Cat insurance in France covers vet bills for cats living in France, where care is private and costs add up quickly. This page compares French cat insurance providers and plans for residents and expats.
*Prices vary depending on species, breed, age, and coverage level. Quotes are based on a 2-year-old mixed breed dog in good health.
Provider
Monthly Price (from)*
Reimbursement Rate
Annual Coverage Limit
Waiting Period
Claim Process
Distinctive Feature
Lassie
€11
Up to 100%
€1,000 to €2,500
14 days
Digital via app
Rewards preventive care and digital learning
Barkibu
€9.90
80% to 100%
Up to €3,000
15 days
100% digital
Integrated vet chat with every plan
Kozoo
€12.99
70% to 100%
€1,000 to €2,500
2 to 60 days
Digital dashboard
Includes wellness and chronic condition cover
Santévet
€14.50
70% to 100%
€1,100 to €2,500+
45 days
App + email
Most established provider with vet network
Fidel’ami Santé
~€12–€18
80% or 100%
Up to €3,500
15–30 days (varies by condition)
Email / contact form
No deductible, covers conditions often excluded elsewhere (hip dysplasia, C-sections, spinal issues)
Kozoo
Barkibu
Santévet
Lassie
Fidel'ami santé
Bulle Bleue
Dalma
Fidanimo
Agria
Assur O’Poil
Animaux Santé
Achéel
Selfassurance
April
ECA Assurances
Carrefour Assurance
GMF
MACIF
Matmut
MAIF
Groupama
AXA
Pacifica (Crédit Agricole)
AG2R La Mondiale
MGEN
To insure your pet in France as a foreign resident, you’ll need to meet the same basic requirements as French citizens, with a few additional points to consider.
Minimum Requirements:
A French residential address Most French pet insurers require you to provide a valid French address (utility bill, lease contract, etc.) for registration and billing.
A French or SEPA-compatible bank account (IBAN) Insurers usually collect monthly premiums via direct debit (prélèvement automatique). A French IBAN is typically required, although some providers accept SEPA-area accounts (e.g., Revolut or N26 based in the EU).
A microchipped pet Your dog or cat must have a valid ISO-compliant microchip registered in France or the EU. Some insurers may request the registration number.
Valid vaccination records Rabies vaccination is typically required, especially for dogs. Other vaccines (distemper, parvovirus, etc.) may be required for preventive care coverage.
Pet's details You’ll need to provide:
Species (dog or cat)
Breed
Date of birth (approximate is usually acceptable)
Sex and neuter status
Date of microchipping and rabies vaccination
EU Pet Passport or veterinary health record Not legally required by insurers, but helpful in verifying your pet's history, especially if adopted abroad.
Reimbursement Speed: Reimbursements are processed very quickly, typically within 48 hours, without the need to send physical claim forms (feuilles de soins).
Pros
✓
No Fixed Deductible: No upfront fixed amount to pay before reimbursements.
Pros
✓
Lifetime Coverage: Pets remain covered for their entire life once enrolled.
Pros
✓
Accident & Illness Coverage: Comprehensive protection for unexpected incidents and various health conditions.
Pros
✓
Telemedicine Vet Access for free 24/24h and 7/7: Convenient access to virtual veterinary consultations.
Cons
✕
Variable Copay: A percentage (e.g., 20%) of the vet bill is typically paid by the owner per claim.
Cons
✕
Digital-First Support: Customer service is primarily digital (chat, app), which might not suit all users.
Kozoo France offers flexible coverage options, allowing you to tailor a policy that best fits your pet's needs and your budget. Their strong emphasis on convenient online management and the inclusion of preventive care options are particularly appealing. Kozoo also stands out by extending coverage to a broader range of companion animals beyond just dogs and cats.
However, a predominantly digital-first approach might not be ideal for pet owners who prefer more traditional, in-person customer service. Additionally, it's important to be aware that reimbursement rates can vary between their different formulas, and policies typically involve deductibles and waiting periods before full coverage applies.
Kozoo is recognized in the French pet insurance market for its modern, adaptable approach, providing solutions for diverse pet owners.
No fixed deductible (0€ franchise). 20% co-pay on eligible expenses.
Age Restrictions
From 2 months to 11 years old
Additional Details
Coverage Percentage: Barkibu generally covers 80% of eligible veterinary costs for illnesses and accidents.
Pros
✓
No Fixed Deductible: No upfront fixed amount to pay before reimbursements.
Pros
✓
Lifetime Coverage: Pets remain covered for their entire life once enrolled.
Pros
✓
Accident & Illness Coverage: Comprehensive protection for unexpected incidents and various health conditions.
Pros
✓
Telemedicine/AI Vet Access: Convenient access to virtual veterinary consultations and AI-powered health advice.
Cons
✕
Variable Copay: A percentage (e.g., 20%) of the vet bill is typically paid by the owner per claim.
Cons
✕
Digital-First Support: Customer service is primarily digital (chat, app), which might not suit all users.
Cons
✕
Annual Limits Apply: Coverage is capped (usually €3,000–€3,500), not unlimited.
Barkibu France offers a comprehensive pet insurance solution that covers 80% of your veterinary costs for illnesses and accidents, up to an annual maximum of 3,000€. Their strong emphasis on digital tools and telemedicine, including an intuitive mobile app for quick reimbursements and access to veterinary consultations via chat or call, makes it highly appealing for those seeking convenient and efficient health management for their pets. The innovative direct payment card further simplifies vet visits by reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
However, a predominantly digital-first approach might not cater to everyone, particularly those who prefer more traditional, personalized customer service. While there's no fixed deductible, it's important to note that a 20% variable copay generally applies to vet bills. Additionally, standard waiting periods are in effect (e.g., 5 days for accidents, 28 days for illnesses) and there are age limits for initial subscription (2 months to 11 years).
Barkibu is a modern, tech-forward player in the French pet insurance market, known for its integrated digital services and straightforward coverage model.
15% multi-pet discount. Prevention budget up to 220€/year (vaccines, deworming, anti-parasitics, sterilization, dental care, physiotherapy). Rewards program via app: up to 50€/year discount. 12-month worldwide coverage included.
Pros
✓
Clear Plan Structure: Lassie offers three distinct plans (Bronze, Argent, Or), making it simple to choose the right level of coverage for your pet.
Pros
✓
Focus on Prevention: Plans include resources for preventive care and offer discounts, encouraging proactive pet health.
Pros
✓
Digital-First Approach: Manage your policy and claims easily through their digital tools, ideal for tech-savvy pet owners.
Pros
✓
English Language Support: The website and services are available in English, which can be a significant advantage for expats or English speakers in France.
Cons
✕
Customer Feedback Concerns: Some online feedback points to dissatisfaction with the transparency and coverage limitations of their most basic (Bronze) plan.
Cons
✕
Limited Customization: With only three main plan options, there might be less flexibility to highly tailor coverage compared to providers with more granular choices.
Lassie offers three clearly defined plans—Bronze, Argent (Silver), and Or (Gold)—making it straightforward to select the right level of coverage for your pet in France. Their strong focus on preventive care and innovative digital tools, like their app-based rewards, can be very appealing if you're looking for convenient and efficient insurance management.
However, a predominantly digital approach might not suit everyone, especially those who prefer more traditional, personalized customer service. Additionally, while the Bronze plan offers a basic level of cover, it's quite limited in its ceiling (€1,000). To avoid potential frustrations and ensure more comprehensive protection, we generally advise considering their Argent or Or plans, which, despite being a bit pricier, provide significantly better coverage.
Lassie is a relatively new but growing player in the French pet insurance market, known for its modern, tech-driven approach to pet health.
Up to €3,500 per year. 5 formulas: Malin, Rusée, Loyale, Loyale+, Fidèle.
Deductibles
No deductible (0 € franchise)
Age Restrictions
No age limit once enrolled
Additional Details
Coverage Percentage: 80% or 100% depending on formula (Malin to Fidèle). Formulas: Malin (~20€/mo), Rusée (~30€/mo), Loyale (~35€/mo), Loyale+ and Fidèle (~45-61€/mo with up to 90-100% reimbursement).
Pros
✓
No Deductible: All claims are reimbursed from the first euro, with no franchise applied.
Pros
✓
Lifetime Coverage: Once enrolled, pets are covered for life, with no age-based exclusions.
Pros
✓
Inclusive for All Breeds: No restrictions or exclusions based on breed or genetic predisposition.
Pros
✓
Fast Reimbursements: Claims are processed internally, often reimbursed within 48 hours.
Pros
✓
Covers Expensive Conditions: Includes hip dysplasia, C-sections, and spinal disorders usually excluded elsewhere.
Cons
✕
New Entrant: Limited customer reviews and short track record compared to established competitors.
Cons
✕
Opaque Pricing: Online quotes are not easily accessible; prospective clients must request estimates directly.
Cons
✕
No Mobile App: Claims are submitted via email or forms, which feels less modern than app-based systems.
Cons
✕
Potentially Higher Premiums: Broader coverage and zero deductible may result in higher monthly costs than budget insurers.
Fidel’ami Santé offers a pet insurance solution designed to provide lifelong coverage for dogs and cats, with reimbursement rates up to 100% and no deductible applied to claims. Annual coverage limits typically reach €3,000–€3,500, and the plans stand out by including conditions often excluded elsewhere, such as hip dysplasia, C-sections, and spinal disorders. Preventive care is also available, covering vaccinations, sterilizations, and dental cleaning, giving owners a more complete protection package. Claims are processed internally, allowing for fast reimbursements, often within 48 hours.
However, Fidel’ami Santé is still a new entrant in the French market, meaning it has fewer customer reviews and less long-term track record compared to established competitors. Pricing information is also less transparent online, requiring direct quotes, and the absence of a mobile app makes the process less digital-friendly. Premiums may be higher than budget options, reflecting the broader coverage and zero-deductible approach.
Fidel’ami Santé is best suited for pet owners seeking inclusive, no-surprise coverage with strong protection against costly conditions, and who value lifetime guarantees over purely digital convenience.
Light: 1 100€ / Confort: 1 500€ / Confort+: 3 000€ / Premium: up to 4 000€ / Optimal: up to 4 000€
Deductibles
0€ - 150€ + 0%-50% variable
Age Restrictions
From 2 months to 10 years old
Additional Details
Veterinarian Choice: You are free to choose any licensed veterinarian in France or abroad (usually within limits for travel).
Pros
✓
Established and Reputable: Santévet is a well-known and significant player in the French pet insurance market.
Pros
✓
Diverse Plan Options: Offers a range of formulas (e.g., Light, Confort, Premium) allowing for customization of reimbursement rates and annual ceilings.
Pros
✓
Prevention Budget: Many plans include a dedicated annual budget for preventive care (vaccinations, deworming, etc.).
Pros
✓
NAC Coverage: One of the few providers to offer insurance for New Companion Animals (NACs) like rabbits and ferrets.
Pros
✓
Choice of Vet: You can choose any licensed veterinarian in France or abroad (within travel limits).
Cons
✕
Age Limit for Subscription: Pets generally must be between 2 months and 10 years old (or sometimes younger for certain breeds/plans) to subscribe.
Cons
✕
Waiting Periods: Standard waiting periods apply before coverage begins (e.g., 48 hours for accidents, 45 days for illnesses, 120 days for specific serious conditions/surgeries).
Cons
✕
Pricing: Higher-tier plans with extensive benefits and high reimbursement rates can be relatively more expensive.
Santévet provides comprehensive pet insurance with a variety of formulas (Light, Confort, Confort+, Premium, Optimal) allowing for flexible customization of coverage levels to suit different needs and budgets. They are particularly strong in offering lifetime coverage once a pet is insured, and their plans often include a dedicated prevention budget for routine care. Santévet also stands out by offering insurance for New Companion Animals (NACs) beyond just dogs and cats.
However, while they offer various reimbursement rates (from 60% to 100%), it's important to note that an annual fixed deductible typically applies, which can range from 0€ to 75€ depending on the chosen plan. There are also age limits for initial subscription (e.g., 2 months to 7 or 8 years for dogs/cats, depending on breed). Additionally, standard waiting periods apply for different types of care (e.g., 48 hours for accidents, 45 days for illnesses, and longer for specific surgeries or conditions). Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded.
Overall, Santévet is a well-established and trusted option in France, particularly for those seeking long-term coverage and a provider that supports a wider range of pets.
Origin: Sweden Availability: France, full digital support USP: Prevention can lower cat premiums
Lassie suits cat owners who like an app-led experience. Accident + illness cover works for common feline issues, and prevention modules can reduce premiums. Annual caps are modest, so it is less ideal if your cat already needs frequent specialist care.
Ideal for: Digital-first cat owners who want simple claims and prevention discounts.
Watch out for: Lower reimbursement ceilings than Barkibu or Santévet on bigger feline surgeries.
Origin: Spain Availability: France, strong English support USP: Telehealth for cats + paperless claims
Barkibu is convenient for expats with cats in France: 24/7 vet chat (useful for night-time feline emergencies), AI cost estimates, and fast digital reimbursements. Accident/illness pricing for cats is usually lower than equivalent dog cover.
Ideal for: Expats and apartment cat owners who want telemedicine plus flexible payouts.
Watch out for: No owned clinic network — you choose any vet.
Origin: France Availability: Nationwide USP: Wellness + chronic feline care
Kozoo is a strong all-rounder for cats: accident, illness, and optional prevention (vaccines, dental, deworming). Long-term cover for chronic feline conditions (e.g. diabetes, kidney-related care depending on plan terms) is a plus for indoor/outdoor cats.
Ideal for: Cat owners who want treatment and prevention bundled.
Watch out for: Waiting periods differ by condition (short for accidents, longer for some surgeries).
Origin: France Availability: France, Belgium, select EU countries USP: Established cat insurer with flexible tiers
Santévet is widely known in France and works well for cats when you want optional routine care and higher ceilings. Some clinics accept direct billing. The experience is less digital than newer startups, but reliability is a draw for long-term cat cover.
Ideal for: Cat owners who want a proven insurer and room to customise cover.
Watch out for: Premiums still rise with age, including for senior cats.
Origin: France Availability: Nationwide (launched 2024) USP: Lifetime cat cover, no deductible
Fidel’ami stands out with lifetime cover once accepted, no franchise, and fewer blanket exclusions. Higher tiers can include prevention (vaccines, sterilisation, dental cleaning) — useful for cats where dental disease is common.
Ideal for: Cat owners who want clear rules and lifetime continuity.
Watch out for: Newer brand with fewer public reviews; annual caps (~€3,000–€3,500) may limit heavy specialist feline care.
Choosing the Right Cat Insurance in France
When choosing cat insurance in France, prioritise:
Lifestyle and breed: Outdoor cats face more accident risk; pedigree cats may have hereditary exclusions. Confirm urinary, dental and chronic-illness rules — common feline cost drivers.
Reimbursement logic: Check the % reimbursed and the annual cat cover cap. Barkibu and Santévet can offer up to 100% on some plans.
Waiting periods: Illness waiting periods still apply for cats. Accidents are usually covered sooner than surgeries or chronic conditions.
Claims experience: Digitals (Lassie, Barkibu) are easiest for busy cat owners. Santévet is more traditional but widely recognised by French clinics.
Prevention add-ons: Kozoo and Santévet wellness options help with vaccines, dental cleaning and sterilisation — frequent cat expenses.
How Much Does Cat Insurance Cost in France?
In France, 2026 market averages put cat insurance at roughly €10–€36 per month — typically cheaper than comparable dog cover.
For example:
A basic / entry cat plan often lands around €10–€15/month.
A mid-tier cat plan commonly sits around €21/month.
Premium cat cover often reaches €33–€36/month (more for seniors).
Key pricing factors for cats
Age: Senior cats (often 8+) cost more, especially with chronic risks like kidney or thyroid disease.
Breed / lifestyle: Pedigree and outdoor cats can price higher.
Coverage level: Higher annual limits, low deductibles or 100% reimbursement increase the premium.
Wellness add-ons: Vaccines, dental and sterilisation typically add €5–€12/month.
Example cat insurance ranges in France (2026)
Cat profile
Basic / entry
Mid to premium
Young / standard
€10–15/month
€21–36/month
Senior
€15–25/month
€28–40/month
Based on 2026 French market average premiums by formula tier (aggregator barometers).
If you are relocating to France with a cat, the same EU companion-animal framework applies (microchip + rabies rules). Cats are not usually subject to the UK-style tapeworm rule that applies to dogs.
Entry requirements for cats coming to France from outside the EU
Microchip — 15-digit ISO-compliant chip before rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination — after microchipping, at least 21 days before entry.
Rabies titer test (unlisted/high-risk countries) — blood test ≥30 days after vaccination and ≥3 months before travel.
Animal Health Certificate (AHC) — official vet certificate within 10 days of travel if you do not yet have an EU pet passport.
Border Control Post — enter via an approved BCP with documents ready.
After arrival: book a local French vet visit, arrange an EU Pet Passport when eligible, then compare cat insurance in France once your cat is registered in the system.
If You Are Traveling to France with Your Cat
Travelling to France with a cat? Microchip and rabies timing still matter, even for holidays. Tapeworm treatment rules that apply to dogs from some countries generally do not apply to cats — but always confirm for your route.
EU Pet Passport or an Animal Health Certificate from outside the EU
A clear plan for declaring your cat at the point of entry
After arrival, use this page to compare French cat policies or visit the France pet insurance hub.
FAQ about Cat insurance in France
No. Cat insurance is optional, but useful — urinary blockages, dental work or chronic kidney care can still run into four figures without cover.
Yes. You can usually visit any licensed vet in France. Partner clinic arrangements (e.g. with Santévet) can speed up reimbursements.
Yes. New-business age caps often fall around 7–10 years. Start earlier if you can; some brands (like Lassie) skew toward younger cats.
App-first insurers (Barkibu, Lassie) often pay in 3–7 business days. More traditional flows can take up to ~14 days.
Common exclusions include:
Pre-existing conditions
Some hereditary issues
Breeding / pregnancy care
Cosmetic procedures
Non-vet wellness (grooming, standard food)
Yes, multi-pet discounts (often ~5–10%) are available with several French providers, including Kozoo and Santévet, when you insure more than one animal.
About the authors
Thibault Helle
Editor
Thibault has an engineering background from both France and Sweden. Comparesies is his second company after successfully founding a tech scaleup. His experience is vast within insurances and customer satisfaction. Thibault is responsible for maintaining the website and sharing his knowledge through page editing.
Elin Viberg
Author
Elin is a passionate dog lover with roots in Sweden and a background in the service industry. With several years of experience working closely with customers, she has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver outstanding service. Elin's love for animals, especially dogs, drives her to constantly seek the best information and products for pet owners. At Comparesies, she contributes her dedication and expertise by ensuring that our content reflects the care and quality our readers expect.
