Why do I need cat insurance?
There’s no denying your cat is one of the family – they rely on you for food, they’ve got their own spot on the sofa and you’ve probably even signed their name in a Christmas card or two. So naturally, you’ll want to do whatever it takes to look after them.
Cats are curious creatures – it’s what we love about them. They’re constantly exploring new places and meeting other furry friends, but sometimes their inquisitive nature can lead to accidents. We never know what life will bring, and that’s why cat insurance comes in handy. It takes care of unexpected costs and gives you peace of mind, so you can concentrate on caring for your kitty.
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M&S Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd (RSA).
Lifetime cover
Time limited cover
Benefits of cat insurance
M&S Pet Insurance provides four levels of insurance for cats, allowing you to find the perfect cover for you and your feline. Benefits include:
- Veterinary fees
- Travel expenses
- Cover for advertising
- Third-party liability
- Death from injury
- Death from illness (pets under 9 years old)
- Emergency boarding on lifetime policies
Additional benefits of cat insurance
Take a look at what else you and your cat could benefit from when you purchase an M&S Pet Insurance policy:
15% discount on new policies when buying online (excludes renewals and amendments to existing policies). Prices rise at renewalSee footnote ††.
24-hour vetfone™ access. Giving you 24-hour guidance from qualified veterinary nurses on this freephone helpline.
Four levels of cover with no additional cost or fees for paying monthly.
10% multi-pet discount for each cat ordogyou choose to insure, discount applied to each pet when insuring two or more pets on the same policySee footnote ****.
** You can insure up to 3 pets online on a new policy and you can call RSA on 0800 731 4280if you're looking to add more pets to your quote or existing policy.
Is pet insurance worth it for your cat?
Still wondering whether cat cover is worth the payout? Take a look at some average costs to help you decide whether M&S Pet Insurance is something you could benefit from.*
Hormonal
Average cost £782.55
There are a range of hormonal conditions that can affect cats. It’s therefore necessary to look out for symptoms, including abnormal faeces and vomiting.
Non-illness
Average cost £180.82
Claims not related to illness or injury can add up. This could be your cat causing an expensive breakage to helping you track down your pet if they go missing.
Urinary
Average cost £804.25
Urinary conditions, are common and very treatable. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as excessive urination or drinking, blood in urine, and signs of incontinence.
Gastrointestinal
Average cost £778.15
From common complaints like gastroenteritis disease to rarer ones like megacolon, there are a wide range of tummy upsets that can affect cats.
Traumas
Average cost £687.60
Trauma is a physical injury which could be caused by your cat getting in a scrap or falling. As well as being hurt, your cat could also experience shock as a result of trauma.
Oral
Average cost £548.40
Oral conditions like dental disease are common and can cause cats discomfort. It can even prevent them from eating, so it’s important to get oral issues solved.
Skin
Average cost £458.97
From allergic reactions caused by grooming products to patches of hair loss, skin conditions are common – and most are easy to spot. Look out for excessive scratching and biting, too.
Heart
Average cost £830.50
Serious heart conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be fatal, so early diagnosis is important. Symptoms are not always apparent in cats, so regular check ups with your vet are a good idea.
Tips on keeping your cat happy and healthy
Although you can’t plan for everything, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your cat healthy:
Provide the basics
All cats have their daily needs (food, water, and a sunny spot to snooze in) but regular playtimes are also vital for keeping them healthy. If your furry friend is alone for a lot of the day, consider getting an interactive toy they can play with by themselves, such as a puzzle feeder or a cat tunnel.
Give them space
We all need a quiet place to relax sometimes, and your kitty is no different. Whether it’s a discarded cardboard box or a dedicated nook, they’ll love having somewhere to retreat for a nice, uninterrupted snooze.
Do home check ups
Do home check ups to keep your feline healthy and comfortable. Give their ears, claws, eyes and teeth a regular once-over to help spot any issues early – whether it’s a build-up of ear wax or crust around their eyes.
Check their litter tray
Clean it regularly and keep a look out for anything abnormal. Changes in odour, colour or the frequency of what they leave behind should be noted and reported to your vet.
Groom them
Some cats love it, some hate it, but brushing them removes loose hair (preventing fur balls) and keeps them looking their best.
Important pet insurance information
Key information and policy booklets
What is M&S Bank's role and who underwrites M&S Pet Insurance?
We will introduce you to Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd who arrange, administer, and underwrite M&S Pet Insurance.
- RSA's essential information
Product information booklets
Claiming on and renewing your policy
For claims for new conditions, you'll find RSA's editable form on the online servicing page for you and your vet to complete.
Claims online servicing
As pets get older, sadly they're more likely to get ill. In fact, RSA’s claims data shows that the cost of looking after your pet's health doubles every four to five years. That's why your renewal price increases each year and your excess will increase when your pet turns nine.
Unfortunately, once a pet has been taken ill, they're more likely to get ill again. That's why, if a claim is paid, the price you will pay next year can double. How much they go up is different for everyone and depends on things like your pet’s breed, their age and health.
FAQs
How do I make a claim?
If you need to make a claim, you should call RSA as soon as possible on0800 980 8750. Please have your policy number or claim number when you call.
For claims for new conditions, you'll find RSA's editable form on the online servicing page for you and your vet to complete.
Make a claim
Does M&S Pet Insurance cover my pet when abroad?
If you choose a Premier policy you'll get cover up to £2,000 for vet fee treatment in any EU country that is included in the Pets Travel Scheme. You'll be covered for three trips in any period of insurance and each trip can last up to 60 days.
*Based on the average annual cat claims cost to M&S Pet Insurance between January 2023 to December 2023.
† Excludes renewals and amendments to existing policies. Your renewal price increases each year and your excess will increase when your pet turns 9 and/or if a claim is paid, the price you will pay next year can double. There is no limit to how much your renewal price can increase.