Cat Insurance: Is It Really That Important?

Cats are surrounded by many dangers: they can get sick, poisoned, hurt by other animals and ticks while walking. Moreover, an aggressive cat can injure someone or damage someone else's property, so the animal’s owner will have to pay for this bad luck. That is why pet insurance companies have some offers for your furry friend. This article will tell you how you can insure your cat, when it is beneficial to have coverage for it and find a favorable plan for you.

Does My Cat Need Coverage?

Coverage for your furry family member can save you a lot of money, especially if your cat is purebred. For example, Persian cats often suffer from eye and respiratory issues due to the brachycephalic scaffold of their skull. Such diseases will inevitably force you to go to veterinary clinics again and again.

But even if your four-legged companion is doing great, mental peace is what coverage will also provide you with. When you are sure that your pet will get the help it needs in case of illness, injury or poisoning, it is beyond any price. After all, pet owners do not always have enough money to cover the cost of treating their cat, especially if the disease is severe.

How Does Cat Insurance Work?

So, once you buy coverage, it usually does not kick in right away. You need to wait for a certain waiting period, for example, two weeks.

For the company to keep providing you with its services, you need to pay premiums to it. Most often, people pay once a month, although many providers offer discounts to those who pay for the whole year in advance. To receive payments for your cat treatment, you need to reach a certain deductible level. This deductible level is specified in your policy.

The amount your company must pay you also varies. It is stated as a percentage ratio of the total treatment cost. For example, many plans provide 70, 80, or 90%. However, there are also certain annual payment limits; for example, your policy terms may restrict you from getting more funds than $5,000.

What Threats My Cat May Face?

By purchasing coverage for your furry friend, you can provide it with the necessary and complete treatment as well as save your wallet from unexpected expenses. Below, we have presented the most common claims from cat parents for the period from 2006 to 2017.

What Does Plans for Cats Cover and Not Cover?

Your policy will cover most of your pet's injuries and illnesses. The main rule to remember is the following. You will not be reimbursed for any illnesses that your cat already has. For example, if your furbaby has suffered from calicivirus in the past, you will have to pay for further treatment on your own. However, you may be able to find a provider who will agree to work with you. The main condition is no symptom manifestation for a long time.

Most companies pay when your cat:

• is injured or broken;
• is sick or ill;
• is injured or ill abroad;
• died by accident or illness;
• has no one to look after it and needs to be placed in a cattery;
• got lost;
• needs some dental treatment.

However, many policies do not provide coverage for:

• Pre-existing illnesses or injuries;
• Routine and preventative treatment (although some companies offer coverage for these procedures for a fee);
• Pregnancy and giving birth.

What Is the Best Age to Insure a Cat?

If you have recently gotten a kitten, this is the best time to consider coverage for it. Kittens do not have any pre-existing conditions, so companies will most likely work with you. You can insure your pet as soon as it turns eight weeks old. However, some companies lower this age right up to birth.

If you live with a senior or older cat, some providers may deny services to you. The main reason, of course, is that the older the pet is, the more veterinarian attention it requires. This is unprofitable for companies. Moreover, adult cats may have a long medical history which can be recognized as pre-existing diseases.

Which Plan for Cats and Kittens Are the Best?

There are a huge number of companies offering favorable terms for your pet. We took a closer look at seven companies so that you can compare their offers, ratings, and their service costs.

Healthy Paws

• Cost per Month: $15 - $90, depending on breed, zip code, pet’s age, and the chosen deductible and copay
• Coverage: One plan covers accidents, illnesses, cancer, emergency care, genetic conditions, alternative care, and more
• Deductible: You can choose an annual deductible of $100, $250, $500, or $750
• Age Limit: Cats must be at least 8 weeks old and under 14 years old at the time of enrollment
• Rating by A.M. Best: A +

Prudent Pet

• Cost per Month: Monthly rates start at $10 for accident-only and $16 for accident & illness coverage. Those rates vary based on species, age, breed as well as the location
• Coverage: Plan’s coverage is based on the actual vet bill and has options for 90%, 80%, or 70% reimbursement
• Deductible: It offers $100, $250 and $500 options
• Age Limit: There are no age limits, but your pet will need to be at least 8 weeks old to enroll
• Rating by A.M. Best: A

Spot

• Cost per Month: Rates start at: $10 (for accident-only), $16 (complete coverage). Plan costs vary based on plan type, pet’s breed, age, and location
• Coverage: The pay-out amount is based on the actual vet bill, at a rate pre-selected by the customer: 90%, 80%, or 70%
• Deductible: $100, $250, $500, $750, or $1000 annually
• Age Limit: No upper age limits. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to enroll
• Rating by A.M. Best: A

Pumpkin

• Cost per Month: Plans start as low as $30 per month. Prices vary based on plan type, pet breed, age, and location
• Coverage: Every pet is covered by a 90% reimbursement rate to make it easier to say “yes” to the best possible care
• Deductible: 3 options: $100, $250, and $500
• Age Limit: No upper age limits. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to enroll
• Rating by A.M. Best: A

Trupanion

• Cost per Month: Monthly cost varies due to multiple factors including your pet's breed, age, gender, the chosen deductible, and the cost of veterinary care in your area
• Coverage: 90% of eligible expenses are covered with all Trupanion policies (after deductible)
• Deductible: Offers a flexible deductible from $0 to $1000 to fit any budget and can be raised or lowered at any time
• Age Limit: The Trupanion policy allows you to enroll your pet from birth until their 14th birthday
• Rating by A.M. Best: NR

Embrace

• Cost per Month: $13 - $100, depending on your chosen plan
• Coverage: You have a co-pay of 10%, 20% or 30% after your deductible, depending on your chosen plan
• Deductible: Annual deductible options are from $100 to $1,000
• Age Limit: Pet must be at least 6 weeks old to enroll
• Rating by A.M. Best: A +

Hartville

• Cost per Month: Rates start at: $10 (for accident-only), $16 (complete coverage). Rates vary based on species, age, breed, and location
• Coverage: The pay-out amount is based on the actual vet bill and a rate selected by the customer: 90%, 80%, or 70%
• Deductible: $100, $250, or $500 annually
• Age Limit: No upper age limits. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to enroll
• Rating by A.M. Best: A

What Should I Look for When Choosing Coverage for My Cat?

We have already covered the basics of choosing coverage for your furbaby and why it is an important decision for any loving owner. Here are some factors that you should consider when choosing a plan.

• Pre-existing diseases. Most companies refuse to reimburse the costs of treating the diseases which an animal previously suffered from. Therefore, you should consider this if your cat re-encounters this ailment.
• Deductible rate. This is one of the most important points in any policy. Remember: the higher your deductible, the lower your monthly payments. And vice versa.
• Covering the missing cat. This factor is also important. Animals sometimes get lost. And cats are not any different. Our tip: choose the plan that guarantees you help in finding your furry friend.
• Death. Everyone goes to the other world. A death-covered plan will pay for your pet, for example, to be euthanized if it is critically ill. Moreover, some companies offer consulting services after owners lost their loved pets.

We have discussed the main feline health issues, why coverage is so important and compared different companies and their plans. If you are really attached to your pet and go any lengths for the sake of its health, purchasing coverage for it will be an excellent and right decision. It doesn't matter how old your cat is – it deserves a long and happy life.