The best way to determine if pet insurance for cats is worth it is to consider how a major vet bill would impact you versus the annual cost of cat insurance. For example, say you’ve been paying $324 a year for a cat insurance policy with $5,000 of annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement level. That’s $972 after three years. Let’s say your cat swallows a small object. The average cost to treat an ingested foreign object in cats is $3,400, according to Forbes Advisor’s analysis of vet visit costs. With pet insurance your out-of-pocket cost for the treatment would be $880 ($250 deductible + 20% of $3,150 = $880). Adding up the premiums for three years and what you paid toward treatment, you’ve paid $1,852. You’ve avoided paying $1,548 by having pet insurance.
It’s generally cheaper to insure a kitten compared to a cat. We found that the average cost of pet insurance for a kitten is $23 per month for a policy with $5,000 of annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement compared to $28 for a cat. The average cost for a policy with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement level is $30 for a kitten and $39 for a cat.
A standard cat insurance policy does not cover neutering and spaying. Many pet insurance wellness plans for routine care cover expenses such as neutering and spaying. For example, the Pets Best BestWellness plan covers up to $150 for spay/neuter expenses, but its EssentialWellness plan does not have coverage. Not all pet insurers offer wellness plans as add-ons, so make sure your insurer offers one and ask if it covers neutering and spaying if you want to get reimbursed for these expenses.
Yes, you can buy cat insurance for older cats, but expect to pay more. That’s because older cats are more likely to develop an illness or suffer an injury. Some pet insurance companies have an upper age limit to buy a new policy for a cat. For example, ManyPets has an upper age limit of 14 for cats. If you insure your cat before its 14th birthday, there’s no age limit as long as you keep them continuously insured.
Most pet insurance plans cover pet dental issues for cats, such as accidents (like broken teeth) and illnesses (like gingivitis). What’s covered by pet dental insurance can vary depending on the insurer. For example, Embrace pet insurance will cover up to the policy limits for dental accidents but only up to $1,000 for dental illnesses. Some insurers, such as Trupanion, will only cover dental illness and accidents if your cat has an annual dental exam and you follow your vet’s recommended dental care.
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Insurance WriterWith 15 years of immersion in the world of personal finance, Ashley Kilroy simplifies financial concepts for individuals striving toward financial security. Her expertise has been showcased in reputable publications including Rolling Stone, SmartAsset and Money Talks News. She's committed to equipping readers with the knowledge needed to achieve their financial goals.
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