Best Pet Insurance for Cats and Kittens
Pet insurance offers a valuable safety net for unexpected veterinary costs. Accidents and illnesses can happen, and having insurance can help you provide the best care for your cat without the stress of a large, unexpected bill.
This guide reviews the top pet insurance providers for cats and kittens to help you find the right plan for your furry companion.
Our Top Picks
Here are the top pet insurance companies for cats and kittens, based on our analysis of rates, coverage, and additional features:
- Pets Best: Best Overall
- Embrace: Best for Healthy Pet Discount
- Spot: Best for Choices of Annual Coverage
- Figo: Great for Short Waiting Period for Accident Coverage
- Healthy Paws: Best Price for Unlimited Annual Coverage
Best Overall: Pets Best
Pets Best earns the top spot due to its competitive rates and comprehensive coverage options.
- Maximum annual coverage: $5,000, Unlimited
- Average monthly cost: $27
- Deductible choices: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
Our Expert Take: Pets Best offers budget-friendly options with customizable features to suit various needs. Their plans include solid foundational coverage and a 24/7 pet health line for peace of mind. Plus, they offer wellness plans to help cover routine care services such as exams and vaccinations.
Pros:
- Pays vets directly if the vet consents.
- Short accident coverage waiting period (3 days).
- Multi-pet discounts are available.
Cons:
- Vet exam fees aren’t included in the Essential plan, must add on.
- Alternative therapies aren’t covered by the Essential plan.
Best for Healthy Pet Discount: Embrace
Embrace stands out because of its unique Healthy Pet Discount.
- Maximum annual coverage: $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, Unlimited
- Average monthly cost: $37
- Deductible choices: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
Our Expert Take: The Healthy Pet Discount Program can significantly reduce costs for responsible pet owners who don’t frequently use vet services.
Pros:
- Accident coverage is very quick, starting the day after you buy your policy.
- Telehealth support is available 24/7 via phone, live chat, or video.
Cons:
- Pet insurance costs for cats and kittens are higher than at some other providers.
Best for Choices of Annual Coverage: Spot
Spot offers a great range of annual coverage limits and deductible choices.
- Maximum annual coverage: $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, Unlimited
- Average monthly cost: $46
- Deductible choices: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
Our Expert Take: Spot lets you customize a plan through coverage limits and deductibles to meet your monthly budget. They also offer optional wellness plans and an array of coverage benefits such as behavioral therapy and stem cell treatments.
Pros:
- Microchipping is included in coverage.
- 24/7 vet telehealth line is available.
- Vet exam fees for any accidents and illnesses covered.
Cons:
- Costs for unlimited annual coverage for cats are higher than at some other providers.
- A 14-day waiting period for accidents is long compared to some other insurers.
Great for Short Waiting Period for Accident Coverage: Figo
- Maximum annual coverage: $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
- Average monthly cost: $26
- Deductible choices: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500
Our Expert Take: Figo is a great option for cat owners who are looking for options that offer a short waiting period for accidental injuries.
Pros:
- Two tiers of wellness plans are offered.
- Competitive rates are available for unlimited coverage for cats.
- Offers 24/7 telehealth access to licensed veterinary professionals.
- 5% multi-pet discount (most states) and a 5% military discount.
Cons:
- Vet exam fees aren’t included in the coverage unless you pay extra.
- Therapies are not covered, such as behavioral therapy and stem cell treatment.
Best Price for Unlimited Annual Coverage for Cats: Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws offers competitively priced unlimited coverage for cats, making it an excellent choice for comprehensive protection.
- Maximum annual coverage: Unlimited
- Average monthly cost: $22
- Deductible choices: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
Our Expert Take: If you’re looking for the best value for unlimited coverage, Healthy Paws is worth considering.
Pros:
- Can pay the vet directly if you request this before treatment.
- Covers euthanasia.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Optional wellness plans are not offered.
- Does not offer a 24/7 pet telehealth line.
- Reimbursement levels and deductible choices depend on the pet’s age; you need a quote to find out your choices.
Understanding Cat Insurance
Cat insurance helps offset the costs of veterinary care due to accidents and illnesses. Routine checkups and preventative care are typically not covered, unless you purchase a wellness plan add-on. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Different Types of Cat Insurance
- Accident and Illness Plans: Comprehensive coverage for accidents (broken bones, swallowed objects) and illnesses (cancer, diabetes).
- Accident-Only Plans: Covers only vet bills related to accidental injuries.
- Wellness and Preventive Plans: Add-ons that cover routine vet visits, vaccinations, and other preventive care.
What Cat Insurance Typically Covers
Most cat insurance plans cover a variety of medical issues, including:
- Accidents (broken bones, bite wounds)
- Illnesses (cancer, diabetes, respiratory infections)
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Diagnostic tests (X-rays, bloodwork)
- Prescription medications
- Alternative therapies (acupuncture, chiropractic care) – Coverage varies by plan.
What Cat Insurance Typically Doesn’t Cover
There are typical exclusions in cat insurance plans to be aware of:
- Pre-existing conditions: Any illness or injury your cat had before the policy started is usually not covered.
- Experimental treatments: Treatments outside of standard care accepted by your state’s board of veterinary medicine are usually not covered.
- Non-veterinary expenses: Expenses such as record access, taxes, and waste disposal are not covered by pet insurance.
- Food or nutritional supplements: If a special diet or supplement is required, cat insurance usually won’t cover it. However, some pet insurers will cover prescription supplements and food.
How to Find the Best Cat Insurance
- Compare Plans: Different plans have different deductibles, reimbursement rates, and coverage limits. Get quotes from multiple companies to compare.
- Consider Coverage: What’s most important to you? If budget is a primary concern, balance this with what coverage you need. All companies offer different levels. Evaluate your cat’s breed, age, and health history to determine what coverage is right for you.
- Read Reviews: See what other pet owners are saying about their experiences with different insurance companies.
- Check for Discounts: Many companies offer multi-pet discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is cat insurance worth it? Cat insurance can be worth it if you’re concerned about the potential for high vet bills and want peace of mind. The cost of insurance can be significantly less than the unexpected costs of treatment.
- Is it cheaper to insure a kitten? Typically, yes. Kittens are generally cheaper to insure than adult cats. The average cost for kitten insurance is lower than for an adult cat.
- Does cat insurance cover spaying and neutering? No, typical cat insurance doesn’t cover these procedures. You often need a wellness plan to cover spaying and neutering costs.
- Can I get cat insurance for older cats? Yes, though premiums will likely be somewhat higher. Some companies have age limits.
- Is dental care covered? Some plans cover dental emergencies and illnesses, but not routine teeth cleaning, which would require a wellness plan.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pet insurance plan for your cat depends on your individual needs and budget. By comparing plans, understanding coverage options, and considering your cat’s specific needs, you can find a policy that provides comprehensive care and financial protection for your feline friend.
