Kittens are fragile creatures, and even after having their initial vaccinations and health clearance by a veterinarian as part of the adoption fee, they will need to visit the vet for check-ups, emergencies and routine care. This can quickly add up to a significant expense and, for many pet owners, this is when they begin to question whether or not kitten insurance is worth the investment.
Many people choose to not buy cat insurance for their pet and instead opt to pay for any illnesses or accidents as they occur, either using savings or credit cards; or putting aside money each month into a special emergency fund for their pet. This method can work well if the owner is careful and knows their cat’s risks, or if the cat is lucky enough to remain healthy and accident-free for most of its life.
However, these methods may not always be practical, especially if your cat is older and more susceptible to hereditary diseases or chronic conditions that will require ongoing treatment. In addition, it’s often difficult to gauge how much your pet will need in terms of veterinary costs as the years pass, particularly when you consider that most pet insurance companies don’t cover pre-existing conditions.
Pet owners can take advantage of affordable rates by choosing an accident and illness plan when their cat is young, before they begin to need more intensive veterinary care. These plans usually start by paying 70% to 90% of a pet’s eligible veterinary bills after the annual deductible has been met. Most insurers will also have a waiting period before certain conditions can be covered and some may exclude hereditary or congenital conditions.
Besides the standard accident and illness policies, some providers offer optional coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions, as well as lifetime cover. Most of these plans have a maximum age when they will stop covering hereditary and congenital conditions, so you should choose this option carefully if your cat is likely to develop an inherited condition.
The cost of the policy will vary, depending on the type of coverage you want and your cat’s age. Some insurance companies will let you toggle the deductible, annual payout limit and reimbursement percentages so you can customize the premium to fit your budget. This is a great way to ensure you’re getting the best value for your cat.
Another factor that will impact your policy price is the amount of time you’ve been a pet owner. Many pet insurance providers have a loyalty discount for pet owners who have owned their pets for at least 10 years, or more, which can reduce the cost of your policy significantly. However, it’s important to remember that your rate will increase as your pet ages, so it’s best to get the most affordable plan you can as soon as possible. Generally speaking, the longer you wait, the higher your rate will be when you renew. Some providers have flexible rates that you can adjust over time to offset the effect of your pet’s age. kitten insurance
