Pet insurance or saving: what’s the better choice?
Pet insurance or savings? Discover which option truly protects you from unexpected vet bills.
Read moreCat insurance for Domestic Shorthairs
- Up to $15,000 cover for eligible vet bills
- Choice of policies, including covered for life
- Up to 100% of eligible vet bills covered
About Domestic Shorthairs
Domestic cats, including Domestic Shorthair, Domestic Mediumhair, and Domestic Longhair, make up the majority of cats in Australia. Unlike pedigree breeds, these cats are mixed-breed companions with a wide genetic background, which often means they can be hardy and adaptable pets. Domestic cats are commonly adopted from shelters or rescues and are known for their diverse coat colours, personalities, and sizes. According to Australian animal welfare organisations, mixed-breed domestic cats represent the largest portion of Australia’s feline population.
Weight & lifespan
Adult domestic cats typically weigh 3.5–6 kg depending on body type and sex. Their average lifespan ranges from 12–16 years, although indoor cats can live longer with proper veterinary care and nutrition.
Vet Costs & Claims Context (2026)
Domestic cats are commonly prone to dental disease, urinary tract issues, and age-related kidney conditions, which can result in unexpected vet bills throughout their lifetime.
Typical veterinary treatment costs can include:
Dental treatment or extractions may range from $500 to $2,000 depending on severity. Urinary blockage treatment or surgery may cost between $1,500 and $3,000, while ongoing kidney disease management can involve regular veterinary visits, medication, and diagnostic testing costing hundreds to thousands of dollars annually. Veterinary pricing guides from Australian pet care platforms such as PetCloud indicate that emergency surgery for foreign body ingestion may cost $1,600–$2,100 or more.
These costs highlight why many Australian cat owners consider cat insurance to help manage unexpected veterinary expenses and claims.
Cute bengal cat living in the modern apartment. Playing around the furniture. Cute pussy eyes.
Why choose Petcover cat insurance?
Join the 250,000 pet owners who’ve trusted us to keep their cats happy and healthy.
With no waiting periods for injuries and a simple claims process, insuring your pet cat is easy. Plus, our vet-approved policies and expert support means your feline friend always receives top-quality care.
Beautiful short hair cat lying on the sofa at home
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Our cat insurance can include
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- Lifetime continuous cover – Claim for ongoing treatment of illness or injury throughout your cat’s life, with no break in cover.
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- Veterinary fees – Covers eligible vet treatment for injury, accident, or illness.
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- Alternative and complementary treatment – Covers vet fees and therapies like acupuncture or hydrotherapy.
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- Death from illness or injury – Financial support to help ease unexpected costs during a difficult time.
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- Boarding fees – Help with the cost of caring for your cat if you’re in hospital.
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- Advertising and reward – Helps cover advertising and reward costs if your cat is stolen or goes missing.
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- Loss by theft or straying – Covers your cat’s value if they’re stolen or go missing and aren’t returned.
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- Holiday cancellation – Help with lost travel and accommodation costs if your cat needs lifesaving care.
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- Quarantine expenses and loss of documents – Support for quarantine costs, replacing lost documents, and extra travel expenses caused by delays.
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- Multi-pet discount – Cover the cost of multiple pets.
Do I need pet insurance for a cat?
Cat insurance for a cat is a smart choice when you bring a cat into your home. Cats can face unexpected illnesses or accidents that lead to pricey vet bills. Having insurance helps cover those costs, so your cat gets the care they need without breaking the bank.
Cat insurance can cover you for:
Illness
Even the healthiest cats can fall ill, from common ailments like respiratory infections to more serious conditions like kidney disease. Veterinary treatments can be expensive, but with cat insurance, you’re protected against high costs, allowing you to focus on your cat’s recovery without the financial worry.
Injury
Cats are curious by nature, which sometimes leads to injuries, whether from a fall, a fight or an accident. Cat insurance covers emergency vet visits and treatments, taking care of unexpected costs.
Medical Procedures
Some cats require specialised medical procedures, from routine surgeries to more complex treatments. These can be expensive, but with cat insurance you’ll be able to get the care your cat needs for a speedy recovery.
How does cat insurance work?
Simply choose a policy that fits your cat’s needs and stay on top of your premium payments. If your cat needs to visit the vet, you’ll usually pay the bill upfront and then file a claim with us afterwards. Before making a claim, check your excess (this is the amount you pay towards a claim) to make sure it’s worth claiming for.
For larger bills, we can sometimes pay the vet directly.
How much does cat insurance in Australia cost?
The cost of cat insurance in Australia varies depending on your cat’s breed, age, health and cover level. Affordable ‘Umbrella for life’ policies start from as little as $28.88†
Can I get insurance for my older cat?
Yes, you can insure an older cat. However, because older cats are more likely to have existing health conditions, your options may be limited, and the cost could be high. Even with these challenges, insurance can still cover unrelated vet bills and more.
At Petcover, you can insure your kitten from 8 weeks old, or your cat up until their 8th birthday.
How to choose the right cat insurance for your pet
To choose the right cat insurance policy, compare our different plans, compare our different plans, looking at cover options, exclusions and premium costs. Make sure to select a policy that covers your cat’s specific needs, offering the best balance between cost and cover. If in doubt, contact our friendly team and they will point you in the right direction.
Do indoor cats need insurance?
Yes, pet insurance is worth it for an indoor cat. While they face fewer risks, they can still develop illnesses and have accidents. With cat insurance you’re prepared for any unexpected vet bills so your cat can receive the best care.
Is Petcover cat insurance the same as Petplan cat insurance?
Yes, Petcover and Petplan Australasia merged in 2021. Petcover continues to offer comprehensive policies and the same great customer service that Petplan was known for.
Read the Target Market Determination (TMD) documents to ensure our policies fit your needs. These documents explain who the policy is for and how it should be used, so you don’t end up with cover that’s not right for you.
Policies bought on or after 27 November 2024:
- Superior plan TMD
- Mid-range plan TMD
- Safety-net (Economy) plan TMD
- Safety-net (Catastrophe 1 & 2) plan TMD
Policies bought between 12 September – 26 November 2024:
- Superior plan TMD
- Mid-range plan TMD
- Safety-net (Economy) plan TMD
- Safety-net (Catastrophe 1 & 2) plan TMD
Policies bought between 30 June 2023 – 11 September 2024:
- Superior plan TMD
- Mid-range plan TMD
- Safety-net (Economy) plan TMD
- Safety-net (Catastrophe 1 & 2) plan TMD
Policies bought between 1 January – 29 June 2023:
† Prices are accurate at the time of publishing. Monthly premiums for a 1-year-old Golden Tabby range between $28.88/month with the ‘Core’ plan.