Skip to Content

Should I Insure My Cat? Getting Your Pet Health Insurance

Nowadays, more and more owners are starting to take out insurance premiums for their cats. There are many benefits that come with insurance, but there are still some owners that find themselves slightly skeptical.

If you are wondering “Should I insure my cat?”, then there are many things you should consider. Deciding how to deal with your kitty’s health care is daunting but, once you know the facts, the choice becomes clearer.

 

Why is insurance so important?

There are plenty of incidents that can occur that may lead to your pet needing medical attention.

For example, when your furball is out on the prowl, there are a lot of outdoor factors that can cause them harm. Moving vehicles, tree and bush branches, weather conditions, and other neighborhood cats, to name a few.

These can cause either minor injuries or serious issues. A simple infection can turn into something quite significant if not medically attended to. A sprained paw may not seem like an urgent matter, but can easily turn into a fracture or get worse.

Should i insure my cat?

In severe cases, diseases like cancer and diabetes will only get worse if left alone. It must also be considered that there are a lot of illnesses that can creep up without warning, some of which can only be diagnosed by your vet. Having insurance means that major illnesses can be caught and treated right away without you worrying about breaking the bank.

For all owners, watching their cat go through pain and distress with no medical help is too painful to endure. Therefore, most opt for insurance, to act as a safety net.

Not only are medical procedures and vaccines expensive, but if your cat is diagnosed with a life-long illness it will become impossible to continuously pay for the cost of medication. This kind of situation is covered by cat insurance, meaning you won’t have to worry about dipping into your savings.

 

What does insurance cover?

There is a misconception that a lot of insurance companies don’t cover a wide range of long-term illnesses, chronic disorders, and hereditary diseases. But there are actually a fair few places that offer wide-ranging premiums.

Many organisations allow you to customize your policy, and find one that it specifically suited toward your cat’s needs. Options for payment are also catered toward your budget.

Some of the medical conditions and situations that are covered by pet insurance are:

  • Broken legs
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • X-rays
  • Tumors
  • Ruptured ear canals
  • Dental infections
  • Fractured pelvises

One of the most common issues that owners use their insurance for is a trip to the vet when their cat has swallowed something. Make sure to keep socks, makeup, needles, and plastic out of reach to keep them safe!

Should i insure my cat?

Is it worth it?

Several insurance companies reimburse you very quickly, so you won’t be out of pocket for long. A lot of stress can come with taking care of a sick pet, so adding medical bills to that is an issue a lot of people would rather not worry about.

It may seem easier to take the risk without insurance, but severe medical complications can drain your bank account. Even a simple trip to the ICU can end up costing thousands. So even if you’re putting some money aside every month it may not be enough to cover it all.

Most insurance companies won’t allow you to insure your cat once they are over 14 years old, so your cat will be insured for a long time if you enroll them as kittens. Be aware, the premiums of most companies start to rise the older your cat becomes.

Although there are many great insurance companies, one we would suggest checking out is Healthy Paws. They truly have your cat’s best interest at heart and won’t charge you the earth for their healthcare. You only pay for 10% of the vet’s bills, which is the equivalent of $1 a day!

Are there any alternatives?

If you are skeptical and still thinking ‘Should I insure my cat?’, there are other potential options you can explore. If insurance isn’t on the cards yet, or you want to save up for a decent premium, here are a few tips:

  • See if there are any vaccines your cat could skip. There are certain vaccines for mild conditions that your pet doesn’t need right away, so discuss this with your vet.
  • Make sure to watch your cat carefully, to prevent treatable illnesses from getting worse.
  •  Spay and neuter your cat as this could prevent testicular and ovarian cancer.
  • Use topical solutions and medicines to prevent fleas, ticks, and other infestations from causing open sores and cuts.
  •  Get them micro-chipped, as this can often lower most premium costs.
  • Check to see if your employer offers pet insurance, as some organisations do.

Failing these options, consider putting aside a small fund every month in case you need it. It still may not be enough, but it will tide you over until you can afford insurance.

It’s been reported that on average, we spend $130 for annual medical exams on our cats. This may not seem like a lot, but that is not taking into account cover for emergencies. So, even though it is possible to put enough aside every month, it won’t last long after the first visit.

Should i insure my cat?

Should I insure my cat? Final thoughts

If you’d do anything to keep your kitty safe and sound, then insurance is a very important investment. If you’re also concerned about your pet’s increasing age then it’s time to look into it. It not only gives you peace of mind when it comes to your cat’s health, but it means that you don’t have the constant fear of vet bills piling up.

Look into all the various premiums and decide which you think is best for you. It may seem like a lot of money at first, but it truly is best to be safe than sorry. Don’t risk your cat’s health for anything.