You can get cat insurance with pre-existing conditions — the condition itself is excluded, but new unrelated conditions are covered. Some insurers review exclusions after 18 months symptom-free.
Cost & Coverage Snapshot
Provider Comparison
| Provider | Price | Rating | Coverage | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Wow Meow TOP PICK | $38/mo | ★★★★★ | Accident + Illness | 18-month pre-existing review |
| RSPCA Pet Insurance | $32/mo | ★★★★ | Accident + Illness | Competitive cat premiums |
| Petplan | $42/mo | ★★★★ | Comprehensive | Narrower exclusion definitions |
| Knose | $30/mo | ★★★★ | Accident + Illness | Wellness rewards programme |
- New unrelated conditions are fully covered
- 18-month review may remove some exclusions
- Accident cover applies regardless of pre-existing illness
- Still protects against expensive emergencies
- Peace of mind for future unknown conditions
- Pre-existing conditions are excluded from day one
- Chronic conditions rarely qualify for 18-month review
- Insurers review full vet history at claim time
- Broadly worded exclusions can affect related conditions
- Older cats with multiple conditions have limited value from insurance
Find the right cover for your pet
Compare Australian pet insurance plans side by side. Unbiased, independent, and updated monthly.
Sources & References
- Australian Veterinary Association — https://www.ava.com.au/
- RSPCA Australia — https://www.rspca.org.au/
- ACCC Pet Insurance Inquiry — https://www.accc.gov.au/
- International Society of Feline Medicine — https://www.isfm.net/
Can You Get Cat Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions?
If your cat has been diagnosed with a health condition, you may be wondering whether pet insurance is still an option. The short answer: yes, you can get insurance, but the pre-existing condition itself won’t be covered. Insurance will still protect you against new, unrelated conditions that may develop in the future.
Understanding how Australian insurers handle pre-existing conditions is essential for making the right decision about your cat’s coverage.
What Counts as a Pre-Existing Condition?
In Australian pet insurance, a pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or symptom that:
- Was diagnosed before your policy started
- Showed symptoms before your policy started (even if not formally diagnosed)
- Was treated or investigated before your policy started
- Is noted in your cat’s veterinary records before the policy start date
Insurers typically request access to your cat’s full veterinary history when you make a claim. If the vet records show any mention of the condition — even a passing note — before your policy start date, it will be classified as pre-existing.
Common Cat Pre-Existing Conditions
These are the conditions most likely to be classified as pre-existing in cats:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
One of the most common conditions in older cats. CKD management costs $1,000-$4,000/year including regular blood tests, prescription diet, fluids, and medications. If diagnosed before insurance, all kidney-related claims will be excluded.
Hyperthyroidism
Very common in cats over 10 years old. Ongoing medication (methimazole) costs $500-$1,200/year. Radioactive iodine treatment (the gold-standard cure) costs $1,500-$2,500. If your cat is on thyroid medication before taking out insurance, it’s pre-existing.
Diabetes Mellitus
Feline diabetes requires insulin injections and regular monitoring. Annual management costs $1,500-$4,000 including insulin, syringes, blood glucose monitoring, and vet check-ups. Diabetic cats may also develop secondary complications.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
FIV-positive cats are prone to secondary infections and immune-related conditions. While FIV itself may be manageable, the secondary conditions it causes can be expensive. If your cat tested positive before insurance, FIV and all related conditions may be excluded.
Urinary Tract Conditions (FLUTD/FIC)
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease is common, especially in male cats. Each episode costs $300-$1,500, and urinary blockages requiring emergency treatment cost $1,500-$5,000. Recurring urinary issues noted before insurance will be excluded.
The 18-Month Rule
Some Australian insurers have a review period (commonly 18 months) after which they will reassess pre-existing conditions. If your cat has been symptom-free and treatment-free for 18 consecutive months, the insurer may remove the exclusion and cover that condition going forward.
Important caveats:
- Not all insurers offer this review — check your policy’s PDS
- Chronic conditions that require ongoing management (diabetes, CKD) are unlikely to qualify since they’re never truly “symptom-free”
- Conditions that are curable or can go into remission (some urinary issues, skin conditions) have the best chance of being reviewed
- You need to provide vet records proving the 18-month symptom-free period
Options for Cats with Pre-Existing Conditions
Even with exclusions, insurance can still be valuable. Here’s how to approach it:
Cover New Conditions
Insurance covers any new, unrelated condition that develops after your policy starts. Your cat with managed diabetes can still be covered for a broken leg, cancer diagnosis, or tick bite. These unrelated claims are paid as normal.
Accident-Only Cover
If your cat’s pre-existing condition is illness-related, an accident-only plan covers injuries regardless. This is a more affordable option that still protects against emergency costs.
Compare Exclusion Policies
Different insurers may interpret pre-existing conditions differently. One insurer may exclude broadly (e.g., “all urinary conditions”), while another may exclude narrowly (e.g., “feline idiopathic cystitis only”). Compare how providers word their exclusions.
Tips for Getting the Best Cover
- Insure before symptoms appear: If your cat shows early signs, don’t wait for a diagnosis — insure immediately. Once the vet records a diagnosis, it’s pre-existing
- Get a clean vet check: Some insurers offer better terms if your cat has a recent clean bill of health for conditions unrelated to the pre-existing one
- Ask about the 18-month rule: Specifically ask potential insurers whether they reassess pre-existing conditions after a symptom-free period
- Read the PDS carefully: Look for how broadly or narrowly exclusions are defined
- Consider the total value: Even with one condition excluded, insurance can save thousands on unrelated emergencies
Is Insurance Still Worth It for a Cat with Pre-Existing Conditions?
Yes, in most cases. Cats live 12-20 years and can develop multiple unrelated conditions over their lifetime. Having one condition excluded doesn’t mean insurance has no value — it still protects you against everything else. A cat with managed diabetes can still develop cancer, get into an accident, or need emergency surgery for an unrelated condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pre-existing condition be covered after 18 months?
Some Australian insurers will review and potentially remove a pre-existing condition exclusion if your cat has been symptom-free and treatment-free for 18 consecutive months. This is not guaranteed and varies by insurer and condition type. Check your policy’s PDS for details.
Will my cat’s entire medical history be checked?
Insurers typically request your cat’s veterinary history when you make a claim, not when you take out the policy. If a claim relates to a condition that appears in the pre-policy vet records, it will be declined as pre-existing. Be honest in your application to avoid claim disputes later.
My cat was treated for a UTI once — is that pre-existing?
It depends. A single UTI episode may or may not be classified as pre-existing. If the vet recorded it as a one-off treated episode with no recurrence, some insurers may not classify it as pre-existing for future unrelated urinary claims. However, if there’s a pattern of urinary issues, it’s more likely to be excluded. Check with your specific insurer.
Should I tell the insurer about pre-existing conditions?
Always be honest in your insurance application. Failing to disclose known conditions can result in your entire policy being voided if the insurer discovers the omission during a claims investigation. Disclosure protects you and ensures your valid claims are paid.
