a set period, usually 12 months. Once the time limit is reached, the coverage for that condition ends. This can be a more affordable option but may not be ideal for long-term conditions.
• Maximum Benefit Insurance: This covers illnesses or accidents up to a specific financial limit, with no time restrictions. Once the cost limit is reached for a condition, the insurer stops covering it, but it can still be useful for treating a wide range of conditions.
• Lifetime Insurance: The most comprehensive option. This provides continuous coverage for ongoing conditions throughout your pet’s life, as long as the policy is renewed. Lifetime insurance can be more expensive but is often the best choice for cats with pre-existing conditions or those who are prone to health issues.

Now, let’s explore the best options available for cat insurance in the UK, based on coverage, premiums, and special features.

Best Pet Insurance Providers for Cats in the UK

Choosing the right insurance provider is crucial to ensuring that your cat gets the best care when needed. Here’s a look at some of the top pet insurance providers for cats in the UK in 2025.

1. Petplan

Petplan is one of the UK’s most well-known pet insurance providers. Their policies cover a range of conditions, from accidents and illnesses to specialist treatments and surgery. Petplan is often praised for its customer service and its ability to process claims quickly. Petplan offers both time-limited and lifetime policies for cats, allowing you to choose the level of coverage that suits your needs and budget.

Key Features:

• Lifetime cover for accidents and illnesses
• Up to £12,000 in annual veterinary fees
• No increase in premiums after making a claim (on some plans)
• 97% claim payout rate

Pricing: Petplan’s prices start at around £6 per month for basic cover, but premiums will increase based on your cat’s breed, age, and any pre-existing conditions.

2. ManyPets

ManyPets (formerly known as Bought By Many) offers flexible pet insurance policies that include both lifetime cover and policies tailored to more specific needs, such as dental care and accident coverage. Their premiums tend to be affordable, and they also offer multi-pet discounts.

Key Features:

• Lifetime cover for cats with up to £10,000 annual vet fees
• Dental illness cover
• Accident cover and treatments for injuries
• Up to 15% multi-pet discount

Pricing: Premiums start from approximately £5.50 per month, depending on your cat’s needs and health.

3. Agria Pet Insurance

Agria is known for offering excellent lifetime pet insurance, with the option to increase coverage limits up to £20,000 per year. They offer a wide range of policies and also provide coverage for cats with pre-existing conditions, making it a great option for senior cats or those with ongoing medical issues.

Key Features:

• Lifetime cover with up to £20,000 in annual vet fees
• Optional cover for dental treatment
• Free 24/7 vet video calls included
• High customer satisfaction rate with 98% of claims paid

Pricing: Agria’s premiums tend to start at around £5-£6 per month, depending on the age and breed of the cat.

4. Direct Line Pet Insurance

Direct Line offers a variety of pet insurance options, with coverage for both accidents and illnesses. Their lifetime policies are particularly popular, as they provide lifetime protection for pre-existing conditions, which is crucial for older or chronically ill cats.

Key Features:

• Lifetime cover for accidents and illnesses
• Up to £12,000 in annual vet fees
• 30-day cooling-off period
• Discounts for multi-pet households

Pricing: Starting premiums are around £7 per month, but costs can vary depending on the breed and health of your cat.

5. Tesco Pet Insurance

Tesco offers comprehensive pet insurance options with competitive pricing, making it an attractive choice for pet owners who want quality cover at an affordable price. Tesco’s policies offer a variety of benefits, including both time-limited and lifetime cover for cats.

Key Features:

• Lifetime and time-limited cover options
• Up to £10,000 in annual vet fees
• Multi-pet discounts
• Optional extra for dental care

Pricing: Prices start from around £4-£6 per month, with the option for additional coverage depending on your cat’s needs.

How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance for Your Cat

With so many options available, selecting the right pet insurance can feel overwhelming. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a policy for your cat:

• Coverage Type: As mentioned earlier, consider the type of coverage that suits your cat. Lifetime insurance offers the most comprehensive protection, especially for cats with ongoing or chronic conditions.
• Excess and Limits: Check the excess (the amount you pay out-of-pocket for each claim) and the annual cover limits. A higher excess can lower your premium but may result in higher costs when claiming.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: If your cat has a pre-existing condition, look for insurers that offer cover for it. Agria and Direct Line are two insurers that are known to cover pre-existing conditions.
• Premiums and Discounts: Compare premiums from multiple providers. Many insurers offer discounts for multi-pet households or if you pay annually instead of monthly.
• Customer Service and Claim Process: Read reviews of the insurer’s customer service and claim process. Providers with a high claim payout rate and easy claim process can save you stress if your cat becomes ill or injured.

Conclusion

Choosing the best pet insurance for your cat requires careful consideration of your cat’s health needs, the type of coverage that suits your lifestyle, and the affordability of the policy. Whether you choose a comprehensive lifetime policy or a more basic accident-only plan, ensure that the insurer you select offers excellent customer service and a clear, simple claims process.

Top providers like Petplan, ManyPets, Agria, Direct Line, and Tesco offer competitive premiums, extensive coverage, and valuable benefits such as multi-pet discounts, dental care cover, and lifetime cover options. Be sure to compare quotes from these and other providers to find the best deal for your feline friend.