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Pet insurance for cats is similar to human health insurance in a number of ways. You pay a monthly premium; your vet bills will then be at least partly reimbursed, generally after you have paid out a certain amount (that’s called the deductible). It’s simpler in some ways, though: there’s no need to worry about whether your vet is “in-network” or whether they accept your cat insurance plan. Typically your vet is not involved at all—you will deal with the insurance company and get reimbursed directly.
Read on to learn more about some commonly asked questions about pet insurance for cats.
This article is adapted from our in-depth report, The Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2021: A Pet Parent’s Guide.
How much is cat insurance?
The cost of pet insurance for a cat is not a simple question to answer. Your premium will be based on a number of factors, including the cat’s breed and age, and where you live. Beyond that the cost of vet insurance for cats depends on what kind of plan you choose and what it covers. Basic plans cover only illness and injuries; you will pay extra if you want coverage for routine care like wellness exams, vaccinations, or cat dental insurance.
If you’re looking for cheap cat insurance, you may want to check out PetFirst or Lemonade; our research showed that their plans for cats start from $9-$10 a month, respectively. However, be aware that depending on your individual situation, this price might not be available to you—and at those super low premiums, only the basics will be covered. Average premiums for most companies are more in the range of $20-$35 per month.
iStock via DeanDrobot
Is cat insurance worth it?
Veterinary medicine can cure and treat many illness and accidents that would have been impossible to treat in the past. However, this sophisticated care comes at a price. If your cat needed care that cost thousands of dollars, would you be able to afford it? If not, cat medical insurance will give you peace of mind. You will not need to think about money when making life and death decisions for your beloved cat.
The cost of coverage goes up with age, so if you’re thinking of getting new coverage for an elderly cat, it may be quite expensive. Some people choose instead to put aside the same amount of money in a savings account for emergencies. But keep in mind that the cost of care might exceed what you’ve saved, while an insurance policy can end up paying out more than you paid into it.
What’s the best pet insurance for cats?
The best cat insurance for your pet will depend on a number of considerations. Do you want just a basic illness and injury plan, or do you want one that includes covers more, such as routine exams, medications, and cat dental insurance? If you have a purebred cat, does the breed have any common hereditary or congenital conditions? This is important, since not all plans cover these.
While you need to take those questions into consideration, based on our research a good place to start is PetFirst. Along with one of our lowest quotes, their average premium was also relatively inexpensive, at $15, and they ranked highly on customer satisfaction. Another highly ranked option is AKC Pet Insurance (yes, they cover cats too). If you need coverage for hereditary or congenital conditions, consider Embrace.
For more about pet health insurance, see our article, The Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2021: A Pet Parent’s Guide.
