The best cat insurance plans help you save money by covering your dog or cat’s medical expenses if they are injured or sick. These plans reimburse you for eligible vet bills up to your annual coverage limit. Premiums are based on the deductible and reimbursement rate that you choose, as well as your state’s requirements and exclusions.
You can get a good idea of the cost of pet insurance by comparing the average vet bill for common illnesses and injuries with the amount of coverage that you want in your plan. Generally, lower deductibles and higher reimbursement rates increase the cost of a policy, while broader coverage and more expensive deductibles decrease the cost. However, it is important to note that your pet could still face out-of-pocket costs if they are diagnosed with a pre-existing condition that the insurance company doesn’t cover or can’t pay for.
Pets Best and Figo earned 5 out of 5 stars in NerdWallet’s analysis for best pet insurers. Both offer flexible plans that you can personalize based on your budget and pet’s needs. For example, if your cat suffers from an allergy and the allergy treatment costs more than your plan’s coverage limit, you can file a claim to cover the excess expense.
All insurers have different plans, deductibles and reimbursement rates. To find the right one for your cat, compare coverage for hereditary conditions (especially ones associated with your breed), dental illnesses, behavioral therapy and alternative medicine. It’s also a good idea to look at the annual coverage limit, which is the maximum amount that your insurer will pay in a year for covered claims.
You should also check the terms and conditions carefully to make sure that you understand your policy’s restrictions and exclusions. For example, Lemonade’s policy excludes breed-specific hereditary conditions and hip dysplasia, while Healthy Paws includes these issues in its accident and illness policies. Some companies have a waiting period before your pet is eligible for certain treatments, such as two days for new accidents and 14 days for illness coverage or 12 months for hip dysplasia.
Before you purchase a pet insurance plan, review the company’s customer service reviews. You can also ask friends and family members about their experiences with a particular provider. It’s important to choose a company that will be available when you need them, and that has an easy-to-use website or app. Also, consider whether you can afford the annual premium over the life of your pet and if it will increase as your pet gets older. A plan that is too expensive may cause you to cancel it just when your pet starts developing costly health problems. It’s worth a phone call to the company to see if you can change your coverage to suit your budget. cat insurance