The short version
- Cats can usually be insured from 8 weeks old.
- Most accident and illness policies stop accepting new cats between their 7th and 9th birthday.
- Outdoor cats face road and fight injuries, which accident cover addresses; illness cover deals with conditions that develop over time.
- Dental cover is often limited or an optional extra. AA, for example, has a $600 dental illness sub-limit, and Tower’s dental benefit is optional with a 90-day waiting period.
Starting early
Because anything a cat has shown signs of becomes pre-existing, cover started while a cat is young and healthy covers the most. Starting later is still possible on many policies, but with more exclusions.
Dental care
Dental problems are common in older cats. Policies vary a lot here, from no dental cover to a dedicated benefit with its own waiting period and limit, so it is worth reading that section of the wording specifically.
Where this comes from
Insurer details checked on 26 October 2026. The policy wording always governs.
Keep reading
- Accident-only or accident and illness coverThe first choice every policy makes for you, and the one that decides what a claim can be for.
- Annual limits, excess and co-paymentThree numbers decide how much of a vet bill comes back to you. They interact, and most people only look at one.
- Waiting periods (stand-downs)The days at the start of a policy when an illness will not be covered. Insurers apply them strictly.
- Pre-existing conditionsWhy a condition your pet already has is usually not covered, and what “already has” means.