When applying for a Petgevity policy, this is what we consider to be a pre-existing condition or symptom:
- It occurred within the two years before the cover start date
- It’s been over two years since diagnosis, but still needs ongoing treatment, monitoring or check-ups
These are the kinds of things you should tell us when declaring a pre-existing condition for your cat:
- Symptoms or signs of changes in your cat’s health or behaviour
- Investigation, monitoring, check-up or other veterinary advice
- Your cat having or needing treatment, medication, surgery or a prescription diet
- An existing illness, injury or deformity
Be aware that other insurers might define an existing condition differently.
When you take out a Lifetime Plus policy with us, your Confirmation of Cover will list the conditions we’ve agreed to cover, or not cover. We’ll only pay claims for pre-existing conditions we’ve agreed to cover. On the other hand, we won’t pay claims for anything you haven’t told us about or not covered.
It is possible to get insurance for a cat with a pre-existing condition. That said, it may not be easy. You need to find a cat insurance provider which offers this type of cover.
Generally speaking, pet insurance providers only cover new injuries or illnesses which develop after the start of the policy. Alternatively they might:
- Offer cover for certain conditions provided they’ve been symptomless for a specified amount of time – usually two years.
- Only offer limited cover for existing conditions, potentially with numerous exclusions for what you can claim for.
Be sure to read any policy wording thoroughly before you commit. It’s important to understand how and to what extent pre-existing conditions are covered, assuming they are at all.
Petgevity Lifetime Plus is one of only a few pet insurance policies which offers cats pre-existing conditions cover.
Our Lifetime Plus cat insurance gives you the option of up to £15k vet fee cover. There’s also no compulsory bill share or excess, even as your dog gets older.
All our policies include 24/7 access to vet video calls with expert UK veterinarians FirstVet. This means you can get advice from a professional at any time, from the comfort of your own home. If ever you’re worried about your cat’s symptoms, they’re just a video call away.
What pre-existing conditions could be covered by cat insurance?
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Growths
Tumours, fatty lumps and cancer
Lumps on cats can range from harmless fatty deposits to more complex growths like mast cell tumours. Many are benign, but it’s normal to want a vet to take a look.
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Scavenging and gastric issues
Poisoning
Cats are particularly sensitive to everyday toxins like lilies, antifreeze and paracetamol. Symptoms of poisoning can vary depending on what’s involved.
Gastroenteritis
Inflammation of the stomach and intestines can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea or appetite changes. In cats, it’s often triggered by infections, stress or sudden diet changes.
Ingested foreign bodies
Cats sometimes swallow thread, hair ties or other small items. These might pass on their own or cause blockages that need attention.
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Ears and eyes
Ear infections
Ear infections often show up as scratching or waxy buildup. In cats, they’re usually caused by mites, yeast or bacteria.
Grass seeds in ears
Outdoor cats may pick up grass seeds during summer. These can lodge in the ear canal, leading to irritation or a head tilt.
Eye infections
Many cats experience eye infections during their life, particularly if they’ve had feline herpesvirus. Watery or red eyes are common signs.
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Wounds
RTAs (road traffic accidents)
After a road accident, a cat might seem quiet or off-colour. Even if they don’t have any obvious injuries, it’s worth getting them checked.
Cuts
Cats are prone to cuts from fences, claws or sharp objects. Even small wounds can become sore, especially with over-grooming.
Bites
Bite wounds are common in outdoor cats, especially males. They may look minor at first but often need cleaning or care.
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Joints and bones
Hip dysplasia
This joint issue affects the way the hip fits into its socket. It’s more common in breeds like Maine Coons, and can cause stiffness or a swaying walk as it progresses.
Cruciate ligament issues
Injury to the cruciate ligament can follow a fall or jump. Cats may limp or avoid putting weight on one back leg.
Arthritis
Cats with arthritis don’t always limp – they might sleep more, groom less, or avoid jumping to high places.
Patellar luxation
This is when the kneecap slips out of place, often briefly. You might notice a skip in your cat’s step or an occasional limp.
Elbow dysplasia
Though uncommon in cats, elbow dysplasia can affect movement and may become more noticeable over time.
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Neurological issues
Epilepsy
Some cats have seizures that come and go with little warning. Episodes may be short and vary in how they appear.
Brain conditions
Tumours, infections or injuries affecting the brain can cause personality changes, circling or balance issues.
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Urinary conditions
Bladder stones
Cats may develop crystals or stones in the bladder that affect how they urinate. Male cats are more likely to experience blockages.
UTIs
Urinary tract infections can cause straining, licking or accidents outside the litter tray. They’re often manageable with treatment.
Feline cystitis tends to come on suddenly and is often linked to stress. It can make urination more frequent or difficult.
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Metabolic disorders
Hyperthyroidism is common in older cats and may lead to weight loss, a bigger appetite and more activity than usual.
Diabetes in cats often develops gradually and may cause more thirst, hunger or litter tray visits than normal.
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Dental issues
Gum inflammation is common in cats and can lead to red gums or drooling. It’s often linked to plaque or other underlying issues.
Tooth decay
Most feline tooth decay involves resorptive lesions, where the tooth breaks down from within. Cats may eat less or favour one side.
When applying for a cat insurance quote, it’s important to tell us about any pre-existing conditions your cat has. This includes any symptoms they’ve shown in the previous two years. If you don’t declare them, your cat may not be covered for any future claims.
When it comes to any new conditions which develop, your cat will automatically be covered for these once you’ve passed the cooling-off period for your policy.
“It’s common not to be aware of pre-existing conditions in cats, but your vet can help. They can help you spot things like early-warning symptoms, which can help catch anything as yet undiagnosed.
“Before you apply for cat insurance, ask your vet for anything significant from their medical record.”
Kerry Willecome, Pet insurance specialist
When you get a quote from a new provider, including Petgevity, you need to declare any pre-existing conditions. If we’re able to cover them, you’ll be able to switch. And if you have a like-for-like policy with your current provider (generally speaking, a lifetime pet policy), your cover can start immediately**.
If you have more than one pet, we offer convenient multi-pet insurance. And we can cover cats with pre-existing conditions on these policies, subject to acceptance†*.
With a multi-pet policy, you can cover up to eight pets – both cats and dogs – and set different cover limits for their individual needs.
Pre-existing conditions insurance†
With our Lifetime Plus policy, we’ll consider all pre-existing conditions*. Just tell us about any conditions when getting a quote directly.
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†Lifetime Plus policies only
*Cover for pre-existing medical conditions is subject to acceptance. They will not be covered unless you have declared them and they are shown on your Confirmation of Cover.
**Illnesses and symptoms won’t be covered in the first 14 days and accidents won’t be covered in the first 2 days of the policy. This is unless you are switching from another lifetime pet insurance product with no break in cover and the claim you want to make would have been covered by your previous policy. Other exclusions may apply to other sections.