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From common illnesses to emergency surgeries, the cost of vet care for cats can add up quickly over time. Luckily for pet parents today, cat insurance can help ease your financial burden and get your cat the care she needs to feel as good as new.
Through extensive research, we compiled a list of the best cat insurance companies to help you find the right plan for you and your furbaby.
What is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is a health insurance plan for your pet that covers medical expenses and other costs. If your pet is protected under pet insurance plans, you can receive reimbursement when your pet gets treated for a number of different illnesses and injuries.
Basic coverage across different pet insurance plans is generally the same, but there are significant differences in prices, benefits, and extras. For example, only certain companies may cover microchipping and dental illnesses.
Cat insurance plans are fully customizable for your budget and your cat’s health needs. You can typically choose between an accident and illness plan and an accident-only plan. Wellness packages to keep your cat healthy are available as add-ons for many plans.
How Does Cat Insurance Work?
Before your cat insurance starts paying for your cat’s care, you’ll need to meet your annual deductible. After taking your cat to any licensed veterinarian and paying the vet bill as usual, you can submit a claim and receive partial or total reimbursement for your pet’s care.
Some companies pay the vet directly while most offer reimbursement through direct deposit or a check in the mail. Depending on the annual coverage limit on your cat insurance plan, you can save hundreds to thousands of dollars on vet care every year.
Top 4 Cat Insurance Companies
- Best Overall Cat Insurance Plan: Odie
- Best Price for Kittens: Lemonade
- Best for Alternative Therapies: Fetch
- Best for Older Cats: Embrace Pet Insurance
1. Best Overall Cat Insurance Plan: Odie
With affordable monthly plan options and a dedicated member support team, Odie earned the top spot on our list. Odie offers two customizable cat insurance plans with an optional wellness plan add-on. The illness and injury plan is a comprehensive option that covers surgeries, toxic poisoning, cancer treatment, diabetes, and much more.
Emergency trips to the vet can be scary and expensive, but Odie’s accident-only plan can give you peace of mind when it comes to accidental injuries. It’s an affordable option for first-time pet owners and pets with pre-existing conditions.
Veterinary treatments for various injuries and wounds are covered under this insurance plan. With Odie Routine Care, you can ensure your cat gets the preventative and wellness care they need all year long. Pet parents can submit claims through their website. Options for reimbursement include a check by mail or vet direct pay.
Pros:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Free 24/7 vet chat
- Discount for multiple pets
- Optional wellness package available
Cons:
- Dental cleaning is not covered
Specs:
Customizing your cat’s health insurance is easy at Odie. The reimbursement percentages for all three plans are 70%, 80%, or 90%. Odie has annual limits of $5,000, $10,000, or $40,000. Deductibles range from $50 to $1,000.
You can start insuring your cat at just seven weeks old. The waiting period for accidental injuries is just three days. For illnesses, the waiting period is two weeks, while the waiting period for ligament injuries is six months. Pet parents who use Odie noted excellent customer support and fast claim processes.
2. Best Price for Kittens: Lemonade
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Lemonade offers affordable policies that cover accidents and illness, along with optional wellness packages and extended coverage. They have particularly low prices for kittens, which can reduce your pet insurance cost for your little one.
This service offers a hassle-free experience and great customer service through their app. Lemonade donates unused premiums to the charity of your choice. The basic accident and illness plan is a comprehensive plan that covers care for injuries and various health conditions.
Cat owners can choose various add-ons for the base plan. Extended coverage available for the base plan includes vet visit fees, physical treatment, and end-of-life costs. Lemonade will pay for wellness exams, flea medication, and vaccines under their optional preventative care package. You can easily submit your claim for your feline friend’s care through the Lemonade app and promptly receive direct deposit payment.
Pros:
- Low prices for kittens
- Discounts for multiple pets and existing customers
- Extended coverage available
- Live chat with medical experts
Cons:
- Not available in all 50 states
Specs:
Lemonade has extensive customization options that all pet parents can use to their advantage. Available reimbursement rates are 70%, 80%, and 90%. You can choose from deductibles of $100, $250, and $500. Lemonade has a wide range of annual limit options between $5,000 and $100,000.
They have waiting periods of two days for accidents, two weeks for illnesses, and six months for ligament events. The benefits included in the preventive care package are available just one day after purchasing the policy. Customers enjoy the ease of fast payments and simple, customizable pet health insurance plans.
3. Best for Alternative Therapies: Fetch
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Fetch simplifies the pet insurance process by offering one comprehensive accident and illness plan. Unlike some other cat insurance plans, Fetch covers behavioral treatments and holistic care.
Boarding fees, dental injuries, cancer treatment, and blood tests are also covered under their comprehensive plan. This insurance plan is a great option for cat parents looking for a singular simple plan for unexpected injuries and illnesses. You don’t have to worry about enrollment fees when signing up for Fetch. After you pay your veterinarian and submit a claim through their app, Fetch will reimburse you through direct deposit.
Pros:
- Sick-visit exam fees are covered
- Discounts available
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Your pet is covered in the US and Canada
Cons:
Specs:
While only one plan is available, there are factors you can customize to make sure the price fits your budget. Fetch offers three options for your annual coverage limit: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. You can choose from $250, $300, and $500 for the annual deductible. Like most other cat insurance plans, Fetch offers reimbursement percentages of 70%, 80%, or 90%.
The waiting period for both accidents and illnesses is 15 days. There is a six-month waiting period before injuries of the hips and knees can be covered. Customer reviews reveal that Fetch gives cat owners peace of mind by helping them save hundreds of dollars on vet care.
4. Best for Older Cats: Embrace Pet Insurance
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Embrace Pet offers two insurance plans, along with an optional wellness rewards plan. Under the accident and illness plan, you’ll get reimbursed for your cat’s surgeries, hospitalization, prescription medications, dental illnesses, and more. An accident-only plan covers accidents like cuts and lacerations, poisoning, and torn cruciate ligament.
Cats aged 15 years or older are only eligible for the accident plan. However, if they are already enrolled in the accident and illness plan before they are 15, they will continue to be fully covered for life. Embrace Pet Insurance has options for all ages; you can start insuring your kitten at just six weeks old.
Under their optional routine care plan, you can get reimbursed for microchipping, grooming, spay/neuter surgery, and more. You can file claims through the app or by email, fax, or physical mail. Covered claims are paid by check in the mail or with direct deposit.
Pros:
- 24/7 pet health line
- Wellness plan available
- Behavioral therapies are covered
- Discounts and diminishing deductibles available
Cons:
- Prescription food is not covered
Specs:
Embrace Pet Insurance has 70%, 80%, and 90% reimbursement choices. They offer a wide range of deductible options from $200 to $1,000. Annual coverage limits range from $5,000 to $30,000. The annual limit for the accident-only plan is $5,000.
The waiting period for accidents is just two days. For illnesses, the waiting period is two weeks. Policyholders of Embrace Pet Insurance agree that the claims process is hassle-free and their app is easy to navigate.
Learn more about Embrace Pet Insurance
How We Chose Our Top 4 Cat Insurance Companies
Discovering the right cat insurance for you can be difficult when there are many companies out there. Our reviews of the best cat insurance plans are based on in-depth research of each company’s policies, prices, and customer support.
Coverage
The top pet health insurance companies will offer pet insurance coverage for a wide range of illnesses and injuries. Comprehensive care allows you to get the most out of your policy. We chose companies that offer a wide range of benefits, as well as extended coverage options and wellness packages.
Customization is an essential aspect of choosing any type of health insurance plan. The companies on our list offer many different options for reimbursement percentages, annual limits, and deductibles.
In addition, we included policies with affordable monthly premiums to ensure all pet parents can get the coverage they need. The best cat insurance plans will also offer shorter accident and illness waiting periods so you can get the care your cat needs promptly. Upon paying an expensive vet bill, nothing is more frustrating than waiting a long time to get reimbursed.
Customer Support
Based on customer reviews, we were able to determine how well each company handled claims and provided customer service. The testimonies revealed that claims were processed quickly and easily. You can expect excellent customer support from a team of knowledgeable, understanding individuals.
Most of the winners on our list have free live vet chat so you can ask about your cat’s worrisome symptoms at any hour of the day. Website and app accessibility and usability were other aspects we looked for in a good cat insurance company.
How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance for Your Cat
Before committing to one pet insurance policy, you can get free quotes for several plans and compare the types of coverage, benefits, and premiums. Read the policies carefully to make sure you can get coverage for what matters most to you.
There are many factors you should consider when selecting the best pet insurance for your cat, including:
Budget
Every cat insurance plan is customizable to fit your budget. Between the reimbursement rate, annual deductible, and annual limit, you can pick the best option for you. However, these factors vary slightly between each company.
Be sure to compare the pricing options between policies to find the optimal choice for your wallet. Choosing a high annual limit or high reimbursement rate will increase your premiums. A high deductible will lower your premiums. Expect a higher cost when insuring senior cats.
Your Cat’s Health Needs
If your pet is prone to certain health conditions, you may want to choose shorter waiting periods for illnesses. If you have multiple pets, you also may want to look at policies that provide discounts for insuring more than one pet. Another important factor to consider is your pet’s age. Some companies do not insure cats of a certain age or only offer specific plans for senior pets.
Available Coverage
You can typically choose between accident-only or accident and illness plans. Coverage varies between different companies, especially for dental illnesses, alternative therapies, prescription food, and behavioral treatments.
We recommend looking at what each policy covers to get the most out of your insurance. If you are interested in wellness plans that cover preventive care, keep in mind that not all insurers offer this add-on.
What Does Cat Health Insurance Cover?
There are typically three types of pet insurance plans: accident and illness plans, accident plans and wellness plans.
Accident and illness plans cover many illnesses or injuries, such as cancer, broken bones, and hereditary and congenital conditions. Accident-only plans exclusively cover accidental incidents like injuries and wounds. Wellness plans are often available as add-ons for existing policies. These plans can cover vaccinations, flea prevention, spay/neuter costs, and more.
The cat insurance coverage excludes expenses unrelated to vet care, such as taxes and administrative fees. Exam fees are also typically excluded from pet insurance coverage. If your cat is diagnosed with or indicates signs of an injury or illness before coverage begins, pet insurance typically won’t cover it. However, some pet insurance plans may offer extended coverage for certain pre-existing conditions.
Cat insurance does not cover regular food and vitamins, but some plans will cover prescription pet food. The best pet insurance companies usually do not cover grooming, breeding costs, or cosmetic procedures like tail docking or declawing.
Is Pet Insurance Worth it?
Cat insurance plans help cover the cost of an expensive vet bill and means you won’t have to compromise when it comes to your cat’s health. Cats that live indoors may avoid certain illnesses and accidents, but they are still susceptible to others.
Whether your cat lives indoors or outdoors, there are many illnesses they can develop throughout their life. Even healthy pets can develop illnesses quickly or without showing symptoms right away. Indoor cats can also experience accidents like eating string that requires surgery to remove.
Pet health insurance can save you a significant amount on vet bills throughout the year. Paying an affordable monthly premium is much more manageable than coming up with thousands of dollars for an emergency vet bill.
FAQ
How much does cat insurance cost?
Deductibles and monthly premiums of your pet insurance will depend on several different factors. Certain breeds are more susceptible to health problems, which will likely increase your cat insurance cost. Older cats are more expensive to insure because they are at a higher risk for developing certain illnesses.
Location is another factor that may affect your monthly car insurance costs. Average vet costs in your city help determine your monthly premium. If you live in an area with less costly vet care, you can expect to have lower monthly premiums.
A plan’s annual coverage limit determines how much your insurance plan will cover in eligible vet bills. Higher annual coverage limits typically have higher monthly premiums, while those that are lower usually have lower premiums.
The annual deductible is how much you choose to pay towards covered vet bills each year before you receive a specific percentage of reimbursement. In this case, the higher the annual deductible, the lower your monthly premium. Deductibles typically range from $100 to $1000 annually.
Your coverage can also be customized to adjust your cat insurance cost and meet your budget and coverage needs. Depending on these factors along with your plan type and the company you choose, you can expect to pay between $10 to $100 monthly.
Will my premiums go up each year?
Like health, auto, and car insurance, your pet insurance can increase each year due to a few different reasons. While your monthly cost will be low when your kitten is still young, you can expect it to go up in about four years, depending on the insurer.
Since your premium is based on your pet’s age, the costs can rise as they get older. If your pet got sick frequently and you had to make several expensive claims in the past year, your insurance premium may rise.
Another reason for increased pet insurance costs could be advancements in veterinary treatments. New and improved cancer treatments, diagnostic tools, and preventative programs will cost more to use compared to old equipment.
What are hereditary and congenital conditions?
Hereditary conditions are disorders or diseases that are inherited genetically. Examples of common inherited disorders of cats include polycystic kidney disease, deafness, and Scottish fold disease.
A congenital condition is present from birth and may not be genetic. If it is not inherited from a parent, it may be the result of a developmental issue at any stage before birth. Certain breeds of cats are more likely to develop certain conditions than others.
Some policies limit the coverage of hereditary conditions. Make sure you choose a cat insurance plan that will specify if they cover these conditions and the waiting periods associated with them.
What are waiting periods?
A waiting period runs from the date your policy begins to the date you begin receiving coverage. Waiting periods can vary depending on the type of coverage in your policy. They also vary between different insurance companies.
In the event that your pet becomes sick or injured during the waiting period, the condition will not be covered and will be considered a pre-existing condition. Waiting periods are meant to reduce fraudulent claims and keep premiums at a lower rate.
What is the best time to get a cat insurance plan?
The best way to ensure your cat will be covered when they get ill is to insure them while they are healthy. If you insure your cat when they are young, the premiums will most likely be lower, and they are much less likely to have pre-existing conditions that are excluded by most plans. Cat insurance companies typically allow you to start insuring your kitten at six to eight weeks old.
Kittens are also more curious and adventurous than senior cats and are more likely to need emergency care. Some pet parents may want to wait until their cat is older when they become more prone to getting sick. While this may seem like a good idea, any illnesses your senior cat develops may not be covered if it occurs before coverage starts.
What medical records are needed from my veterinarian?
A pet’s medical record includes laboratory results, doctor’s notes, and other documentation regarding their vet visits. When you file a claim, you usually need to submit an itemized receipt detailing your cat’s treatment.
Certain insurance companies may request more documentation than others. Your veterinarian may need to submit additional information for your claim to be approved. In addition, all available medical records from adoption through applicable waiting periods will be requested when you file your first claim. A claims specialist will review your cat’s medical history to determine any pre-existing conditions that are not eligible for coverage.
Why doesn’t pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Pre-existing conditions are any health conditions that first occurred before the pet insurance’s policy start date. Any claim you make about a pre-existing condition will be excluded from coverage.
If pet insurance companies did cover these conditions, pet parents would wait until their cats fell ill before purchasing insurance and then cancel when they recovered. If everyone did this, pet insurance companies would not be able to afford to exist.
Getting a cat insurance plan as soon as possible is a good idea since pre-existing conditions are usually not covered. Waiting too long increases the chances of your pet experiencing a health issue or injury that will be excluded from coverage.
Do all vets take pet insurance?
Unlike health insurance, you don’t have to worry about visiting a vet that is not covered by your insurance. All licensed vets accept pet insurance. While pet health insurance companies allow you to visit any vet or specialist in your location, it’s important to check with your veterinarian on their payment process.
Vet direct pay, where the pet insurance company can pay the vet directly without waiting for reimbursement, is not available at all vets. In most cases, you will have to pay your vet bill in full following a vet visit and then file a claim with your pet insurance company for reimbursement.
What types of discounts can I get on pet insurance?
Pet insurance discounts are a great way to save even more on your premiums. The most common type of discount you can get on your pet insurance is the multiple pet discount. Pet parents can get a discount on their insurance when they register more than one cat.
Most insurers offer a 5% to 10% discount. There are several other discounts for pet insurance, depending on the company. You could qualify for savings with certain plans if your cat is already spayed or neutered. The Lemonade insurance plan offers a 5% discount if you opt to pay your premium annually. You can also find military or veteran discounts.
How much could I save over my cat’s lifetime?
The amount you can save on vet bills over your cat’s life depends on a few factors. The life expectancy of a cat can range from 6 to 20 years, depending on the breed and health conditions. The cost of treating your cat that develops a serious condition or suffers an expensive and long-term injury can be reduced by thousands of dollars.
The amount you save also depends on the coverage of your insurance. With lower deductibles, high annual limits, and high reimbursement rates, you have the potential to save more on your pet insurance plans.
What happens to your pet insurance if your pet dies or is lost or stolen?
While this is a hard time for any pet parent, pet insurance companies make it a little easier by offering financial support. Some companies will offer limited reimbursement if your pet dies or is lost or stolen. For example, Lemonade covers advertising fees if your cat is lost or stolen. If you lose your pet, you can also cancel your pet insurance plan at any time.
If your pet dies due to an injury or illness, your pet insurance plan may be able to help. The end-of-life costs covered by certain plans may include cremation, burial, and reimbursement for the price you paid for your pet up to a certain amount. Most pet insurers also cover euthanasia for humane reasons.
How do you file a pet insurance claim?
Be sure to know your waiting period before taking the time to file a claim with cat health insurance. It is also important to check if the care your cat received is covered by your cat insurance to avoid any financial surprises. After you take your cat to receive care and pay the vet bill, you’ll be able to file a claim. Most insurers offer claims processing online or through an app, but you may also be able to send a claim form in the mail.
Fill out the form and include any documentation needed, such as medical records or an invoice from the vet. Your vet’s office can provide additional information if needed. The claim should be filed soon after your cat’s vet visit. Some insurers require claims to be filed within 90 days or less.
After submitting the claim to your cat insurance, you may receive notification that your claim was received and is awaiting approval. Your insurer may contact you for additional information. Pet parents can expect to wait anywhere from 5 to 30 days, depending on the company. The process may take longer if it is your first time filing a claim.
Once your claim has been reviewed by your cat insurance, you’ll be notified if it has been approved or denied. If your insurer offers vet direct pay, they will notify you when your vet has been paid and if there is a balance due. Receiving reimbursement through direct deposit will be faster compared to a check in the mail. If your claim was denied and you disagree with the finding, you have the option to appeal it.
How is cat insurance different from dog insurance?
Dogs can be insured under the same plans as cats, but there are a few differences between insuring a cat and a dog. Average monthly costs for accident-only and accident and illness plans are higher for dogs. Dogs are typically more expensive to insure because they are usually larger and require more medication and sedation than cats. This makes vet bills more costly for dogs.
Conclusion
You shouldn’t have to decide between your cat’s health and your financial well-being. With pet health insurance, you don’t have to make a compromise. Cat insurance can save pet parents hundreds to thousands of dollars on vet bills for unexpected injuries and illnesses. Wellness packages are available to help you afford important routine care like heartworm treatment.
Pet insurance is useful for cats of all ages, whether they live an indoor or outdoor lifestyle. From a kitten to a senior cat, you can find the coverage your fur baby needs through any of the best pet insurance companies on our list. With highly customizable plans, you can pick the deductible, annual limit, and reimbursement rate that best fits you and your family’s budget. When your pet gets sick or injured suddenly, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’ll be able to give them the care they need.
