How much does cat insurance cost for different ages?

Looking for insurance for a kitten or an older moggie?

When it comes to the cost of cat insurance, premiums don’t generally vary by breed of cat, but they definitely vary according to how young or old your cat is.

According to the Canstar database, kittens will cost you more for accident coverage, but less for illness or comprehensive coverage. As cats age, the cost of insuring against illness and comprehensive well-being cover rises.

The graphs below show the premium costs of different types of policies. Different providers have different annual benefit limits that they will pay out if you make a claim on a particular policy, so we have calculated how much you pay per $1,000 of annual benefit limit rather than just a dollar figure on how much you pay for a policy.

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Price of Accident Only Cover

Insurance prices for Accident Only cover for a kitten less than 1 year old range are on average around $35.82/per annum, but this gets slightly cheaper once your cat is at least 3 years old.

Why is it more expensive to get Accident Only cover for a kitten less than 1 year old? The premiums reflect the fact that younger cats are less coordinated, making them clumsier and more prone to getting into accidents. There’s also the fact that older cats have more life experience and therefore know how to avoid getting themselves into as many scrapes.

Source: www.canstar.com.au. Average annual  premiums per $1,000 of annual benefit limit.
Information collected during May and June 2016.

Price of Accident and Illness Cover

Accident and Illness cover can cost as little as $39.52/per annum (on average) for a kitten less than 1 year old, and this rises to $52.34/per annum for a 7-year-old cat as the risk of illness increases.

Source: www.canstar.com.au. Average annual premiums per $1,000 of annual benefit limit.
Information collected during May and June 2016.

Comprehensive Cover

The average cat insurance price for a kitten is $45.17/per annum, but this rises to as much as $61.67/per annum for a 7-year-old moggie as the likelihood increases for age-related conditions requiring surgery.

Source: www.canstar.com.au. Average annual premiums per $1,000 of annual benefit limit.
Information collected during May and June 2016.

Insurance premiums for the most popular cats

One cat insurance provider, Pet Insurance Australia, has put together a list of the 10 most popular cat breeds worldwide. We’ve added the health problems you can expect to need insurance for:

1. Persian Cat

With their classic flat face, Persians commonly require surgeries for breathing passage surgery. 1 in 3 Persians also contract polycystic kidney disease (PKD), requiring surgery. Eye problems from excess hair around the eyelids can be corrected with veterinary treatment. Difficulty eating due to the squashed-in face can require surgery or dietary modification.

Source: Petco

2. Siamese Cat

“We are Siamese if you please.” Intolerance to anaesthesia makes standard surgeries such as spaying and dental work more difficult and expensive, so insurance would come in handy there. If left alone, the Siamese can develop a stress disorder that leads to the cat over-grooming itself and causing skin problems. Siamese can also require medication if they develop vestibular disease that affects their balance.

Source: VetStreet.com

3. Maine Coon

Sudden onset heart disease is a common problem with Maine Coons, but unfortunately as the name suggests, there is little warning so regular vet check-ups or specific testing are required to detect a problem. Other problems include spinal muscular atrophy, PKD, and hip dysplasia, all of which would likely be treated with expensive surgeries.

Don’t think cats can be trained? Watch this adorable video:

Source: Maine Coot Charlie

4. Ragdoll Cat

The gorgeous Ragdoll can sometimes find themselves with bladder stones or heart disease. With a relatively low list of health concerns, it’s not hard to see why this cat is so relaxed and easy-going. The perfect lap cat.

Source: Burke’s Backyard

5. Abyssinian Cat

Check whether your insurance covers dental treatment, because the Abs are quite prone to periodontal disease. Other problems that can lead to surgery or medication include stress disorders leading to over-grooming and skin problems; luxating patella (knee cap dislocating); retinal atrophy (eye problems); kidney failure; and pyruvate kinase deficiency (anaemia).

Source: VetStreet.com

6. British Shorthair

The Shorthair is prone to gingivitis (gum disease) requiring dental treatment and medication. More serious is the possibility of heart murmur or heart disorder, detectable by your vet.

Source: Animal Planet

7. Oriental Cat

This cousin of the Siamese can experience crossed eyes; liver failure; heart disease; bladder stones; intolerance to anaesthesia makes standard surgery such as spaying and dental work more difficult and expensive; stress disorders if left alone lead to over-grooming and skin problems; and vestibular disease can affect balance, requiring medication.

Source: Animal Planet

8. Burmese Cat

These cats love to play! Apart from in-breeding issues that can be avoided by picking a cat that does not have cranial deformities, the Burmese can suffer from glaucoma requiring optical treatment. They can also suffer from over-sensitivity to touch, and calcium stones in the urinary tract.

Source: Animal Planet

9. Birman Cat

Also known as the “Sacred Cat of Burma”, the Birman has “painted tips” and light-and-dark mittens. They can face thymic aplasia immune deficiency, corneal dermoid requiring surgery, or even spongiform degeneration (hind limb weakness and uncoordination).

Source: AdoptMyCat.com

10. Sphynx Cat

What cat looks like it’s inside out, according to Ross in Friends? Heart disease and neurological disease are conditions to watch out for with the super-active Sphynx breed. Apart from that, general veterinary check-ups can keep an eye out for the usual skin conditions (there’s no fur there to keep them warm!) and periodontal disease.

Source: Petco

So as you can see, the cost of cat insurance could more than pay for itself if Senor Fluffy found himself struggling with any of these common health conditions.

For information about welcoming one of these furry friends into your home, visit the RSPCA to find out about adopting a cat. Just don’t forget to get insurance for those common health problems!

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And of course, I couldn’t go past the opportunity to show you my absolute favourite cat of all time – the Scottish Fold cat known as “Maru”. This adorably round-faced and round-bodied cat became an internet sensation because, like all felines, he just loves to squish himself into small boxes.

Source: mugumogu, owner of Maru