Best Maine Coon Pet Insurance 2025: UK & US Comparison Guide
Maine Coons are known for their loving personalities, stunning size, and long lifespan, but their care doesn’t come cheap, especially when it comes to vet bills.
Sadly, this breed is genetically predisposed to several costly health issues like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), hip dysplasia, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), so finding the best pet insurance is a smart investment.
This guide compares top-rated UK and US pet insurance providers, explains what to look for in a Maine Coon-specific policy, and offers price comparisons to help you make an informed decision based on your location and budget.
Do Maine Coons Need Pet Insurance?
Maine Coons are generally healthy cats, but they can be prone to:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): This heart condition can lead to sudden death if untreated. Echocardiograms alone cost £300-£600 ($375–$750), and ongoing treatment can run into thousands per year.
- Hip Dysplasia: Although more common in dogs, Maine Coons can suffer from this painful joint issue, often requiring surgery or long-term management.
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): A genetic condition with no cure, but symptoms may be managed with mobility support and physical therapy.
Without insurance, a single emergency could easily exceed £1,000-£3,000 ($1,250-$3,750).
What To Look For In A Pet Insurance Plan
Not all pet insurance is created equal. When selecting a policy for a Maine Coon, prioritize:
- Lifetime Cover: Essential for chronic illnesses that require treatment year after year.
- High Annual Limits: Maine Coon health issues can be expensive; look for coverage of at least £4,000+ ($5,040+).
- Dental and Specialist Cover: Some policies exclude dental disease or advanced diagnostics – try to find a policy that includes this.
- Complementary Therapy Cover: Helpful for joint issues, arthritis, or post-surgery rehabilitation.
- Low Exclusion Risk: Avoid policies that won’t cover breed-specific conditions like HCM or hip dysplasia.
Top UK Pet Insurance Providers
Here are the most highly rated UK cat insurances, based on 2025 policy reviews and coverage for pedigree breeds like the Maine Coon.
Costs are based on insuring a 1 year old Maine Coon in London, UK:
Dental exam fees, 24/7 vet chat | Average Monthly Premium | Annual Cover | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
ManyPets | £17–£25 | £15,000 | Dental exam fees, 24/7 vet chat |
Petplan | £20–£35 | Up to £12,000 | Long-standing reputation, breed-specific cover |
Agria | £15–£28 | Up to £12,500 | Lifetime cover, dental illness, specialist vet access |
Bought By Many (Now ManyPets) | £17–£30 | £15,000 | Pre-existing condition cover (if no claims in 2 years) |
Tesco Bank Pet Insurance | £12–£22 | Up to £10,000 | Vets’ bills, accidental damage, emergency boarding |
Tip: Many UK insurers do not cover pets once they reach 8+ years old. Always check lifetime renewability.
Top US Pet Insurance Providers
Maine Coon insurance in the US varies based on:
- State
- Vet cost
- Plan type (accident-only vs comprehensive)
Below are the top options based on:
- Breed suitability
- Customer satisfaction
- Benefit limits
Costs are based on insuring a 1 year old Maine Coon in New York, USA:
Insurance Provider | Avg Monthly Premium | Annual Cover | Deductible | Notable Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
Healthy Paws | $30–$50 | Unlimited | $250–$500 | No annual caps, fast claim processing |
Embrace | $25–$40 | Up to $30,000 | $200–$1,000 | Includes dental, optional wellness |
Spot Pet Insurance | $28–$45 | Up to $10,000 | Flexible | Offers 90% reimbursement, covers exam fees |
Fetch by The Dodo | $30–$50 | Up to $15,000 | $250–$500 | Covers sick exam fees, therapy, and more |
Figo Pet Insurance | $22–$40 | Unlimited | $100–$750 | Cloud-based claims, 24/7 tele-vet |
Note: US pet insurance plans often have waiting periods (e.g., 14 days for illnesses). Be sure to read the fine print for breed-specific exclusions.
Average Maine Coon Insurance Costs: UK vs US
The following figures are based on quotes for a healthy 1-year-old Maine Coon cat, neutered/spayed, with no pre-existing conditions:
Location | Monthly Cost (£) | Monthly Cost ($) | Yearly Total |
---|---|---|---|
UK (ManyPets, Petplan, Agria) | £17–£30 | $21–$37 | £204–£360 / $250–$450 |
US (Healthy Paws, Embrace, etc.) | £24–£40 | $30–$50 | £288–£480 / $360–$600 |
What Affects Cost Of Maine Coon Insurance?
Several key factors influence how much you’ll pay to insure a Maine Coon cat.
Understanding these will help you budget more accurately and choose the right policy for your cat’s lifestyle and health needs.
1. Age Of Your Cat
The younger your Maine Coon is when you insure them, the lower your premium is likely to be. Insurance costs rise sharply with age, especially after your cat turns 7 or 8 years old.
- Why? Older cats are more prone to chronic illnesses like kidney disease, arthritis, or heart conditions.
- Tip for new owners: Insuring your Maine Coon while they’re still a kitten or young adult often locks in lower rates.
2. Gender
Male Maine Coons tend to be slightly more expensive to insure than females.
- Why? Males are more prone to certain health conditions like urinary tract blockages and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
- Note: The price difference is typically small but can add up over time.
3. Indoor Vs. Outdoor Lifestyle
Whether your Maine Coon lives indoors or goes outside affects both risk and cost.
- Indoor cats are less likely to suffer injuries or infections and are cheaper to insure.
- Outdoor cats face higher risks (e.g., traffic accidents, parasites, catfights) and usually cost more to cover.
Tip: Even if your Maine Coon is indoor-only, you should still choose a plan that covers emergencies and long-term conditions.
4. Pre-Existing Conditions
Insurance doesn’t usually cover health issues diagnosed before you took out the policy.
- Cats with known or suspected pre-existing conditions may be partially excluded from coverage or face higher premiums.
- Common excluded conditions include heart disease, allergies, or previous surgeries.
Advice: If your Maine Coon already has a health issue, look for a provider that offers partial coverage or condition-specific policies.
5. Location
Where you live plays a big role in how much you’ll pay for pet insurance.
- Urban areas with higher veterinary costs (e.g., New York City, Los Angeles, London) will result in higher premiums.
- Rural areas tend to be cheaper, although access to specialists may be more limited.
Example: A policy costing £30/month in Manchester might cost £45/month in Central London.
6. Purebred Vs. Mixed Breed
Purebred Maine Coons typically cost more to insure than mixed-breed cats.
- Why? Purebreds have a higher risk of breed-specific genetic conditions such as:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Hip Dysplasia
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
- Mixed breeds generally have a broader genetic pool and fewer inherited risks.
New Owner Tip: Ask your breeder for the kitten’s genetic health screening results, especially for HCM and SMA.
7. Policy Add-Ons And Coverage Level
The more comprehensive your plan, the more it will cost. You’ll typically pay more for:
- Dental care
- Wellness exams
- Routine vaccinations
- Complementary therapies (e.g., acupuncture, hydrotherapy)
Choose wisely: A basic accident-only plan is cheaper but won’t cover long-term illnesses or hereditary conditions.
8. Available Discounts
Some insurers offer small discounts that can help reduce your monthly premium:
- Microchipped pets
- Neutered/spayed cats
- Multiple pet insurance bundles
- Service or therapy cats (rare but applicable in some regions)
Types Of Maine Coon Pet Insurance
When choosing pet insurance for your Maine Coon, it’s reassuring to know there are several types of coverage available.
Each one offers different levels of protection and comes at a different price point, so you can pick a plan that suits your cat’s needs and budget.
Insurance Type | What It Covers |
---|---|
Accident- Only | Covers unexpected injuries like broken bones, cuts, or being hit by a car. |
Time- Limited | Covers illnesses and injuries, but only for a set period (e.g., 12 months). |
Lifetime Cover | Provides continuous cover for illnesses and injuries throughout your cat’s life. |
1. Accident-Only Insurance
Accident-only is the most affordable type of pet insurance, and a popular entry-level option for new cat owners.
- What it covers: Sudden injuries caused by accidents (e.g., car accidents, falls, cuts, broken limbs).
- What it doesn’t cover: Illnesses like diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, or genetic disorders.
Ideal for: Owners on a tight budget who still want financial protection in case of unexpected accidents.
Tip: If your Maine Coon is young and healthy but you can’t afford full coverage yet, this is a better option than no insurance at all.
2. Time-Limited Insurance
Time-limited insurance offers accident and illness coverage, but only for a short window, typically 12 months per condition.
- How it works: You get coverage for each new illness or injury for up to 12 months (or until the payout limit is reached), after which that condition is no longer covered.
- Limitations: Chronic or long-term illnesses like heart disease, arthritis, or cancer won’t be covered beyond the initial 12-month period.
Ideal for: Short-term medical needs or non-recurring conditions that can be resolved quickly.
Watch out: Once the time runs out or your financial limit is reached, the condition becomes excluded from your plan going forward.
3. Lifetime Cover Insurance
Lifetime cover is the most comprehensive and reliable type of insurance you can buy for your Maine Coon.
- What it covers: Ongoing coverage for all new illnesses and injuries, including hereditary and chronic conditions, as long as you keep the policy active.
- Why it’s worth it: Maine Coons are prone to breed-specific issues like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and hip dysplasia. Lifetime cover ensures these conditions are treated year after year.
Ideal for: Owners who want long-term peace of mind and are willing to pay higher monthly premiums for full protection.
Tip: Lifetime policies are usually best purchased while your Maine Coon is young and healthy. This locks in coverage for future conditions before they become “pre-existing.”
Additional Tips When Choosing a Policy
- Ask if breed-specific conditions are covered. Some providers list HCM or hip dysplasia as “hereditary,” which may be excluded unless you add it.
- Lifetime cover is crucial. Time-limited or accident-only policies may leave you footing the bill for long-term care.
- Don’t underinsure. Cheaper monthly rates usually mean lower payout caps, which may be used up after just one emergency.
- Consider a wellness add-on. These cover annual vaccines, flea/worming treatments, and vet visits which are helpful for higher-maintenance breeds like Maine Coons.