If you are looking for insurance for elderly cats, you may struggle at first to find a policy that adequately covers your needs.

Most insurance companies are happy to insure younger animals because they are at less risk of illness but often impose an upper age limit on their policies (typically eight or nine years old) above which they will not insure your pet.

But as your cat gets older, the more chance they have of needing veterinary treatment which can prove very costly without insurance.

It's worth taking the time to search online for your pet insurance. You can often get a better deal and you will find specialist policies that cater specifically for older animals. Many insurance companies offer discounts for purchasing online which can bring down the cost.

You should expect to pay more for pet insurance once your cat reaches eight or nine years old – just as you would if you were insuring an older car or purchasing health insurance for yourself as you get older. This is because it is much more likely that your insurance provider will have to pay out for an older cat.

Make sure you read the terms of the policy carefully and check for any exclusions. Some policies will include different levels of excess (the amount you need to pay when making a claim) and policies will also vary in terms of how much they will be willing to pay out for different health conditions.

Most policies will cover you for veterinary expenses – including treatment for accidents or illness. Depending on the policy this may be for a fixed quantity per year or per condition.

However you may find that a number of things are not included in your policy, including flea control, vaccinations and treatment for pre-existing illnesses or injuries. You may have to pay for additional cover if you intend to take your cat out of the country and not all policies include dental cover.

Most insurers will cover you for emergency board should you unexpectedly need to go to hospital or are unable to care for your cat due to an emergency such as flooding or fire. Your cat will be placed in a cattery and looked after while you are away.

You may even be covered for help finding your cat if it goes missing or is stolen, for example with advertising costs and offering a reward. Micro-chipping your cat is always a good idea and may also reduce your premium.

Although perhaps more appropriate for dogs than cats, your insurance may also cover you for third party liability in the case of an accident involving your pet.

The overall cost of your pet insurance will also depend on your cat's breed and medical history. Always check the small print to make sure your pet insurance is exactly right for you, and your cat.