Churchill advises cat owners to get insured

People living with cats should take out pet insurance to avoid paying huge veterinary fees, according to a new study by Churchill Insurance.

16:56 15 November 2004

People living with cats should take out pet insurance to avoid paying huge veterinary fees, according to a new study by Churchill Insurance.

Online pollster YouGov, working on behalf of Churchill, found that the average lifetime bill for a cat living for 13 years is around 13,500 - before factoring in the cost of insurance or fees to vets.

Churchill says that the average claim on cat insurance is 300, but the researchers warn that opting against insurance could leave owners counting the cost.

A cat MRI scan costs 1,000, for example and owners are advised that high insurance premiums are a small price to pay for avoiding the cost of huge vet's fees, particularly if the cat has a long-term condition.

Owners who are already paying a small fortune to look after their cat may be reluctant to purchase insurance, especially when annual premiums can be as high as 200 for those living in London.

However, the study warns that choosing the cheapest insurance may not be the answer either, as some can require the buyer to pay as much as 35 per cent of expensive treatments.