Exceptions for certain cat breeds
In principle, you can insure cats of any breed. However, if you own certain breeds, you have fewer options, as some insurers have included exclusions in their policy terms and conditions, or simply do not accept certain breeds.
- Cats with health issues
Some cat breeds have physical characteristics that can cause (serious) health problems, such as a flat face. Cat breeds with a flat nose, such as the Persian Longhair or Exotic Shorthair, are known as brachycephalic cats. As these cats are more likely to incur high veterinary costs, some insurers are unwilling to provide cover for flat-faced breeds.
- Breeds subject to the ownership ban
Since 1 January 2026, a ban on owning cat breeds with folded ears and hairless cats has been in force in the Netherlands. Since then, it has been illegal to own breeds such as the Sphynx, Scottish Fold or Peterbald. Anyone who purchased and had a hairless cat or a cat with folded ears microchipped before 1 January 2026 is permitted to keep it. However, obtaining insurance for such cats is very difficult.
Exclusions by pet insurer
Some insurers have exclusions for certain cat breeds.
- Univé does not insure flat-nosed cats. If you own a Persian, Himalayan or Exotic Shorthair, you cannot take out cat insurance with Univé. Furthermore, Univé does not insure hairless cats or cats with folded ears – not even if you acquired them before 1 January 2026.
- At OHRA, it is not possible to insure cats subject to the ownership ban, even if you acquired them before 1 January 2026.
- Figo’s policy terms and conditions also include an exclusion for animals belonging to breeds subject to both an ownership ban and a breeding ban. This applies, among others, to the Sphynx, Scottish Fold, Highland Fold and Foldex.
PetSecur, a.s.r. and InShared currently accept all cat breeds. However, the premium may be higher than for a standard domestic cat.
