At Petgevity, we see a condition or symptom as pre-existing if:
- It falls within the last two years before your cover start date
- It was diagnosed over two years ago but needs ongoing treatment, check-ups, or monitoring
When declaring a pre-existing condition for your cat, the kinds of things we need to know about include:
- Any symptoms of changes in your cat’s health or behaviour
- An existing illness, injury, or physical deformity
- Whether your cat needs or has had treatment, surgery, medication, or a prescribed diet
- Check-ups, investigations, monitoring, or vet advice needed for the condition
You could get cover for your cat’s pre-existing conditions but this has to be done through the right provider. Some pet insurers will only cover your cat for new conditions and illnesses they get after your policy start date.
If they do cover pre-existing conditions, they may put exclusions on what can be claimed. Or they might only cover a limited number of conditions and as long as there have been no symptoms for a certain amount of time.
Carefully check the policy wording to understand what can and can’t be covered for pre-existing illnesses.
Petgevity is proud to be one of a select number of pet insurers that can offer pre-existing conditions cover for cats.
Our flexible cat insurance has a choice of up £1k – £15k vet fee limit with no compulsory excess or bill share, even as your pet ages.
And if you’re ever worried about your cat’s symptoms, you can get advice anytime, anywhere with free 24/7 access to UK vet video appointments.
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 getting a quote to cover your cat you’ll need to declare all their existing conditions and symptoms. Otherwise, you’ll risk not having proper cover for your cat if you need to make a claim one day.
Don’t forget that you’re automatically covered for new symptoms or illnesses your cat develops once you’ve passed your cooling-off period.
“Your vet can help you understand if your cat has any signs of a pre-existing condition, including early symptoms or anything not yet diagnosed.
Ask them to check your cat’s medical record so you know what you need to declare when getting cat insurance.”
Allie Simpson – Pet insurance specialist
If your cat has a pre-existing condition, you’ll need to tell us when you get a quote. If we can cover them, then you can switch to Petgevity from your current provider with like-for-like cover that can start immediately.
You’ll just need to make sure you’re switching from another lifetime pet insurance policy.
You can certainly take out multi-pet insurance if your cats have existing illnesses. The great news is you can cover up to eight pets on one policy.
You can then choose to set different cover limits to suit each individual cat’s needs.
Cover for pre-existing conditions
Petgevity is a medical insurance specialist and considers all pre-existing conditions. When getting a quote, you’ll be asked about your pet’s health to see if we can cover them.
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*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.