Common questions
Senior cat insurance — FAQs
Can I insure a cat over 10 years old?
New illness policies usually close around age 9–10, but accident-only cover often remains available. A policy started when your cat was young can normally be kept for life.
How much does senior cat insurance cost?
Around $60–$110 per month for accident and illness cover on a cat aged 10+, depending on breed, postcode and limit. Accident-only cover is roughly $30–$45 per month.
Does pet insurance cover kidney disease in cats?
Yes, if the cat was insured before any symptoms or vet notes appeared, and the policy includes renewing chronic condition cover. Kidney disease management costs $1,000–$3,000 per year for the rest of the cat's life.
Is insurance or a savings account better for an old cat?
If your cat already has conditions in its vet records, those are excluded from any new policy — so a dedicated savings buffer plus a vet payment plan is usually the more honest option for an uninsured senior.
Is It Possible to Insure a Cat Aged Over 9?
Yes, many Australian insurers will still accept a cat older than 9. The catch is that most providers set a maximum entry age for new policies, often somewhere between 8 and 10 years, although some have no upper limit.
Once a cat is enrolled before the cut-off, most insurers allow the policy to continue for life, provided it’s renewed without a break. Owners of cats past the entry age may find their options are limited to:
- Accident-only cover, which is often available at any age
- Providers that specifically advertise no upper entry age
- Basic accident and illness plans with higher excesses or lower annual limits
Check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the exact age limits, as these vary between brands.
What Do Australian Owners Typically Pay to Insure an Older Cat?
Premiums rise as cats age because older animals are more likely to need vet treatment. As a general guide, owners may see prices in these ranges:
| Cover type |
Approximate monthly cost (senior cat) |
| Accident-only |
$15–$30 |
| Accident and illness |
$40–$90 |
| Comprehensive (with extras) |
$70–$150+ |
These amounts are estimates only. The final price depends on the cat's age, breed, postcode, excess, reimbursement rate and annual benefit limit.
Choosing a higher excess or a lower reimbursement percentage (for example, 70% instead of 80%) can bring the premium down. Owners should also expect premiums to increase at most renewals as their cat gets older.
Key Points to Compare When Choosing a Senior Cat Policy
Comparing policies side by side makes it easier to spot differences that matter for an older cat. Here are some useful things to check:
- Entry age limits and whether cover continues for life once accepted
- Annual benefit limit, ideally high enough to cover surgery or ongoing treatment
- Sub-limits on specific conditions, such as cancer or dental work
- Reimbursement rate, usually between 60% and 90%
- Excess and whether it applies per condition or per year
- Waiting periods, which are commonly 30 days for illness and up to 6 months for some conditions
- Co-payments that some insurers add once a pet reaches a certain age
- Chronic condition cover and whether ongoing conditions are covered at renewal
Many senior cats develop issues like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism or arthritis. A policy that limits payouts for these conditions may offer less value as your cat gets older.
Does Insurance Cover Health Problems an Older Cat Already Has?
In most cases, no. Australian pet insurers generally exclude pre-existing conditions, meaning any illness or injury that showed signs or symptoms before the policy started or during the waiting period.
Some insurers will review certain conditions after a set period. For example, a condition that has been symptom-free and untreated for 12 or 18 months may be considered for cover again, depending on the provider.
Insurers usually request the cat's vet history before assessing claims. To avoid surprises, owners can:
- Ask the insurer which conditions in the cat's history will be excluded
- Keep vet records up to date and easy to access
- Read the PDS section on pre-existing conditions carefully
Are Teeth and Age-Related Illnesses Included for Senior Cats?
Dental cover varies a lot between policies. Many accident and illness plans cover dental injuries from accidents, but routine cleaning, scale-and-polish procedures and periodontal disease are often excluded or capped.
Some comprehensive policies, or optional add-ons, include dental illness up to a set amount each year. It may be worth checking, as dental disease is common in older cats.
Age-related illnesses are often covered on accident and illness policies, provided they are not pre-existing. Commonly claimed senior cat conditions include:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Cancer
Check for condition-specific sub-limits, as these can reduce how much is paid out for long-term treatment.
Does It Make Sense to Insure an Older Cat?
It depends on the owner's budget, the cat's health and how comfortable they are with paying large vet bills directly. Treatment for conditions like kidney disease or cancer in Australia can cost several thousand dollars, and ongoing medication can add up over time.
Insurance may suit owners who:
- Would struggle to cover an unexpected bill of $2,000 or more
- Have a cat in good health with few pre-existing conditions
- Want access to specialist or emergency care without delay
On the other hand, some owners prefer to set aside a regular amount in a dedicated savings account. That can work well when the cat already has several excluded conditions, or when premiums are high compared to the likely payout.
A conversation with the cat's vet about likely health needs, along with a careful read of the PDS, can help owners make a choice that fits their situation.
