Pet Insurance for older cats

SnowBelle_2

Hello,
I currently have two cats 13 & 14 years Old.
Touch wood, apart from one of them having a large fang removed last year they seem to be in good health.

But they have never been insured,during a cat conversation at work today I was strongly advised to get them insured.

My questions are....can they be insured at this age? Am I being daft to consider it?
And if it is a good idea where do I start to look?

Hopefully someone in my situation or similar would be kind enough to advise me.
Many Thanks
Clare.

rising_from_the_ashes

If at all possible, I'd get them insured however you'll be limited to choice as many insurers won't cover after a certain age and the premiums may be quite high.

I know PDSA don't have an upper age limit http://www.pdsa.org.uk/how-you-can-help/pdsa-pet-insurance and also Argos http://www.argos-pet-insurance.co.uk/app/%28S%28bchrpg3asrwsjb45aepd5ufu%29%29/landing.aspx so it may be worth doing a couple of quotes through them first to get an idea of the cost.

I'd recommend a "lifetime" policy to ensure ongoing treatment which may become more likely with any "older age" conditions that may occur.

Depending on the premium price, you may wish to "take the risk" and maybe stick some money aside into a separate account to cover any illnesses.

On the plus side, if they've not had any vet treatment (apart from the fang - you've been really fortunate there) then this should help the premium price and you'll not have loads of exclusions.


Avoid anything by/underwritten by E&L - (not sure if they even insure older pets) but they're terrible for not paying out etc.

Hazel1980

I'm pretty sure Tesco insure older cats.

bacardi66

My two cats were insured with Tesco for years and in 14 years I only needed to claim once when one of them had to have a cyst on his side removed. I know I was really lucky to have such healthy animals.

Ive only got one cat now and he is 17, the monthly premium went up to £50 in January - I decided to cancel the insurance and to put the money in a savings account just in case.

My main thinking behind my decision was that at his age I wouldn't put him through excessive medical treatment, operations etc as it wouldn't be fair to him, I have friends who have spent thousands after their cats have been in road accidents so definitely think it is worth insuring younger cats.

See what quotes you get but also look very closely at the policy to see what they do and don't cover, and how much excess you will have to pay.

talulahbeige_2

My 14 yr old is with AXa pet insurance which is reasonable for the age

Tiptopkat

The trouble that I have found is that all the quotes I have had the excess is £99 - is that normal for cats of all ages and is that what I should expect for a cat of 9 years?

Thanks

rising_from_the_ashes

Probably around right - and if that's it, not too bad IMHO.

My current insurance company has an excess of £65 + 20% of total cost once they're over 6! (at date of renewal)

My boy turns 6 just before renewal so I'll be shopping around before then!!!!