As a cat owner, keeping your kitty healthy and happy is always a top priority. Pet insurance can be a great way to manage unexpected vet bills and give you peace of mind—and more cat owners are catching on! In fact, the number of people with insurance for their cat more than doubled between 2019 and 2023.
With so many options available, you don’t have to settle for a policy that doesn’t check all your boxes—and we all know how much cats love boxes! In this article, we’ll go over key things to consider when choosing pet insurance, so you can find the best fit for you and your cat.
1. Understand Your Cat’s Needs
Cats, like humans, have unique health profiles. Factors such as age, breed, and medical history can influence the type of coverage you need. Check out some of the considerations below.
- Kittens: Younger cats and kittens may require more coverage for vaccinations and routine care as well as illnesses and accidents.
- Senior cats: Older cats are more prone to chronic conditions, so you might need insurance that covers long-term treatments.
- Breed-specific concerns: Some cat breeds are predisposed to certain medical conditions. Be sure to research your breed and see if there are any potential conditions you may need to get covered. For example, Maine Coon, Sphynx, Persian, and British Shorthair cats have a higher risk for developing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a condition in which the heart muscle thickens.
Evaluating your cat’s potential and existing health concerns can help you choose a policy that aligns with their needs. These details will also be factored in on the insurance company’s side when providing you with quotes.
2. Evaluate Coverage Options
Pet insurance policy specifics can vary quite a bit, but in general, they typically fall into three categories:
- Accident-only: Covers injuries like fractures or poisonings. It’s often the most affordable option but doesn’t cover illnesses.
- Accident and illness: Provides more comprehensive coverage, including illnesses like urinary tract infections or diabetes.
- Wellness plans: These plans cover routine care, such as vaccinations, dental cleaning, and annual check-ups, often as an add-on to other policies. Other add-ons can include mental health and behavioral support coverage and vet visit fee coverage.
Thoroughly review what’s included in each plan to determine which best suits your cat’s lifestyle.
3. Consider Policy Exclusions
Unfortunately, no insurance policy covers everything. Common exclusions include:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Since pre-existing conditions are often excluded from coverage, it’s recommended to get pet insurance when your cat is a kitten or as soon as you adopt them. Additionally, switching providers later may be more costly if your cat develops a condition, as it would be considered pre-existing under a new provider’s policy.
- Routine care (unless covered by a wellness add-on plan)
- Examples of routine care include vaccinations, dental cleanings (unless required for a medical condition), nail trimming and other grooming procedures.
- Prescription pet food
- Most are considered a maintenance cost rather than a treatment, however some may cover the cost temporarily as a part of a treatment plan for a diagnosed condition.
- Elective procedures and alternative therapies (unless specified in an add-on plan)
When reviewing policy options, be sure to read the fine print to avoid surprises when filing a claim.
4. Compare Costs
Monthly premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and reimbursement rates vary between providers and your cat. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Premiums: These depend on factors like your cat’s age, breed, and location.
- Deductibles: Choose between annual and per-incident deductibles. Lower deductibles may result in higher premiums.
- Reimbursement rates: It is typical for policies to reimburse 70%-90% of covered costs after the deductible.
5. Check the Insurance Provider’s Reputation
Look for a company with a strong reputation for:
- Customer service: Read reviews and ask friends and family about their experiences to gain insight into the customer service you can expect from different companies.
- Claim processing: Because most pet insurance companies use a reimbursement model, you will initially pay out of pocket upfront. Be sure to check how quickly claims are processed and reimbursed so you can get money back in your pocket as soon as possible.
- Stability: With pet insurance growing in popularity, there may be companies trying to jump on the bandwagon to take advantage of the trend, but they may not be the most solid choice. Choose a provider with a proven track record to ensure they aren’t all talk and can actually walk the walk.
6. Evaluate Waiting Periods
Most pet insurance plans have a waiting period before coverage begins, typically ranging from a few days for accidents to several weeks for illnesses. Be aware of these timelines to avoid coverage gaps. Some providers now waive the waiting period, either as a policy benefit or under specific conditions, so be sure to ask about your options.
7. Ask About Multi-Pet Discounts
If you have more than one pet, some insurers offer discounts for covering multiple animals under the same policy. This can help you save money while ensuring all your pets are protected.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have some ideas on what to look for, it can be helpful to use online tools to compare pet insurance offerings. Nerdwallet and PawlicyAdviser are popular resources for comparing policies and prices. However, due to the many variables involved when it comes to pet insurance pricing, it’s often best to go directly to the source to get an accurate and customized quote.
As a part of your pet insurance search, check out businesses where you have existing policies or memberships because they may offer deals. For example, Costco members can receive a discount with Figo pet insurance, and large insurance companies like USAA and Armed Forces Insurance offer pet insurance. Cat Care Society is not affiliated with any of these websites or insurance companies, but we wanted to provide some starting points for your pet insurance search.
Purchasing pet insurance for your cat is an investment in their health. By considering your cat’s specific needs, evaluating policy options, and comparing providers, you can find coverage that’s both affordable and reliable. The best insurance plan is one that allows you to focus on giving your cat the love and care they deserve—without worrying about unexpected veterinary costs.
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
