In recent years, pet health has become quite the subject of concern. With so few options existing for pet owners before, we thankfully have lots of resources to implement to keep our cats safe and healthy.
If you have heard about pet insurance but aren’t sure what companies offer it and what kinds of benefits come from it, you’ll definitely want to read further. We delve into the benefits you must consider along with companies who offer pet cat coverage.
Health in Cats
Depending on breed and genetics, cats can develop quite a few health issues in their lifetime. Sometimes, these issues develop slowly. Other times, emergencies can happen very suddenly and without warning.
All humans deal with financial stress from time to time. The worst feeling in the world is knowing that your cat is very sick or injured, and you can’t financially help them. Pet insurance helps alleviate a little bit of that stress.
A Quick Comparison Of Our Favorites
| Image | Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best for All Life Stages
 |
 |
Pumpkin Cat & Kitten Insurance |
|
Check Price |
 |
 |
Nationwide Pet Insurance |
|
Check Price |
 |
 |
Trupanion Pet Insurance |
|
Check Price |
 |
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance |
|
Check Price | |
 |
Petco Cat Insurance |
|
Check Price |
Top Insurance Companies for Cats
While more companies are offering plans to pet owners, here are a few of the top choices you can compare.
1. Pumpkin Cat & Kitten Insurance — Best for All Life Stages
Pumpkin Cat Insurance offers comprehensive payback care that you can rely on. This insurance concept is that you pay 100% at the desk on the way out of your vet. Then, you send the bill to the company for a 90% reimbursement rate.
They have three annual deductible options of $100, $250, and $500 before coverage kicks in. While Pumpkin doesn’t discriminate against pre-existing conditions, it can influence the price of the plan.
2. Nationwide Pet Insurance
Nationwide Pet Insurance offers insurance for humans and pets alike these days with comprehensive plans just for cats. They cover areas related to injury, illness, and wellness, so your cat should be covered for almost any event.
The website has a process where you can get a free quote based on the coverage your cat would require. It lists the main points of interest in vetting to tailor your plan.
You can even check to see if your employer offers this service as a benefit. You can include it with your purchase at potentially lower rates.\
3. Trupanion Cat Insurance
Trupanion Cat Insurance offers plans that are tailored to meet the needs of every feline. Depending on the final issue, they offer coverage in several necessary areas with up to a 90% reimbursement rate. They require a waiting period of 5 to 30 days for reimbursement, paying the vet directly, or sending a check.
Total monthly costs are based on your deductible and your cat’s unique situation. You can select a deductible of $0 to $1,000, with monthly payments lowering as the deductible raises. This company doesn’t provide a list of directly covered issues, but they mention unexpected illness and preventative care.
4. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance is a straightforward plan that is a one-size-fits-all for cats. You go through the page to select your pet and its gender. You get a customized set of rates, but you have to put in your personal details before you see the results.
This company has no caps on claim payouts, meaning there is no maximum amount they won’t cover. However, this does not apply to pre-existing conditions, so make sure the plan covers what you need. You can also choose any licensed vet you wish, according to the company.
There is also a list on the website where complete exclusions exist.
When you have a plan with Healthy Paws, you take a picture of the receipt of care while you’re at the vet. Send it to the customer support portion of the company. They will verify your cat’s medical records to complete your claim and reimburse your funds.
With extremely high costs of treatments or surgeries, they will sometimes preauthorize coverage, which is a valuable perk.
5. Petco Cat Insurance
Petco Cat Insurance has decently affordable options for customers. These hassle-free plans are designed to take care of your canine when the unexpected arises. Plans can be very low cost, starting at roughly a dollar a day—fitting almost any budget.
One really nice bonus of Petco insurance is their pet concierge service offered. You can speak with certified veterinary professionals any time before deciding to take your dog to the vet. Also, the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
You can submit any claims on the simple online portal. Reimbursements are directly deposited into your bank account or mailed to you.
6. ASPCA Cat Insurance
We really loved the ASPCA Cat Insurance plans, as it comes from a very trusted animal welfare company. The ASPCA offers insurance for your beloved house pets with straightforward plans that work for you.
You can customize your annual limit by choosing from $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, or $10,000. You can also select an imbursement rate of 70%, 80%, or 90%.
ASPCA Cat Insurance has a waiting period of 15 days after purchase before you can actively use it.
What Is Cat Insurance?
Cat insurance is very similar to health insurance we have, only for your beloved cats. Companies have unique policies that can vary drastically. However, most of the time, you are covered or reimbursed for up to 90% of vet bills by paying a monthly premium.
These payment options come in handy for routine care, unforeseen illness, pre-existing conditions, health difficulties, and surgeries. Each plan will match the needs of your specific feline.
Deciding on a Cat Insurance Company
If you have any additional questions and concerns about finding the right pet insurance company, don’t be afraid to ask for references. Your veterinarian might be able to point you in the direction of some very good companies offering competitive rates.
Each cat owner has a particular set of criteria, and they’re looking for when shopping for cat healthcare coverage.
Is Cat Insurance Important?
Cat insurance can come in handy for several reasons. Certain issues can crop upon us when we least expect them. If something happens that requires vet attention, you’ll need to have a way to pay the related expenses.
Vet costs, especially related to emergencies, can be incredibly costly. Most policies cover or reimburse most of the cost, which can really save you in the long run.
Ultimately, it is up to you if you think getting the insurance is worth the investment.
The Best Time to Get Cat Insurance
Ideally, the best time to get cat insurance is before any chronic or major issues develop. Pre-existing conditions can often increase your premium and cost more to maintain the plan. Some companies will not accept responsibility for coverage on pre-existing conditions.
To avoid the headache altogether, it’s best to get pet insurance before anything abnormal happens. Especially as cats age, their upkeep costs can increase greatly due to the onset of age and diet-related health issues.
Don’t hesitate to speak with your vet about any partnerships or recommendations they can make regarding insurance companies.
The Cost of Cat Insurance
The total costs of plans and premiums depend on what you select. Plans can be as little as $20 a month to as much as $100 for specialized care. Ultimately, you pick the plan in accordance with your pet’s needs and your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cat insurance worth the hype?
Cat insurance can be a very convenient method of payment or reimbursement for vet costs. Issues crop up that you might not have any way of foreseeing, making this well worth the investment for many owners. However, it will depend on your needs and budget.
How can you choose an appropriate plan?
Many company websites will walk you through how to get a free quote. You can go over the aspects of care that are most important to match with the plan that works best. If you are interested, you could then speak directly with the company to arrange a plan.
Do all policies cover routine vet care?
Some companies have completely customizable plans that allow you only to select the coverage you need. Others have package deals, covering a list of specific issues or procedures. You can often choose what you want, which will likely include routine vet visits.
What might be excluded from covered insurance claims?
Each company will have certain rules on what they financially cover. Often, cosmetic (or otherwise unnecessary) alterations and surgeries might not be among the list of things insurance companies include on plans.
Are insurance quotes guaranteed prices if you choose to purchase?
Once you get a quote on the website, that is just a ballpark estimate of your pricing and not a final guarantee. Your total cost will depend on your cat and any specific care they may require.
Conclusion
Options for cat insurance trump anything we’ve seen to date, making sure we can care for our furry family members. Even if you decide that pet insurance isn’t for your situation, it’s good that you’re educating yourself on the options in case you need services in the future.
Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
