Introduction
Getting pet insurance for your cat can provide peace of mind by helping cover the costs of veterinary care. When looking for the best cat insurance, it’s important to compare cat insurance plans to find the right amount of coverage for your budget.
There are a few key factors to consider when comparing cat insurance plans:
Coverage types
Cat insurance plans generally fall into three main categories:
- Accident only – Covers injuries, like broken bones or bites, but not illnesses
- Accident and illness – Covers both injuries and common illnesses like kidney disease or cancer
- Wellness plans – Includes routine vet care like vaccines, dental cleaning, and annual exams
Accident and illness plans tend to provide the broadest coverage but come at a higher monthly premium. Wellness plans cost less per month but cover less.
Reimbursement amount
Cat insurance plans reimburse you for a percentage of your vet bills, often 70% to 90%. The higher the reimbursement amount, the less you pay out-of-pocket for vet care.
Some plans also have an annual or lifetime limit on payouts. Higher limits give you more coverage overall.
Deductible amount
The deductible is what you pay before insurance kicks in. For cats, deductibles often range from $100 to $500.
Plans with a lower deductible have higher premiums, and vice versa. Choose a higher deductible to keep your monthly costs low if your cat is young and healthy.
Add-on coverage
Many providers offer add-on coverage for an additional premium:
- Preventive care to cover exams, vaccines, dental cleanings
- Prescription drug coverage
- Lost pet fees for advertising and rewards
Consider optional coverage if your cat has specific needs. For senior cats, prescriptions coverage can be helpful.
Exclusions
Check the fine print for exclusions. Some common exclusions include:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Hereditary conditions
- Routine or elective procedures like declawing
Avoid plans with exclusions that would prevent coverage for common conditions your specific breed may be prone to.
Cost
Premiums for cat insurance range from $10-$50 per month. Factors affecting the monthly cost include:
- Cat’s age – Premiums are higher for senior cats
- Breed – Some breeds are prone to costly health conditions
- Coverage amount – Higher coverage has higher premiums
- Deductible and reimbursement rates
- Your location – Costs vary by state
To keep your budget in check, opt for a higher deductible and lower reimbursement rate. Wellness coverage adds more to the monthly fee.
Compare Top Cat Insurance Providers
Here is an overview of some top pet insurance companies to consider for cat coverage:
| Provider | Starting Monthly Premium | Coverage Highlights |
| Lemonade | $10 | 90% reimbursement, annual limit up to $20,000 |
| Pumpkin | $15 | 80% reimbursement, no annual limit |
| ASPCA | $16 | 70% reimbursement, annual limit up to $15,000 |
| Figo | $16 | 80% reimbursement, annual limit up to $18,000 |
| Petplan | $17 | 90% reimbursement, annual limit up to $20,000 |
To get an accurate quote, enter your cat’s details on each provider’s website. This gives the most personalized rate based on age, breed, location etc. Most companies also offer a discount for enrolling multiple pets.
What to Look for in a Cat Insurance Plan
Here are some key considerations when choosing a cat insurance policy:
Pre-existing conditions
One of the biggest benefits of pet insurance is being able to cover new injuries and illnesses after you enroll. Compare cat insurance plans to see how they define and handle pre-existing conditions.
Some companies will not cover anything related to a pre-existing problem. Others will cover an illness outside of a 6-12 month waiting period.
Also Read:
https://tawqe3.com/top-pet-insurance-companies-for-cats
Claim reimbursement process
Find out how the reimbursement process works for each company. Most will reimburse you after you submit a claim for vet bills.
However, some issue reimbursements via direct deposit within a week while others may take over a month. Read reviews to see which companies offer the quickest, easiest claims experience.
Customer service
Good customer service can make or break your insurance experience. Do they offer 24/7 support via phone, email, and live chat?
Read online reviews to see which insurers stand out for fast response times and knowledgeable reps to answer questions.
Discount opportunities
Many insurers offer ways to save, including:
- Multi-pet discounts
- Paying annually vs monthly
- Employee/group discounts
- Bundling with wellness coverage
Ask each provider what discounts you may qualify for to lower your costs.
Financial stability
Choose an established insurer with strong financial standing. Review ratings from independent agencies like AM Best to pick a company that can deliver on claims. Avoid startups or companies with low ratings.
Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?
Pet insurance can be worth the monthly investment, especially considering these average healthcare costs for cat owners:
- Bloodwork – $100-$300
- Urinalysis – $56-$212
- X-rays – $300-$500
- Antibiotics – $25-$200
- Dental cleaning – $300-$700
- Surgery or hospitalization – $1,000-$5,000
For a healthy cat, an accident-only plan starts around $5/month. For $10-$30 per month, you can get accident and illness coverage with 70% to 90% reimbursement.
At that rate, just one major health issue or injury could surpass your annual costs. For serious conditions, insurance can save you thousands.
Without coverage, vet bills come directly out of your pocket. Some pet owners resort to credit cards or loans to cover extremely high treatment expenses.
So while pet insurance may feel like an optional extra cost each month, it can provide financial protection against unpredictable vet costs down the road. An affordable plan brings peace of mind in case your cat has an accident or faces illness.
Key Takeaways on Compare cat insurance plans
- Compare coverage types, reimbursement rates, deductibles and add-ons when evaluating cat insurance options
- Leading pet insurers include Lemonade, Pumpkin, ASPCA, Figo and Petplan
- Key considerations include pre-existing conditions coverage, claims process, discounts and financial stability
- For $10-$30 per month, accident and illness coverage can help budget unpredictable vet costs
- Pet insurance is worth considering to limit out-of-pocket expenses for your cat’s healthcare
Sources:
https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/top-10-questions-pet-insurance/
https://www.simplyinsurance.com/pet-insurance-guides/cat-insurance/
https://www.investopedia.com/how-much-is-pet-insurance-4774613
