Cat Insurance Questions Answered

Cats are free spirited, independent pets that have a mind of their own. And this independence sometimes leads them into trouble. They get into accidents and catch illnesses from all sorts of sources. Keeping cats indoors does not guarantee keeping them safe from medical issues. For your own peace of mind, you should get your cat insured.

What cat owners claim from insurers

A number of illnesses and medical conditions can be claimed by cat owners from their cat insurance providers. Some of these are:

• Poisoning from household chemicals or plants • Ingestion of strings, toys and small items • Diabetes • Hyperthyroidism • FLUTD or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease • FORLS or Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions • Cancer

How cat insurance works

With the rising cost of veterinary care for cats (and all other pets), having your cat insured is the best thing you can do for your cat and for yourself. With cat insurance, you can easily make treatment decisions because you know that treatment options will be covered by the insurance.

To get your cat insured, you need to get quotes from several cat insurers. Knowing which insurance companies your cat's veterinarian accepts is important. Most insurers will accept claims made by owners as long as they bring their cats to licensed veterinarians within the state. Still, it is easier to claim from insurers that have long term relationships with your vet.

When your cat suffers from an illness or is involved in an accident that requires medical attention, you will normally need to pay the vet first upfront. Then, you fill up the necessary paperwork and submit a claim for the expenses to the insurance company. The amount of reimbursement you receive will depend on the conditions of the policy. Some insurers will directly deposit your reimbursement to your bank account once approved.

The cost of cat insurance varies greatly from company to company and from policy to policy. The breed, age and location of your cat also determine the amount you pay. Some cat insurance policies can start at around $1 (or even less) per day.

When is it best to insure your cat

The earlier you insure your cat, the better. Some insurers allow insurance for kittens as young as 7 weeks old. Enrolling cats while they are still kittens ensures that they get much coverage throughout their lifespan. As far as upper age limit is concerned, different insurers have different policies. Ask the different insurance companies what their age policies are. Note: Adopted cats and rescued cats can also be insured.

Insuring your cat is the best thing you can do for your cat and for yourself. You can ensure the best medical treatment for your cat because you don't have to worry about the financial side of the treatment. Although you may have to shell out money upfront, this money is reimbursable. What is important is to find a cat insurer and an insurance plan that meets your cat's particular health and medical needs and at the same time agrees with your budget.