Is cat insurance worth it?
Is cat insurance worth it?
Cats may have nine lives but still need the right care if they get sick or injured. Although cats tend to land on their feet, that doesn’t mean they don’t pick up illnesses and injuries, too.
So, is cat insurance worth it for cats?
In a word, yes. Vet bills can quickly mount up, but pet insurance can help cover these costs and ensure your cat receives the best care possible.
However, not all policies are the same. You want to ensure your plan covers everything you need when shopping around. From paying out for chronic illnesses and breed-specific conditions, to covering advertising costs if your cat is lost or stolen, a comprehensive plan will help you keep your cat happy and healthy.
You never know when you might need it
Long-term illnesses and injuries that need extensive treatment can be more costly than you might think. Some insurance policies place restrictive veterinary limits on a condition, including a vet fee limit, which means you may have to pay more for your pet’s health than you might have budgeted. So it’s vital to look at the policy details when browsing for pet insurance so you know what to expect regarding your cat’s health plan.
Our research show that illnesses account for more than 90% of claims – so whether your cat spends their time indoors or outdoors, having insurance is really important. Most cats will require vet treatment at some point, and these surprise trips can be expensive, but cat insurance means you can be protected if your feline companion needs veterinary care.
Long-term conditions mean higher bills
If your cat develops a common chronic illness, it could require expensive treatment and medication over many years, so it’s sensible to put insurance in place to help cover the cost of veterinary bills.
Because most policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions, you might not be able to get insured for a particular condition after your cat develops it. Insuring your cat as early as possible before any ill health occurs will give you peace of mind that you won’t be hit with an unexpected veterinary bill. Opting for lifetime pet insurance ensures continuous coverage for new injuries or illnesses as long as the policy is renewed.
Self-insurance could leave you high and dry
Some cat owners decide to self-insure, or put money aside to pay for veterinary bills without insurance.
But it’s important to remember that younger cats are still prone to injuries or getting ill. Cat insurance policies can cover these unexpected events, ensuring you don’t have to choose between paying a bill you couldn’t afford or compromising your pet’s health. Even if they fall ill once they get older, there is no guarantee that you would have saved enough to give your cat the best possible care.
Know your breed
Certain cat breeds will experience health problems more frequently. For example, Persian cats are more susceptible to breathing difficulties and chest infections, while Ragdolls are more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal disorders.
You must find out the common health issues for your breed and consider all aspects of caring for your feline companion. You should also be aware that your cat’s breed can affect the cost of your insurance policy, especially if they have a pre-existing condition.
Insurance costs tend to be higher for pedigree cats, but this is because they will more likely need unexpected treatment. If you consider bringing a pedigree cat home, the right insurance could save you a lot of money in the long run.
Popular cat breeds
Your insurance for cats can cover more than vet bills
Pet insurance for cats also offers a range of other benefits you may never have thought you could claim within your cat insurance coverage. For example, it can help cover the purchase price of your cat if they get lost or stolen, or the cost of a cattery or someone looking after your pet if you are hospitalised.
Pet insurance can help cover you for such instances.
Along with vet fees, policies should cover you for:
- Boarding fees for your pet if you are hospitalised.
- Specific pet therapies, such as hydrotherapy, are recommended by a vet.
- Advertise and provide a reward if your cat goes missing or is stolen.
- Cover if your cat goes missing or is stolen.
Spread your payments, with no extra charges
Insuring your cat allows you to budget monthly for unexpected veterinary bills. MoneyHub allows you to pay monthly or yearly instalments via direct debit at no additional cost, helping you budget for your pet’s care in a way that works for you.
If you have more than one pet, you could be eligible for a yearly discount per pet if an insurer has Multi-pet insurance cover.
Additional considerations for Estonian cat owners
Microchipping and Registration
Microchipping your cat and registering them in the national pet database is highly recommended in Estonia. This not only helps recover your cat if they go missing but can also affect your insurance coverage if required by the policy. Ensure your cat’s microchip details are always up to date.
Access to Veterinary Clinics
Estonia offers a vast network of veterinary clinics, particularly in urban areas like Tallinn and Tartu. However, if you live in rural areas, consider whether your insurance includes coverage for emergency transportation to the nearest clinic.
Seasonal Considerations
Estonian winters can be harsh. Ensure your cat has a warm and safe environment during cold months, as frostbite and hypothermia are risks. Some policies may cover treatment for weather-related health issues.
International Travel
If you plan to travel with your cat within the EU, make sure your insurance policy covers treatments abroad. Additionally, ensure your cat’s passport and vaccinations are up to date to comply with EU pet travel regulations.
What to look for in a cat insurance policy
When buying cat insurance, it’s vital to pick a policy tailored to your cat’s specific needs. Here are some key considerations to think about:
How much does the policy cover for vet bills?
There are two things to look at here. The first is the overall vet fee cover – what type of coverage is it, and what is the overall limit? For example, a €4,000 Lifetime policy would allow you to claim up to €4,000 every year for as long as you renewed. In contrast, a €4,000 Maximum Benefit policy would allow you to claim up to €4,000 for each condition, and once that limit is reached, you would need to cover the cost of continuing to treat that condition yourself.
The second thing to look at is whether there are any additional limits within the cover for veterinary care. For example, a limit on how much the insurer will pay towards certain diagnostic tools or towards treating specific conditions, including a vet fee limit.
Are any pre-existing conditions excluded?
Some policies don’t cover illness, only injury, while others may exclude chronic conditions, for example, diabetes or epilepsy.
Many insurers won’t cover you for any condition your pet already has when you remove the policy. It can be challenging to switch insurers if your pet has an existing condition, so make sure you won’t be stuck with skyrocketing costs.
Does it cover dental treatment?
Routine dental checks are essential for cats; however, you should check that cover can be provided for non-routine dental treatment and dental illness, allowing pet owners to tailor policies to address their pets’ specific health needs.
Will your premium increase if you claim?
Most other pet insurance providers increase the amount you pay for your insurance if you claim. When shopping around, it’s essential to ask if you will pay more to claim so you can consider the long-term implications of the policy you choose.
Why choose MoneyHub to find your cat insurance?
MoneyHub does not offer cat insurance but we compare pet insurance providers who supply cat insurance:
1. Comprehensive Comparison
MoneyHub provides a wide range of insurance options from multiple providers, allowing you to compare policies side-by-side. This ensures you can find coverage tailored to your cat’s needs and budget.
2. User-Friendly Interface
The platform is designed to simplify the comparison process by providing clear and transparent information about premiums, benefits, exclusions, and add-ons. This information helps users make informed decisions.
3. Cost-Effectiveness
By comparing policies on MoneyHub, you can identify the most affordable option without sacrificing necessary coverage, helping you get the best value for your money.
4. Tailored Results
You can filter options based on your cat’s specific requirements, such as age, breed, health history, and coverage preferences, ensuring a personalised insurance solution.
5. Trusted Reviews
MoneyHub often integrates user reviews and insurer ratings, so you can consider real customer experiences before choosing.
6. Time-Saving
Instead of researching individual insurers, MoneyHub consolidates all the information in one place, saving you valuable time and effort.
7. Expert Guidance
The platform may provide insights or tools to help you understand complex terms, compare policies effectively, and avoid common pitfalls when selecting insurance.
8. Regularly Updated Information
MoneyHub stays updated with the latest policies, pricing, and promotions, ensuring you access the most current and accurate information.
Choosing MoneyHub allows you to navigate the often-confusing world of pet insurance quickly and confidently, ensuring your furry friend gets the coverage they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cat insurance cost?
Pet insurance policies are as unique as pets, catering specifically to the needs of pet owners. At MoneyHub, we compare premiums based upon a range of factors such as your cat’s age and breed, and where you live. What you pay will also depend on what policy you choose.
What age can I insure my cat in Estonia?
You can insure a cat from the time it is 6 weeks old. Insuring your pet as young as possible will help cover any new conditions.
Is there anything not covered by cat insurance?
At MoneyHub, we like to be transparent. We’re open about what isn’t included in your policy. If we place any extra exclusions on your cover for any reason, we will clearly state them on your Certificate of Insurance.
Insurance is designed to cover unforeseen incidents, which means we don’t cover the general costs of caring for a pet, such as vaccinations, spaying/neutering, worming, and flea treatments. Like most pet insurance providers, we do not cover your pet’s illnesses and injuries before you took out a policy with us, including any pre-existing condition.
How do vaccinations affect pet insurance?
You must keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date for the duration of your MoneyHub insurance to ensure optimal pet health. If you choose not to vaccinate, you will not be covered for conditions your pet should have been vaccinated against.
Cats must be vaccinated against feline infectious enteritis, feline leukaemia, and cat flu. Again, this starts typically with two injections at 9 and 12 weeks of age, followed by an annual booster.