Compare cat insurance

Looking to insure your cat or kitten? The right policy could help reimburse vet bills. Here at Mozo, we compare cat insurance policies from a range of pet insurance providers to help you compare policy features and offers side by side.

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Cat insurance comparisons on Mozo

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Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits.
Last updated 4 December 2024 Important disclosures
  • Pet Protection Plus

    Petsy has zero sublimits and an annual limit up to $25k. Get a pre-existing conditions assessment in your cooling-off period - free of charge for members only. Dedicated all Australian customer service team. Cancel your policy and receive a full refund of your premium in the first 30 days (T&Cs apply).

    annual benefit limit
    $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000
    benefit percentage
    80% or 90%
    choice of excess
    $0, $150, $200, $300, $500
    choice of vet
    Yes

    available discounts

    • 5% discount for second pet covered with Petsy applied for lifetime of the policy
    Compare
    Details
  • Comprehensive

    Get a Comprehensive Coles Pet Insurance policy and collect 10 Flybuys points for every $1 you spend in the pet aisle at Coles (max cap applies). All accidents and injuries, plus 19 specified illnesses covered. Up to 100% back on eligible vet bills. Cured pre-existing conditions covered. You can also get Optional Extras with Routine Care Lite and Routine Care Plus. Exclusions, excess, limits, and T&Cs apply. Underwritten by Guild Insurance Limited.

    annual benefit limit
    $12,000
    benefit percentage
    80%, 100%
    choice of excess
    $200
    choice of vet
    Yes

    available discounts

    • Save 5% when you insure two or more pets on one policy
    Compare
    Details
  • Balanced Cover

    Enjoy all the basic coverage you need with Knose Balanced Cover. Award-winning pet insurance designed with the help of vets. No sub-limits or hidden costs. Customise your plan to help fit your budget. Australian-based customer care.

    annual benefit limit
    $7,500, $12,5000, or $25,000
    benefit percentage
    70%, 80% or 90%
    choice of excess
    $0, $100, $200 Annual Excess
    choice of vet
    Yes

    available discounts

    • Get 10% off your first-year premium using the promo code "MOZO10"
    Compare
    Details
  • Dog Plan

    Get dental, physio and behaviour cover included as standard with Fetch 30k cover with no sub-limits. Your plan includes free 24/7 vet support and an all Aussie vet nurse team to manage claims. Claims are paid directly to your vet.

    annual benefit limit
    $30,000
    benefit percentage
    80%, 90% or 100%
    choice of excess
    $0 - $200
    choice of vet
    Yes

    available discounts

    • Get an extra 5% off your entire plan when two or more pets are covered under the same plan.
    Compare
    Details
  • Premium

    Get a Premium Coles Pet Insurance policy and collect 10 Flybuys points for every $1 you spend in the pet aisle at Coles (max cap applies). All accidents, injuries and over 3,000 illnesses are covered. Up to 100% back on eligible vet bills. Cured pre-existing conditions covered. You can also get Optional Extras with Routine Care Lite, Routine Care Plus, and Dental. Exclusions, excess, limits, and T&Cs apply. Underwritten by Guild Insurance Limited.

    annual benefit limit
    $15,000
    benefit percentage
    80%, 100%
    choice of excess
    $200
    choice of vet
    Yes

    available discounts

    • Save 5% when you insure two or more pets on one policy
    Compare
    Details
  • Kitten Protection Plus

    Petsy has zero sublimits and annual limit up to $30,000. Get a pre-existing conditions assessment in your cooling-off period - free of charge for members only. Dedicated all Australian customer service team. Cancel your policy and receive a full refund of your premium in the first 30 days (T&Cs apply).

    annual benefit limit
    $6,000, $12,000 or $30,000 for kittens under 6 months old
    benefit percentage
    80% or 90%
    choice of excess
    $0, $150, $200, $300, $500
    choice of vet
    Yes

    available discounts

    • 5% discount for second pet covered with Petsy applied for lifetime of the policy
    Compare
    Details
  • Comprehensive Pet Insurance

    Give your pet the care they need with Budget Direct’s Comprehensive Pet Insurance. Get a generous $15,000 annual policy limit, routine care options to choose from and up to 80% money back on eligible vet bills (T&Cs apply). Get cover for orthopaedic care, accidental injury and illness cover as well as choice of vet.

    annual benefit limit
    $15,000
    benefit percentage
    80%
    choice of excess
    $100, $200
    choice of vet
    Yes

    available discounts

    • Receive 15% off the first year’s premium for new policies quoted online
    Compare
    Details
  • Basic

    Get a Basic Pet Insurance policy from Coles Insurance and collect 10 Flybuys points for every $1 you spend in the pet aisle at Coles (max cap applies). All accidents and injuries covered, plus 4 specified illnesses covered. Up to 100% back on eligible vet bills. Cured pre-existing conditions covered. Exclusions, excess, limits, and T&Cs apply. Underwritten by Guild Insurance Limited.

    annual benefit limit
    $10,000
    benefit percentage
    80%, 100%
    choice of excess
    $200
    choice of vet
    Yes

    available discounts

    • Save 5% when you insure two or more pets on one policy
    Compare
    Details
  • Maximum Cover

    Get all the bells and whistles with Knose Maximum Cover. Award-winning pet insurance designed with the help of vets. No sub-limits or hidden costs. Customise your plan to help fit your budget. Australian-based customer care.

    annual benefit limit
    $7,500, $12,5000, or $25,000
    benefit percentage
    70%, 80% or 90%
    choice of excess
    $0, $100, $200 Annual Excess
    choice of vet
    Yes

    available discounts

    • Get 10% off your first-year premium using the promo code "MOZO10"
    Compare
    Details
  • Essential Pet Insurance

    Protect your pet with basic coverage with Budget Direct’s Essential Pet Insurance. $12,000 annual policy limit and up to 80% money back on eligible vet bills for a range of conditions (T&Cs apply). Get cover for orthopaedic care, accidental injury and illness as well as choice of vet.

    annual benefit limit
    $12,000
    benefit percentage
    80%
    choice of excess
    $100, $200
    choice of vet
    Yes

    available discounts

    • Receive 15% off the first year’s premium for new policies quoted online
    Compare
    Details
  • Value Cover

    Get great value coverage with Knose Value Cover. Award-winning pet insurance designed with the help of vets. No sub-limits or hidden costs. Customise your plan to help fit your budget. Australian-based customer care.

    annual benefit limit
    $7,500, $12,5000, or $25,000
    benefit percentage
    70%, 80% or 90%
    choice of excess
    $0, $100, $200 Annual Excess
    choice of vet
    Yes

    available discounts

    • Get 10% off your first-year premium using the promo code "MOZO10"
    Compare
    Details
  • Plus Pet Insurance

    Protect your pet with Budget Direct’s top level of cover. With Budget Direct Plus Pet Insurance you’ll get routine care options, a $25,000 annual policy limit and 80% back on eligible vet bills (T&Cs apply) Get cover for tick paralysis, bilateral conditions, accidental injury and illness cover and more.

    annual benefit limit
    $25,000
    benefit percentage
    80%
    choice of excess
    $100, $200
    choice of vet
    Yes

    available discounts

    • Receive 15% off the first year’s premium for new policies quoted online
    Compare
    Details

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Pet insurances Awards

*Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.

Pet insurance resources

Reviews, news, tips and guides to help find the best pet insurance for you.

Cat and kitten insurance: A guide to finding the best cover for your cat

Like us, our feline friends sometimes get sick and must be looked after. The difference is humans have a national healthcare system to help us pay medical bills, whereas animals do not. 

When cats fall ill, the Australian government won’t help with their vet bills, which sure can add up. Luckily, pet insurance is available for cats; if you have it, it can help minimise the costs of going to the vet.

If you consider taking out cat insurance, you’ll probably want to research how it works first. This is where our handy guide comes in, as we’ve attempted to answer all your questions on cat insurance.

What is cat insurance?

Cat insurance is health insurance for cats. It’s pet insurance tailored to meet the needs of our purring pals should they get sick or injured.

As with all forms of insurance, the idea is to provide some financial support in case something goes wrong. Cat insurance is specifically designed to help lower expensive vet bills by reimbursing eligible costs you've already paid. 

So instead of an accident or illness making a permanent dent in your savings, cat insurance puts eligible claims back into your pocket. 

What does cat insurance cover?

Exactly what cat insurance covers will depend on a few factors. These include the insurance company you opt for and the level of cover you pay for, for your cat - plus any terms, conditions, exclusions and sub-limits that may apply. Different insurance companies will have different cover options and perks available.

Generally speaking, though, cat owners will often have around three different levels of cover to choose from:

  • Basic

  • Essential

  • Comprehensive. 

Cover offered will often be for accidents and illnesses, emergency boarding, prescription medicine, testing, etc.

Routine care for teeth cleaning, vaccinations and check-ups can sometimes be available with a comprehensive policy or as an optional extra.

What types of cat insurance are there in Australia?

How cat insurance is sold and packaged by insurance providers can vary widely. While some pet insurance providers will offer one policy plus optional extras, others may have three different cat insurance levels. Some insurance companies even offer indoor cat insurance for cats who don’t wander outside.

Broadly speaking, these are the types of cat insurance you will find offered most often:

Accidental injury cover

Accident injury cover is often the most basic type of cat insurance providers will offer. As the name suggests, this type of insurance provides cover for injuries caused as a result of an accident. Accidents often include motor vehicle incidents, burns or electrocution and insect bites. 

Accidents covered and the definition of accidents may vary from policy to policy. With this in mind, we would recommend reading the PDS thoroughly before signing on the dotted line.

Accidental injury and illness cover

As well as covering accidents, this type of cat insurance protects specific illnesses. Covered illnesses can be cancer, skin conditions, eye or ear conditions, tick paralysis, etc. 

Exactly what illnesses are covered will depend on the individual policy. It is also worth noting that with most policies, around a 30-day waiting period may apply for illnesses. This means you must have had the policy for at least 30 days to claim for an illness.

Another thing to keep in mind is that pre-existing conditions are often not covered. So if your kitty has a health condition predating the policy, you most likely won’t be able to claim for any associated treatment. Other illnesses may be excluded, so again, read the PDS properly before making a decision.

Comprehensive cover

As mentioned above, pet insurance providers most often offer some form of higher-end, comprehensive cover. 

This isn’t always called comprehensive cover per se. Sometimes it is called premium, superior or even ultimate cover. The idea is the same, though, that is a policy that usually offers the most amount of coverage possible with that particular insurance provider. 

The main differences with a comprehensive policy are most often the annual benefit limit and percentage of eligible vet bills covered. Sub-limits for specific cover may also be higher with a comprehensive cat insurance policy. Some providers may even include routine care cover, although generally, this can only be accessed as an optional extra.

What is indoor cat insurance?

As so many people have indoor cats, many insurance providers offer indoor cat insurance. Indoor cat insurance is specifically designed to cover cats that do not roam outside. 

It is generally more cost-effective than regular cat insurance, as it takes into account that indoor cats are less likely to be involved in accidents outdoors, such as road incidents.

Some providers that offer indoor cat insurance include Bow Wow Meow and petinsurance.com.au.

What is the best cat insurance for kittens?

Most insurance providers will not offer cat insurance for very young kittens. Generally, cats must be at least eight weeks old to be eligible for insurance. 

For younger cats specifically, accidental injury cover might be worth considering. Young kittens can be more prone to getting into scrapes than their elders, especially if they are getting used to a new home. 

Really when it comes to it, there are a fair few factors to consider when choosing a pet insurance policy. Ultimately what works best for your pet will come down to what matters most to you and your financial situation.

How are cat insurance premiums calculated?

When an insurance provider works out the cost of an insurance premium, they are trying to determine how likely that person is to make a claim. If the likelihood of making a claim is high, the insurance premium will be high and vice versa.

For cat insurance specifically, the insurance provider will try to find out how likely the kitty will wind up at the vet. Some factors the insurance providers usually take into account include:

  • Age: Just like people, the older a cat gets, the more susceptible they will be to developing certain medical conditions. For this reason, as your cat’s age goes up - so might their insurance premium.

  • Breed or pedigree: Some cat breeds may be more likely to develop certain conditions, so insurance providers may consider the breed and pedigree.

  • Where you live: If you live in a busy, built-up area, there may be a higher risk of your cat being involved in an accident.

  • Desexed status: Your cat’s desexed status may affect how much their insurance premium costs.

  • Medical history: An insurance provider may ask to review your cat’s medical history to see if they are prone to certain illnesses.

As well as these factors, your chosen policy will also affect your premium. For example, an accidental injury-only policy will likely come with a lower premium price than an accidental injury and illness cover plan.

What are the key factors to compare with cat insurance?

Here’s a quick rundown of some essential factors to consider when comparing cat insurance plans.

  • Price: Although getting the right type of cover is essential, it is also understandable to be restricted by a budget. Your budget will probably determine whether you opt for comprehensive cover or are more strategic and take out accidental injury-only insurance instead. 

  • Waiting periods: A waiting period will apply with most cat insurance policies. This is a certain amount of time you must wait, from signing up for the insurance plan to making a claim. Waiting periods can vary depending on the insurance provider and type of cover, ranging from 1 to 30 days or longer.

  • Benefit percentage: You will come across this term when comparing cat insurance policies - the percentage of an eligible vet bill covered by the insurance plan. Most often, pet insurance providers will offer an 80% benefit percentage, although some may give the option to choose from 70% to 90%.

  • Annual benefit limits: The annual benefit limit is the maximum amount the insurance provider will pay out in one insurance period. The annual benefit limit can vary significantly depending on the policy. It should also be noted that individual cover events may also be subject to sub-limits.

  • Sub-limits: As well as the overall annual benefit limit mentioned above, most cat insurance policies will have sub-limits that apply to certain conditions and cover events. For instance, cat insurance providers may put a cap on cover for things like treatment for cruciate ligament conditions, skin conditions and emergency boarding.

  • Excess: If you have any other type of insurance, you will know that the excess is the amount you must pay towards a bill before the insurance kicks in. The good news with cat insurance is that many providers only offer a $0 excess. This means eligible claims will automatically be covered, no matter how small.

  • Exclusions: What is not covered with a policy is just as important as what is covered. Regarding cat insurance, several standard exclusions and possibly even some unexpected exclusions may apply. Make sure you know what the exclusions are before signing up.

Picture of Evlin DuBose
Evlin DuBose
RG146
Senior Money Writer

Evlin is RG146 certified for Generic Knowledge and has become a leading voice in finance news since joining Mozo two years ago. She is regularly featured in Google's Top Stories alongside major publications like News.com.au and Yahoo Finance, and seasoned journalists. Despite being in the industry for just two years, she is Mozo's go-to writer for all things RBA and her research has been referenced by the Victorian Government. With a Bachelor of Communications degree from UTS, where she won the Dean's Merit Award and acted as the Director of Student Publications.

More FAQs about cat insurance

What cats are eligible for cat insurance?

Sadly not all cats will be eligible for cat insurance. Generally cats younger than 8 or 9 weeks or older than 9 years won’t be eligible to sign up to a new policy. Some insurance companies will provide older cats with insurance, but only if they already held the policy before a certain age.

Any illnesses a cat may have had before signing up to the policy will also not usually be covered. This is called a pre-existing condition and most insurance providers do not cover them. Illnesses developed during an insurance waiting period, may also count as a pre-existing condition.

How much does cat insurance cost?

How much cat insurance costs will depend on a few factors. Some of these factors can include where you live, your kitty’s age, their medical history and what insurance policy you choose. For example, a policy with basic cover is likely to come with a lower insurance premium than a policy with comprehensive cover. Or, as an older cat has a higher chance of developing certain health conditions, they will probably cost more to insure than a younger cat.

When taking out cat insurance, pet insurance providers will ask a number of questions about you and your cat and from these provide a quote for how much the premium will cost. You can gather quotes from multiple providers to get an idea of how much cat insurance might cost.

How much does it cost to own a cat in Australia?

According to the RSPCA , the average yearly cost of owning a cat could be around $880. That is after the initial extra costs that may apply when you first adopt them. 

Some approximate costs the RSPCA gives are:

  • $50 to $100 for a carry cage and bed

  • $23 to $201 for council registration

  • $115 to $300 for desexing (females may cost more than males)

  • $370 or over for food and bowls

  • $170 to $200 for kitten vaccinations

  • $60 for microchipping

  • $130 to $180 for tray and litter

According to the RSPCA the first year with your cat could cost around $1,150 to $3,570. Of course just keep in mind that these costs could vary depending on the individual cat and what state or territory they live in.

What is the average vet cost for a cat?

According to the RSPCA, annual vaccinations and veterinary costs in Australia could be around $80 for a cat. On top of this, flea and worming treatments can be around $100 to $150. This is for preventative care. Costs for things such as surgery and cancer treatments can climb into the hundreds and even thousands.

Is it worth getting cat insurance?

The idea of cat insurance is to provide some financial support to cat owners, should their beloved feline fall ill. Without cat insurance, as a cat owner you will bear the risk of being left with a big vet bill, should anything unfortunate happen to your fur-baby.

Ultimately though, whether cat insurance is a worthy investment for you, will depend on your individual situation and budget. You will really have to weigh up the cost of insurance premiums against potentially hefty vet bills.

Do cat insurance costs vary by breed?

It is highly likely that cat insurance costs will vary by breed. This is because some cat breeds are more susceptible to certain health conditions. Some can even inherit particular diseases. 

For example, according to the International Cat Care organisation, Abyssinian cats can suffer from the inherited disease ‘pyruvate kinase deficiency.’ This disease can lead to the cat developing anaemia. Meanwhile, the organisation says that there is limited information about the health conditions that other cats might have, such as the Australian Mist cat.

Cat insurance providers will likely take all this information into account, when figuring out the price of an individual cat’s insurance premium.

Do waiting periods apply to cat insurance?

Yes, most cat insurance policies will have waiting periods. Typically these can range anywhere from one day to six months. Generally speaking, shorter waiting periods apply for accidental injury, while waiting periods for illness cover can be as long as 30 days.

Waiting periods for certain conditions, such as cruciate ligament condition, can be as long as six months. We recommend reading the PDS in full, to see what waiting periods apply for a particular policy.

Are there age limits for cat insurance?

Yes, age limits do generally apply for cat insurance. Most insurance providers will not insure cats younger than 8 or 9 weeks, or older than 9 years. Although, some insurance providers will insure older cats, if they were signed up to an insurance policy before they turned 9. 

So in other words, if you get insurance for your kitty when they’re young and keep paying it each year, you might just be able to still have insurance cover for them when they’re a bit older and wiser. Just keep in mind that the insurance premium may go up, as your cat ages.

Does cat insurance cover vaccinations?

Vaccinations are not generally included in most standard, cat insurance policies. A number of cat insurance providers will offer routine/preventative care as an optional extra. Routine care can provide some cover for things like desexing, microchipping, teeth cleaning, vaccinations and prescription diets. Although just keep in mind that any optional extras you add on to your policy, will up the overall premium price.

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