Is Cat Insurance Worth It?

Cats are beloved members of the family, offering companionship, affection, and plenty of quirky behavior. But just like any family member, they can get sick or injured, and vet bills can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where cat insurance comes into play. The question many cat owners ask is, “Is cat insurance really worth it?” This article will explore the ins and outs of cat insurance, what it covers, and how to decide if it’s the right choice for you and your fur baby.

What Is Cat Insurance?

Like people insurance, cat insurance is a type of health coverage that helps pet parents cover the cost of veterinary care. And also like human health insurance, cat insurance comes with monthly premiums, deductibles, and coverage limits. 

When your cat requires medical attention—whether for illness, injury, or emergencies— cat insurance can help offset the costs, so you’re not left paying everything out of pocket.

What Does Cat Insurance Cover?

The coverage provided by cat insurance depends on the plan you choose, but many policies typically include:

• Accidents and injuries: Broken bones, cuts, or ingesting toxic substances.
• Illnesses: Conditions like respiratory infections, diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer.
• Diagnostics: Blood tests, x-rays, and ultrasounds.
• Medications: Prescription drugs for treating illnesses or injuries.
• Surgeries: Coverage for necessary operations due to injury or illness.
• Hospitalization: Costs for emergency or prolonged stays at the vet.
• Emergency care: For after-hours or critical situations.

Certain policies also offer wellness coverage for routine care that includes things like vaccinations, flea treatments, and annual check-ups. Not all plans include this coverage and some providers offer this coverage as an add-on. If you think you would be interested in wellness care coverage, be sure to read the fine print or call and ask if it’s included. 

In general, before signing on any dotted line, be sure you check out what each plan covers and excludes so there are no unexpected disappointments later on. Typically speaking, comprehensive plans (accident & illness) provide the best coverage while accident-only plans are more suited for those on a budget.

Pet Insurance Review makes it easy to do side-by-side comparisons of the top cat insurance providers in the country, helping you to make the best decision for your fur baby and your wallet!

And speaking of your wallet…

Is Cat Insurance Worth It: How Much Bang for Your Buck?

When someone asks, “Is cat insurance worth it,” what they’re really asking is, “How much return on my investment will I receive?” And that’s a fair question.

On average, cat parents will pay between $10 and $50 a month for coverage. This price range is based on things like the cat’s age, breed, and location. But is this cost worth it in the long run?

To answer this question for yourself, you’ll want to consider how much you might spend on vet bills over your fur baby’s lifetime. We always recommend speaking with your vet who can give you a good idea of what health risks your cat might be predisposed to.

What we can tell you is that according to the American Pet Products Association, cat owners spend roughly $200 to $300 per year on routine care, but emergency vet visits or treatment for serious illnesses can easily reach $1,000 to $5,000. For example, treating a broken leg might cost upwards of $2,000, while managing diabetes or cancer could add thousands more to your bill.

Cat parents have to ask themselves, “Am I realistically in a place financially where I can afford these kinds of vet bills should the unexpected happen?” Most pet parents these days would answer this question with a resounding NO.

With cat insurance, you’d likely pay a deductible (ranging from $100 to $500) and then the insurance company covers a percentage—typically 70% to 90%—of the remaining costs. This can make a huge difference if your cat faces a serious health issue.

Peace of Mind: The Hidden Value of Cat Insurance

Of course, we can’t answer the question, “Is cat insurance worth it” without discussing the peace of mind that comes from this type of coverage. Knowing that you won’t have to choose between your cat’s health and your bank account can bring relief during stressful times.

No one can predict when their cat might get hurt or develop a chronic illness, but having insurance ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected. Instead of worrying about costs, you can focus on getting your cat the care they need!

Some Considerations When Thinking About Cat Insurance

Some final considerations when deciding whether or not cat insurance is worth it are your cat’s age and their health history. TYpically speaking, cat insurance is cheaper for younger cats since, from the provider’s point of view, they are less likely to develop serious health issues. This is why we always recommend pet parents ensure their fur babies when they are young as you’ll lock in lower premiums. In addition, most plans won’t raise rates due to age-related health problems later on.

We’ll also mention that providers don’t cover pre-existing conditions, meaning any condition your cat has been diagnosed with before enrollment. For example, if your cat has already been diagnosed with asthma, those treatments won’t be covered but all other eligible costs will be. Again, it’s another reason to enroll your fur baby while they are still young and healthy. You’ll lock in a low monthly premium and won’t face any pre-existing conditions.

For older cats or those with pre-existing conditions, you’ll need to weigh the potential for future problems against the limitations of coverage.

Final Thoughts: Is Cat Insurance Worth It?

Cat insurance can be a worthwhile investment, especially if your feline friend is young or at risk for developing chronic conditions. The financial protection it provides against unexpected vet bills can make it easier to afford high-quality care for your cat, giving you peace of mind in the process.

Speak with your veterinarian about your cat’s specific health risks and what future care might look like. This conversation can help you make a more informed decision about whether insurance is the right choice for your cat’s long-term health and happiness.

References:

https://americanpetproducts.org/industry-trends-and-stats

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.