Pet insurance for older cats

What is pet insurance for older cats? 

We know that as your cat gets older they may need additional care. We offer cat insurance that works for you and your purr-fect companion, even in their old age.

There are three main types choose from. These are:
 

Time Limited

Time limited pet insurance for older cats can help cover vet fees for short-term health issues. It pays for up to 12 months of treatment, or up to £3,000 of vet fees – whichever comes first.
 

Maximum benefit  

With our maximum benefit cover you can claim for the same condition multiple times up to your chosen policy limit. If you reach the limit for one condition you will still be covered for any different conditions that your pet may develop over the course of your policy.
 

Lifetime Insurance

For the most comprehensive level of cover, you’ll want to consider lifetime pet insurance. This policy protects your pet for its lifetime, up to a set amount each year. This benefit cap resets each year as long as you continue renewing your policy. There’s a variety of levels, so you can choose a policy based on your pet’s needs.

Why choose our cat insurance for your older cat?

We take the stress out of keeping tabs on your tabby with our selection of cover for cats. Our range of policies offer different benefits and perks, giving you the flexibility to choose cat insurance cover that’s right for you. Here are some of the reasons to choose Sainsbury’s Bank:

• Award-winning
  We’re proud to be named Defaqto’s Pet Insurer of the Year 2025/26

• 5 star rated cover
  Our cover over £4,000 is Defaqto 5* expert rated (Time Limited cover excluded)

• No upper age limit
  Cover from 8 weeks for cats - with no upper age limit

• Flexible insurance that meets your cat’s needs
  Choose from lifetime, time limited or maximum benefit cover and get vet fee cover up to £10,000

• Vet Assistance, day or night
  24/7 access to qualified UK-based vet nurses over the phone or via live chat who’ll answer your pet health questions

• Multi-pet cover – insure more, spend less
  Get a discount of £1 per pet per month when you buy our multi-pet insurance †

• Extra discounts for Nectar members
  As a Nectar member, you get an extra discount on your pet insurance Δ

• Manage your policy online
  Get claims information and make changes to your policy on My Pet Portal

How old is a senior cat? 

Sadly, cats don’t have nine lives and it’s easy to forget that they age quicker than we do – especially with all the countertop acrobatics. If your cat is age seven or up many insurers class them as mature or senior. But don’t worry, they won’t be needing dentures yet.

Do you need pet insurance for older cats?

Pet insurance for older cats isn’t a legal requirement, but as they age, they can be much more prone to conditions and accidents. Should any issues arise, having pet insurance for your older cat could save a lot on veterinary bills. Additionally, due to limitations or increases in cover as your pet gets older, you may want to do it sooner. 

There are other options if insurance isn’t for you, but it’s important to have an emergency fund tucked away as your pet reaches its older years.

Why is pet insurance for older cats more expensive?

In the same way cover can increase in price for older people, the cost increases for pet insurance for older cats too. Insurance is often measured on risk, and the older your cat gets, the more prone it is to develop conditions that it may need additional care. Some of the more common conditions include:

• Diabetes
• Hyperthyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Dental conditions
• Cancers
• Intestinal problems

Additionally, they may not be as mobile as they used to be which could lead to injury. Age isn’t the only consideration in premiums though and the costs can change depending on a few factors. For example, as well as the level of cover affecting prices, the amount of excess you’re willing to pay can also influence the cost.

Just be sure to take out the policy as early as you can – as pre-existing conditions will not be covered.

Please note that we won't cover any pre-existing conditions and that terms, conditions, excesses, exclusions and limitatons apply. You can find out more about the terms of our cover in our policy documents. 

Terms and conditions

Δ The discount is based on information related to you and the Sainsbury’s and Sainsbury’s Bank transactions linked to your Nectar account. For more information on how we use your data, go to sainsburys.co.uk/privacy

† Multi-pet discount is a minimum of £24 when insuring more than one pet as this is worked out at £1 per pet per month for each pet on a policy. Pets can have different cover levels. Discount deducted separately from any other offer.

^ Based on Sainsburys Bank Pet Insurance claims data from February 2024 to March 2025.

Important information 

Sainsbury's Bank plc, Registered Office, 33 Charterhouse Street, London, EC1M 6HA (registered in England and Wales, no 3279730) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (register no. 184514). Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd is an appointed representative of Sainsbury's Bank plc. Sainsbury's Bank plc acts as an introducer to Pinnacle Insurance Ltd who is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (register number 110866). Registered office: 4th Floor, Limelight, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JH. Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd. Sainsbury's Bank plc and Pinnacle Insurance Ltd are not part of the same corporate group.

We do not provide personal recommendations to customers.