Pet insurance for older cats.
Learn about insurance for older cats. Find out what kind of care they need. And what the options are with Tesco Pet Insurance.
Published: 1 May 2026
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Finding the best pet insurance for older cats
If your kitty’s getting a little grey around the whiskers, it’s worth thinking about your pet insurance. As your cat gets older, they might need more care - and vet bills can be expensive.
Finding the best pet insurance for older cats can help you manage the costs. And means you can keep your cat happy and healthy in later life.
What is older cat insurance?
For pet insurance, your cat’s usually considered overage when they reach 10 years old. After that, you’re likely to pay a higher premium and have a bigger excess. That’s because, like us, cats become more prone to age related health conditions in later life.
Tesco Pet Insurance includes insurance for older cats. There’s no upper age limit. And cover for kittens starts from 8 weeks old.
Do you need pet insurance for older cats?
As your cat gets older, they might slow down or develop age related health issues. As a result, they’ll probably need a bit more looking after. And if they need to see a vet, the bills can quickly add up.
Pet insurance can give you some financial protection if your cat needs treatment. And with the right cover in place, you won’t have to pay for your cat’s care out of your own pocket.
Elderly cat insurance can also give you peace of mind, knowing your cat will be well looked-after in their old age.
It’s worth noting that not all insurance providers offer cover for older cats. Some pet and cat insurance policies have an upper age limit. And when your cat reaches that limit, your cover will end.
You can find out more about pet insurance in our guide - Why is pet insurance important?
What to think about when insuring older cats
It could help to think about the following when looking at pet insurance for older cats.
- Age-related conditions. Chronic kidney disease, arthritis, dental issues, heart conditions and diabetes are more common as cats get older.Age-related conditions
Chronic kidney disease, arthritis, dental issues, heart conditions and diabetes are more common as cats get older. - Ongoing treatment. Long-term medication, repeat tests and referrals can make pet insurance more important - and vet bills more expensive.Ongoing treatment
Long-term medication, repeat tests and referrals can make pet insurance more important - and vet bills more expensive. - Your budget now and later. Premiums and contributions can increase as your cat gets older, especially if you make a claim.
Your budget now and later
Premiums and contributions can increase as your cat gets older, especially if you make a claim. - The right level of vet fee cover. Some treatments can run into thousands of pounds. Choose a limit that suits your needs.
The right level of vet fee cover
Some treatments can run into thousands of pounds. Choose a limit that suits your needs. - Pre-existing conditions. These aren’t covered by most policies, including Tesco Pet Insurance.
Pre-existing conditions
These aren’t covered by most policies, including Tesco Pet Insurance.
For some tips on looking after older cats, see our guide - Caring for older pets.
Is pet insurance for older cats more expensive?
The short answer is yes. Unfortunately, as your cat gets older, they’re more likely to get ill. Just like us. So it usually costs more to insure an older cat.
If you have Tesco Pet Insurance, your premium and the way your excess works will change as your cat gets older. When your cat turns 10 years old:
- an Overage Excess will apply to your policyan Overage Excess will apply to your policy
- you'll have to pay 20% of any claim you make from then onyou'll have to pay 20% of any claim you make from then on
If your cat’s already overage, your excess will be higher when you take out a policy.
For full details of our cover, it’s always best to read the policy booklet.
Types of pet insurance for older cats
We know how important it is to find the right insurance for older cats - especially as they need more care. That’s why Tesco Pet Insurance provides cover for your cat in their twilight years. So you can give them the care they deserve in their old age.
You can choose from 3 different types of cover:
Lifetime Pet Insurance
Covers vet fees up to £3,000, £5,000, £7,500 or £11,000, depending on the limit you choose.
Your vet fees limit will be reinstated each year, as long as you renew your policy and there’s no break in cover.
Maximum Benefit
Covers vet fees for new illnesses and accidental injuries up to the maximum amount on your policy. This amount is known as your vet fees limit and can be either £5,000 or £7,500 per condition.
Time Limited
Covers short-term treatment for your cat, if they get sick or have an accident.
Why should I get Tesco Pet Insurance for my older cat?
These are just some of the benefits with Tesco Pet Insurance.
- Cover for any age of cat. We provide cat insurance from 8 weeks old to very old. There’s no upper age limit.
Cover for any age of cat
We provide cat insurance from 8 weeks old to very old. There’s no upper age limit. - 24/7 vetfone helpline. Get advice for your cat by phone or video call, whenever you need it. From behavioural and nutritional issues to age-related medical problems.24/7 vetfone helpline
Get advice for your cat by phone or video call, whenever you need it. From behavioural and nutritional issues to age-related medical problems. - Multi pet discount. Take out cover for more than one cat or dog and get a discount on each pet insurance policy you buy. Terms and conditions apply.Multi pet discount
Take out cover for more than one cat or dog and get a discount on each pet insurance policy you buy. Terms and conditions apply. - Clubcard Prices. Save money on all Tesco Pet Insurance policies with your Clubcard.
Clubcard Prices
Save money on all Tesco Pet Insurance policies with your Clubcard.
Checklist: older cat insurance
Here are a few quick checks to help you choose pet insurance for older cats.
- 1. Cover type - Do you want ongoing help, year after year (Lifetime). Are you happy with a limit per condition (Maximum Benefit). Or would you be fine with a time limit (Time Limited)? 1. Cover type - Do you want ongoing help, year after year (Lifetime). Are you happy with a limit per condition (Maximum Benefit). Or would you be fine with a time limit (Time Limited)?
- 2. Vet fee limit - For older cats more likely to develop a health condition, you might want to choose a higher limit. That’s also the case for higher-risk breeds, like Persian cats.2. Vet fee limit - For older cats more likely to develop a health condition, you might want to choose a higher limit. That’s also the case for higher-risk breeds, like Persian cats.
- 3. Excess and share of claim - Make sure you understand the fixed excess on your policy. And find out what you’ll have to pay towards a claim when your cat reaches a certain age.3. Excess and share of claim - Make sure you understand the fixed excess on your policy. And find out what you’ll have to pay towards a claim when your cat reaches a certain age.
- 4. Dental cover - Older cats are prone to dental disease, so make sure cover’s included.4. Dental cover - Older cats are prone to dental disease, so make sure cover’s included.
- 5. Budget for the future - Your premium and share of any claim is likely to go up as your cat gets older and after you make a claim. Make sure your cover’s affordable, now and in the future.5. Budget for the future - Your premium and share of any claim is likely to go up as your cat gets older and after you make a claim. Make sure your cover’s affordable, now and in the future.
Summary: pet insurance for senior cats
Older cats are more likely to develop serious health conditions. Vet bills can quickly add up. And pet insurance can help towards the cost.
Having the right cover in place can also give you peace of mind. So you can focus on what matters most: the health and wellbeing of your beloved cat.
Common health problems in older cats
Here’s a quick guide to common health conditions in older cats, along with the signs to watch for.
Remember, you know your own cat. If something seems off, it’s probably best to get it checked by a vet.
1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
What it is: A gradual decline in kidney function.
Signs to watch for
- Drinking more waterDrinking more water
- Urinating moreUrinating more
- Weight lossWeight loss
- Poor coat qualityPoor coat quality
- Loss of appetiteLoss of appetite
- VomitingVomiting
Prognosis: Early detection through bloodwork can slow progression.
2. Hyperthyroidism
What it is: Overactive thyroid gland causing high metabolism. Common in cats over 10.
Signs to watch for:
- Increased appetite but weight lossIncreased appetite but weight loss
- HyperactivityHyperactivity
- Excessive thirstExcessive thirst
- Vomiting or diarrhoeaVomiting or diarrhoea
- Rapid heartbeatRapid heartbeat
Prognosis: Very treatable with medication, radioactive iodine therapy, or diet.
3. Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)
Often underdiagnosed because cats hide pain.
Signs to watch for:
- Reluctance to jumpReluctance to jump
- Stiffness, especially after restStiffness, especially after rest
- Reduced groomingReduced grooming
- Avoiding stairs or certain furnitureAvoiding stairs or certain furniture
- Irritability when touchedIrritability when touched
Prognosis: Treatment includes pain relief, joint supplements, and environmental adjustments.
4. Diabetes Mellitus
More common in overweight or older cats.
Signs to watch for:
- Drinking and urinating moreDrinking and urinating more
- Weight loss despite good appetiteWeight loss despite good appetite
- LethargyLethargy
- Sweet-smelling breathSweet-smelling breath
Prognosis: Managed with insulin and diet.
5. Dental Disease
Very common in senior cats.
Signs to watch for:
- Bad breathBad breath
- DroolingDrooling
- Dropping foodDropping food
- Pawing at mouthPawing at mouth
- Weight lossWeight loss
Prognosis: Dental cleanings can greatly improve comfort and health.
6. Heart Disease (for example, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy)
Sometimes silent until advanced.
Signs to watch for:
- Breathing difficultyBreathing difficulty
- LethargyLethargy
- Poor appetitePoor appetite
- Sudden collapse (in severe cases)Sudden collapse (in severe cases)
Prognosis: Regular vet checks help catch it early.
7. Cancer
Risk increases with age. Common types: lymphoma, oral tumours, skin tumours.
Signs to watch for:
- LumpsLumps
- Weight lossWeight loss
- Behaviour changesBehaviour changes
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhoeaPersistent vomiting or diarrhoea
Prognosis: Early diagnosis improves treatment options.
8. Cognitive Dysfunction (Cat Dementia)
Similar to dementia in humans.
Signs to watch for:
- DisorientationDisorientation
- Excess meowing at nightExcess meowing at night
- Changes in sleep cycleChanges in sleep cycle
- Forgetting litter habitsForgetting litter habits
- Reduced interactionReduced interaction
Prognosis: Management focuses on creating a supportive environment.
9. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Often linked to kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.
Signs:
- Sudden blindnessSudden blindness
- Dilated pupilsDilated pupils
- DisorientationDisorientation
- Nosebleeds (rare)Nosebleeds (rare)
Prognosis: Routine blood pressure checks are key for senior cats.
10. Gastrointestinal Issues
Including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and pancreatitis.
Signs to watch for:
- Chronic vomitingChronic vomiting
- DiarrhoeaDiarrhoea
- Weight lossWeight loss
- Poor appetitePoor appetite
Prognosis: Diet changes and medication can help.
Cat care for older cats
Taking the following steps can help to keep an older cat healthy and happy.
- Regular vet exams (twice a year for senior cats)Regular vet exams (twice a year for senior cats)
- Blood tests and blood pressure checksBlood tests and blood pressure checks
- Easy-access litter boxes and food bowlsEasy-access litter boxes and food bowls
- Comfortable warm bedding for arthritic jointsComfortable warm bedding for arthritic joints
- A stable, stress-free routineA stable, stress-free routine
- Quality diet suited to senior catsQuality diet suited to senior cats
You can learn more about cat care in our guide - Looking after cats.
Help for Pet Insurance customers
Find out how to manage your policy or make a claim if you have Tesco Pet Insurance.
Important information
Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.
vetfone is provided by Vetsdirect Ltd.
You'll find complete details of the cover, monetary limits, exclusions, excesses and terms in our policy documents.
Learn more about Pet Insurance for older cats
Find cover for the older cat in your life. Choose Lifetime, Maximum Benefit or Time Limited - and save money with your Clubcard.
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