
Cat Health Insurance – What You Need to Know
Insure your cat or kitten with pet insurance specifically designed for one of the most popular pets – our beloved cats.
Getting pet insurance can be a lot like a human health plan: annual premiums, deductibles and co-pays.
Accident and illness policies typically cover vet bills for common illnesses, hereditary conditions and serious medical problems (like cancer). Wellness plans reimburse for routine veterinary care and vaccinations.
Coverage for your cat?s unique needs
Getting cat health insurance can save you money and help keep your furry friend healthy for years to come. It can also help prevent unexpected emergencies. However, before you choose a cat insurance policy, it is important to understand the various options available.
In addition to covering accidents and illnesses, many policies offer wellness coverage. This provides reimbursement for treatments such as alternative medicines, hydrotherapy, massage, and other services that aren?t typically covered by traditional pet insurance.
This type of insurance is especially beneficial if your cat has an inherited disease that doesn?t show symptoms until later in life. Hereditary conditions include heart disease, eye disorders, and hip dysplasia, among others.
These illnesses can be costly to treat, so it is critical to make sure your cat has access to coverage in case they experience them. Fortunately, the majority of pet insurance companies have this coverage available.
While most cat health insurance plans do not cover preexisting conditions, some will still offer coverage for injuries and illnesses that occur in a certain time period. For example, diabetes or cancer are common illnesses that may require treatment throughout a plan period.
Some policies will even reimburse you for costs that are incurred for the early diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Some insurance providers will offer this coverage as a standalone option, while other carriers will only provide it as an add-on to your plan.
The best time to start looking for cat health insurance is when your cat is a kitten or young adult. This way, you can ensure they are insured when they need it most, so you don?t have to worry about their health and well-being when you need them most.
You should also be aware of any restrictions or age requirements that apply to the different policies. Some insurers require that your cat be at least 6 weeks old to be eligible for a policy, while others will not insure cats older than a specific age.
Luckily, you can get a quote from the RSPCA and several other pet insurers in just a few minutes online. Just fill out a few questions to receive your quote within seconds. Plus, you can be sure that the RSPCA will donate a portion of your first-year premiums to help support the RSPCA’s great work.
Coverage for unforeseen events
Whether you’re planning a holiday or just looking for some peace of mind, the RSPCA has some great options to help you out in the event that something goes wrong with your pet. From security evacuation and Flight Guard(r) to Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage, you can get some much needed financial assistance if your dog or cat experiences one of life’s unlucky moments.
The best cat health insurance offers the most comprehensive protection against unexpected veterinary bills. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right policy, so it’s essential to shop around and compare features like annual and lifetime benefit restrictions, exclusions, and other insurance-related jargon.
The best pet insurance policies also offer an array of other benefits, such as a 24-hour vet helpline and the ability to modify your policy as your needs and budget changes over time. You can also take advantage of proprietary features, such as GapOnly(r), which streamlines the claims process and removes any financial burden from your shoulders when you’re in need of a little extra help. The most important factor is finding the best plan for your pet’s unique needs. With a variety of options available, you’ll be able to find the right fit for your kitty in no time.
Coverage for emergencies
Pet owners know that accidents and emergencies can happen at any time, so they should have a plan in place. These policies typically cover a wide range of veterinary expenses, including hospitalizations, surgeries, and medications.
In addition to covering unforeseen situations, some cat health insurance plans also cover preventative care costs, such as wellness exams and vaccinations. This can be a huge relief to pet owners who worry about the financial burden that may occur with these types of health issues.
This coverage is not included in all pet insurance providers, so it’s important to shop around and choose a provider that offers the level of coverage you need. This may mean choosing the RSPCA Ultimate Plus or Ultimate plans, which offer comprehensive coverage for routine and preventative treatments.
Accidents and illnesses can be traumatic for both pets and their owners. Taking a sick or injured cat to the emergency vet can be terrifying, as you worry about the prognosis and treatment options.
Many emergency visits require a costly trip to the veterinarian, which can add up quickly and make it difficult to afford. This is why many pet insurance policies offer coverage for emergency trips to the vet, which can help offset the cost of these unforeseen occurrences.
In addition to accidental events, some pet insurance plans also cover hereditary conditions that do not show symptoms until later in your pet’s life. This can include heart disease, intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), and eye disorders.
Behavioral issues like excessive licking, fur pulling, pacing and destructive chewing can be a real problem for your pet and your family. This type of coverage helps pay for treatments for your pet’s behavior, such as acupuncture, physical therapy, rehabilitative therapies, and hydrotherapy.
The RSPCA Ultimate Plus and Ultimate plans include Complete CoverageSM, which reimburses you for the cost of alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, physiotherapy, and chiropractic care. These therapies are often used to help pets recover from injuries or chronic diseases, and they can be extremely effective.
The Ultimate Plus and Ultimate plans are particularly helpful if you have a special needs cat, such as one that is deaf or blind, or has a chronic condition. The RSPCA Ultimate Plus plan also covers specialized treatments, such as hydrotherapy and low-level laser therapy. These types of therapies can be incredibly beneficial to cats that need pain relief, increased mobility, and other treatments to improve their quality of life.
Coverage for routine care
There are a number of ways to cover your pet’s routine care, including wellness plans that reimburse you for annual checkups, vaccinations, dental cleanings and spay/neuter surgeries. However, it is important to consider whether adding this type of coverage is worth the expense before you make a decision.
Fortunately, there are many companies that offer comprehensive pet insurance policies to cover both illnesses and accidents. These include accident and illness coverage, wellness packages and riders, and even a single policy that covers everything from accidents to wellness care.
These options vary by company, but you can get a quote online and compare prices using the table below. The premiums you pay depend on your pet’s breed, sex and age, as well as the level of coverage and any discounts or promotional offers you may qualify for.
In addition, some companies may not accept certain pets or provide certain benefits. In this case, it is best to call the company directly and ask about any specific limitations before you sign on the dotted line.
You’ll also want to consider the deductibles, which are typically $100 to $1,000 annually. They’re a great way to manage your insurance costs and save money on premiums.
Reimbursement percentages and annual maximum benefits can also affect how much you’ll end up paying out of pocket. Reimbursement percentages can range from 70% to 90%, while annual maximum benefits can be up to $10,000.
Some companies even offer mobile apps to help you organize your pet’s records, schedule appointments and communicate with your vet. Some also feature apps that allow you to look up nearby pet hospitals and find out which veterinarians accept your insurance.
Most companies offer a variety of plans and coverage levels, but there are some that specialize in dogs, cats and exotic animals. These plans often have higher reimbursement limits and lower per-incident or annual deductibles.
For example, Healthy Paws has one accident and illness policy for dogs and cats and an optional add-on that covers acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, hydrotherapy and alternative therapies, such as massage therapy. It’s available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.