Pet insurance is not like human health insurance. It is designed to be more like automobile insurance, planning for the costs of large (and unexpected) medical issues. Subscribers pay a monthly premium ( prices vary depending on plan and company) instead of being surprised by a significant illness or injury.
Many cat owners think that their cat does not even need to see a vet because she stays inside all the time, away from dangers, but certainly external dangers are not the only risks to cats. Cats need vets and cat owners can benefit from pet insurance. When it comes to choosing pet insurance, here are some things that you should know. As your cat grows older, her chance of suffering from one of the common feline ailments rises dramatically. You should consider pet insurance while she is young and healthy. Good companies will lock in protection for life if you sign up before she is elderly or ill.
There are many pet insurance companies to choose from. Some plans may be a better investment for your cat (and you) than others. You should ask for referrals from people you trust, like your veterinarian or fellow cat lovers. Reputable companies are more than willing to discuss their products and offerings. Call and talk with several. If a company is not open to answering your questions, they may not be right for you.
Once you have selected a company, there are different plans available to choose from. You can choose coverage and deductible. The plan and the company need to be right for your cat’s needs and yours. See if you can find out what would be the best fit for your cat, taking into account his age, lifestyle and health up that point. Make sure the premium is something that you can budget for and that the plan covers your specific cat’s requirements.
When your cat is critically ill or injured, the last thing you want to think about is money. His life and well-being certainly are priceless, but budget is always a concern. This is where pet insurance comes in. When your cat is covered, you can focus on the foremost priorities and know that the price tag is taken care of. It is one less thing to fret about when you are already stressed.
Some pet insurance companies offer riders to cover preventive care as well as catastrophic care. Make wellness coverage a part of your research, so that you know the variables of the plan, like deductible and premium. Preventive care is an issue that touches every cat because all cats need it. When you have insurance, you are less likely to skip this vital care.
If you are a person who plans ahead and can set aside funds for a catastrophe, then cat insurance might not be for you, but even the most careful planner cannot plan for everything that can happen to a beloved cat.
Being proactive about the things you can prevent and having pet insurance are things that you can do to keep your cat and your budget happy and healthy!