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Kitten insurance

17/04/2025

Lauren McAfee Insurance Editor and Writer

Last Updated: 17 April 2025
Read time: 7 minutes

Written by: Lauren McAfee
Insurance Writer and Editor

Reviewed by: Mark McKeown

Written in line with our Editorial Guidelines

Everything you need to know about getting pet insurance for kittens

Spending on veterinary and other pet services in the UK has risen by 98% in the past 5 years, costing an average of £7,225.** Still, less than 1 in 10 UK owners take out pet insurance. With cats living an average of 16 years, it’s not an exaggeration to say that finding a reliable insurer for your kitten could help you save thousands.

What age can you insure a kitten?

The minimum age for insuring a kitten varies depending on the provider. Some will start to cover kittens at 4 weeks old. However, the majority will offer cover for kittens over 8 weeks old.

It’s important to be aware of this if you want to compare kitten insurance providers.

Doing a kitten insurance comparison while your kitten is too young could automatically rule you out for certain policies.

This means you have fewer choices to compare, and could miss out on better deals that your kitten would qualify for in just a few weeks.

Is it worth getting insurance for a kitten?

This really depends on how much financial risk you are willing to take on. The average vet treatment for cats in the UK costs £609***, while the monthly cost of pet insurance could start at just £3.35 per month*.

There are other considerations, like the level of cover included on your kitten insurance and the excess on your policy. You’ll want to ensure you are choosing a policy that offers value for money and does not have an excess so high that it deters you from making a claim.

You should also consider the specific breed of your kitten and any history of illness in their parents. This could increase their chances of developing issues or long-term illnesses that require ongoing care. 

How much is insurance for a kitten?

The cost of insuring a cat could start at just £3.35 per month* when you compare through Quotezone. However, the price of insuring your kitten will vary slightly depending on these variables:

Your kitten’s breed

Some breeds are more likely to develop certain medical conditions. This makes them a higher risk to insure.

The type of kitten policy you choose 

The more comprehensive your policy coverage, the more expensive your premium will usually be. 

The kitten policy provider

Each insurer will run its own promotions and deals, so comparing quotes before you buy is essential.

Types of insurance for kittens 

Knowing your options can help you choose a policy that best suits your circumstances and budget. You typically have 4 options to choose from, including:

Accident only

This only covers expenses directly related to accidents. Accident-only policies are the most basic level of kitten insurance, so usually the cheapest. 

Maximum benefit insurance

Unlike other policies, this protection does not expire after a year. It offers coverage for accidents and illnesses up to a maximum claim limit, but with no time limits. It expires when the limits are used.

Lifetime insurance

Unlike the other options, lifetime pet insurance will continue to cover treatment for accidents or illnesses that your kitten develops during the policy term. However, this only stands as long as you renew the policy. This is generally the most expensive type of cover, but can be the most comprehensive. 

Annual insurance

This policy offers limited coverage per accident or illness for a full 12 months. Once this ends, you will need to take out a new insurance policy. At this point, any new medical issues your cat developed over the year are considered “pre-existing conditions” and will no longer be covered.

What do kitten insurance plans cover?

What’s covered

If you opt for accident-only insurance, you will only be covered if your kitten has an accident. Although specifics of what is covered under the other policy types will vary across policies and providers, this is a general guide of what you can expect to be protected for:

  • Veterinary expenses for treating accidents.
  • Vet’s bills for treating a new illness or medical conditions.
  • Advertising costs if your kitten gets lost. 
  • Boarding or kennel fees in emergencies. 
  • Death resulting from illness or injury.
  • Euthanasia and burial or cremation costs.

What’s not covered

Again, the exclusions of each policy will vary slightly. But generally, you can expect cover to exclude:

  • Some hereditary conditions that are linked to specific breeds. 
  • Medical conditions that existed or were known before the policy started.
  • Routine check-ups.
  • Flea or worming treatments. 
  • Vaccinations.
  • Spaying or castration.
  • Claims made in the first 14 days after buying the policy. If you want immediate cover, specialist policies can provide this in emergencies.  

How can I find cheap kitten insurance?

1. Have your kitten microchipped

It is now mandatory to microchip your kitten in England. This needs to be done before the kitten is 20 weeks old, or you could risk fines. This helps lower insurance costs as your cat is less likely to go missing or need advertising for its return.  

2. Vaccinate your kitten

This helps protect against illnesses and lowers your risk of claiming. Kitten insurers will typically not cover treatment for illnesses that could have been prevented by vaccines. 

3. Have your kitten neutered

You can neuter your kitten at around 4 or 5 months old, but it can be done later. This lowers the risk of some cancers and urinary problems throughout your cat’s life. It also helps with behaviour like fighting with other cats and wandering off.

4. Choose a higher excess

A higher voluntary excess could lower your premiums. However, be sure you are happy to pay it when you need to make a claim.

5. Consider multi-pet insurance

If you already have pets in your home, you might want to consider a multi-pet insurance policy. This allows you to cover multiple pets of different types under one premium, and could be cheaper than having individual pet policies.

6. Compare quotes before you buy

Shopping around before you insure your kitten will make you more aware of what you can get for your money. Simply choosing the first policy you see, or an insurer you are familiar with, could mean you miss out on better deals.

What are the most common health problems in kittens?

Kittens are prone to various health problems throughout their early life, some of which include:

  • Respiratory illnesses – which can be contagious and spread among litters.
  • Gastrointestinal (stomach or intestinal) issues.
  • Viruses – including feline leukaemia and feline immunodeficiency virus, which can result in a weakened immune system throughout the kitten’s life.
  • Eye problems – including conjunctivitis.
  • Birth defects – like heart issues and cerebellar hypoplasia, which causes a lack of coordination and balance.
  • Skin issues – including irritation from parasites like fleas and ticks. 

When investing in insurance for your kitten, you’ll need to think beyond the risks of early life. In an RSPCA study of over 18,000 cats, the top health problems in cats were dental issues, obesity, and skin disease.**** So it would be sensible to think ahead and ensure you are covered for these issues. 

How can I keep my kitten healthy?

Some tips for keeping your kitten healthy are:  

  • Arrange regular checkups to detect any potential issues early.
  • Speak to your vet about what vaccines your kitten needs, and keep these up to date.
  • Feed them an age-appropriate, balanced diet.
  • Make sure they always have access to fresh, clean drinking water.
  • Introduce a grooming routine early, making sure it includes dental cleaning.
  • Kitten-proof your home, removing hazards like plugs, wires, and toxic plants.
  • Socialise and exercise your kitten, providing mental stimulation. 
  • Spay or neuter your kitten. 
  • Pay attention to changes in behaviour, particularly around eating and using the toilet. 

Use regular preventative care like flea and worm treatments.

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Kitten insurance FAQs

When can kittens go outside?

It’s recommended that you wait until your kitten is fully vaccinated, neutered and microchipped before letting them outside. Although your kitten can be fully vaccinated by 12 weeks old, bear in mind that these are not immediately effective, and could benefit from a few weeks’ waiting period.

Do I need to microchip a kitten in the UK?

It is now mandatory to have your kitten microchipped before it is 20 weeks old if you live in England. This is a recent change, and doesn’t yet apply to Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, however, it could in future. Failing to microchip a kitten could land you with a £500 fine.

Why do I need to spay or neuter a kitten?

Neutering a kitten is not mandatory, but it is seen as responsible care. The main goal is to prevent accidental pregnancy, and the problems that come with unwanted litters. These can include rehoming and the cost and attention needed to properly care for both your cat and their litter after birth. 

Neutering is also known to lower the risk of certain cancers and urinary infections. Risky behaviours like roaming and aggression towards other cats are less common in neutered cats. As a result, injuries from hazards outside the home, including cars, wires, or other animals, are less likely.

Do I have to insure a kitten in the UK?

There is no law or regulation that requires you to insure a kitten in the UK. However, it can help provide financial backup if your cat is lost, dies, or suffers from an illness or injury that results in large vet bills. 

Is dental care covered by kitten health insurance?

Kitten policies will usually provide some level of cover for dental treatment needed as a result of accidents or illness. However, routine dental care, like check-ups and cleaning, is typically not covered. Some insurers offer additional dental cover as an optional add-on.

Are pre-existing conditions covered when you insure a kitten?

Standard kitten policies typically do not cover pre-existing illnesses. However, there are specialist policies available that will. These can allow you to insure a kitten born with birth or genetic conditions, or who contracts viruses early in life.

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Sources:
*Price per month for cover based on a cat, Ozzy, one year old, no known medical conditions, up-to-date vaccinations, and microchipped. Based on quote data provided by Seopa Ltd during August 2024. The quote price you could achieve is dependent on your individual circumstances.
**https://www.statista.com/statistics/308276/consumer-spending-on-veterinary-pet-services-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/
***https://www.whatprice.co.uk/pets-vets/uk-regional-veterinary-prices/
****https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/cats/health/illnesses